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Valentine’s Day is often associated with romance. But for Prince Harry, the day holds a deeper, more emotional connection to his late mother, Princess Diana.

Prince Harry and Princess Diana in a photograph taken in 1987
Prince Harry and Princess Diana in a photograph taken in 1987 | Georges De Keerle/Getty Images
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The world learned on Valentine’s Day Princess Diana was expecting Prince Harry

Princess Diana officially announced her second pregnancy with Prince Harry on Feb. 13, 1984. The timing made newspaper headlines on Valentine’s Day, adding a layer of romance and excitement to the royal news.

At the time, Diana and Prince Charles were already parents to Prince William, and the world was eager to see the young royal family grow. Thus, the timing of the announcement increased the public’s fascination, as newspapers celebrated the news as a royal Valentine to the United Kingdom.

Diana was around three months pregnant when Buckingham Palace made the announcement. Reports at the time suggested she was thrilled and reportedly hoped for a second son to be a companion to Prince William. Her wish was granted when Harry was born on Sept. 15, 1984.

A statement from Buckingham Palace expressed that Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip were “delighted” by the news.

Valentine’s Day 2021 tied Prince Harry, and Princess Diana forever

Fast forward to 2021, and Valentine’s Day once again became a pivotal moment in the royal narrative—this time for Prince Harry. On Feb. 14, Harry and Meghan Markle announced they were expecting their second child, Lilibet Diana.

Meghan and Harry announced their pregnancy news via a stunning black-and-white photo taken remotely via iPad by their friend and longtime photographer, Misan Harriman. A smiling Harry looked lovingly at Meghan, who cradled her baby bump as she lay her head in his lap.

But the timing was no coincidence; it mirrored Diana’s pregnancy announcement with Prince Harry 37 years prior in 1984. The sentimental link was not lost on royal watchers, who saw the announcement as a touching tribute to the Princess of Wales.

Since stepping back from royal duties in 2020, Prince Harry has been vocal about his desire to keep his mother’s memory alive. However, naming his daughter Lilibet Diana was a significant gesture. It ensured that Diana’s influence remained a part of his family’s future.

For Prince Harry, Valentine’s Day serves as a poignant reminder of his mother’s love and the deep connection they shared. From public tributes to personal milestones, Diana’s presence is always felt in Harry’s life.

Princess Diana died on Aug. 31, 1997. She was 36.

Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor was born on June 4, 2021, at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital in California. She is the second child of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle and is named after both Queen Elizabeth II (whose family nickname was “Lilibet”) and Princess Diana.

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