The Royal Princes Open Up about the Queen and Princess Diana

In honor of the Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee, celebrating her 60 years on the throne, ABC News’ reporter Katie Couric talked with the royal family.

Speaking with Princes Harry and William separately, the two spoke candidly about their 86-year-old “Granny” -- and about their mother, the late Princess Diana.


Prince Harry said in private, the Queen is just a “normal grandmother.” He told Couric, "She obviously takes a huge interest in what we all do, that's her children as well as her grandchildren.  She wants to know which charities we're supporting, how life is going in our jobs and such. So you know, she has a vested interested in what we do."

The 27-year-old prince, who is the third in line to the throne, continued, "When we were young it was very easy to take our grandmother for granted.  She was just a grandmother to us. It's only really sort of been over the last sort of five, eight to 10 years that I've actually really learned to sort of understand and accept the huge deal that she is around the world, especially within the U.K."

William's nuptials at Westminster Abbey to the Duchess of Cambridge Catherine Middleton last year was the most-watched wedding in the world and a true celebration – but the brothers noted the absence of their mother, Princess Diana.

“I think she had the best seat in the house probably," Harry said, admitting it was hard for both brothers not to have their mother there that day. "But yeah, she would have loved to have been there."

Prince William also opened up to Couric about his big wedding day and said he tried to prepare himself for his mother's absence, but it was "very difficult."

"I sort of prepared myself beforehand so that I was sort of mentally prepared … I didn't want any wobbly lips or anything going on," Prince William said. "It's the one time since she's died, where I've … I've thought to myself it would be fantastic if she was here, and just how sad really for her, more than anything, not being able to see it.

"I think she … she would have loved the day and I think, hopefully, she'd be very proud of … of us both for the day.  I'm just very sad that she's never going to get a chance to meet Kate."

Watch "The Jubilee Queen with Katie Couric," Tuesday at 9:00 PM on ABC! The broadcast will also include interviews with Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie and give viewers special access inside Buckingham Palace.