London, Jan 9: Britain's Prince William spoke of the importance of keeping his late mother Princess Diana''s memory alive as he and Prince Harry paid an emotional tribute to a late friend by becoming patrons of a charity established in his memory.

William, 26, and Harry, 24, attended the launch of the Henry van Straubenzee fund, which will help equip schools in Uganda with much-needed facilities.

Diana was killed in a car crash in Paris in 1997 a, while Henry lost his life, aged 18, in a car smash where he also was a passenger.

"Having lost someone so close in similar circumstances, Harry and I understand how important it is to keep their memory alive," the Sun quoted William, as saying.

Harry added: "Henry would be so proud of his family for what they are doing in his name."

The Princes were friends with Henry at Ludgrove School in the 1990s.

The Royals joined his family at the charity's launch in Earls Court, West London. (ANI)