Prince Harry was just 12 years old when his mother Diana, Princess of Wales, died. His older brother William was 15.
The tragedy deeply affected both boys, but they always had each other.
Whether on the polo field, sitting in solemn formal receptions or even at William’s own wedding, Harry has always been able to make his brother smile.
These pictures show how their special friendship has blossomed over the years.
Harry looks adoringly at his older brother on his first day of school in 1989.
William and Harry giggling at Kensington Palace in 1986.
The brothers cuddle up to their mother Princess Diana on holidays in Spain in 1987.
The young princes at Harry’s first official event in London in 1989.
Harry stares up at his older brother at a VJ Day celebration in 1995.
The boys chat at Highgrove in 1999.
The princes chuckle at the Queen Mother’s 101st birthday celebrations in 2001.
William and Harry cackle with laughter at an official event in 2002.
Harry can’t stop laughing at the royals Christmas service in 2003.
Harry turns out to support William at the finish line of a charity race in 2004.
William and a rather merry-looking Harry at a Rugby World Cup after-party in 2007.
William and Harry at the Concert for Diana in London in 2007.
William and Harry looking dapper in the rain in London in 2007.
William looks proudly at his younger brother at a charity reception in 2009.
The boys pose in front of a helicopter at RAF Shawbury in 2009.
The princes mess around with a snake during their visit to Africa in 2010.
William soon had Harry in stitches of laughter.
Harry and William share a joke during their trip to Africa in 2010.
Harry kept a nervous William smiling at his wedding in April.
William and Harry at a charity polo match in Ascot in June.
