Receiving the Diana Legacy Award: A Journey of Growth and Celebration

There are moments in life that stay with you forever, and for me, Thursday, 9th December 2021, was one of those moments. As a recipient of the Diana Legacy Award, I had the immense honour of attending a week-long residential programme in London, culminating in a spectacular award ceremony at the historic Althorp Estate, Princess Diana's childhood home. It was the perfect setting for such a momentous occasion.

Day 5: Celebrating the Diana Legacy Award at Althorp Estate

The day began early, as all of us gathered at Euston Station to catch the train to Northampton. There was an air of excitement and nerves as we chatted in the station, knowing that we were about to experience something truly special.

Just days earlier, we had the privilege of meeting Prince William, which you can read more about here.

The organisers had made sure we arrived well ahead of time, so the atmosphere remained light-hearted, with one of the award recipients Alexander Anderson entertaining us with a piano performance while we waited.

The journey itself was picturesque. As we travelled through the rolling hills of the British countryside, the significance of the day ahead really started to sink in. Upon arriving in Northampton, we took taxis through the lush landscape until Althorp Estate came into view. The sprawling grounds and the grandeur of the estate were breathtaking - it was a perfect, crisp winter day, with blue skies and soft clouds.

Aodhán Roberts at the home of Princess Diana, Althorp Estate.

Afternoon Tea with Charles Spencer

Our first stop at Althorp was the stables, which had been converted into a charming café where we could prepare for the day ahead. Soon, we were invited into the main house, where we were greeted by Lord Spencer himself. It was surreal to be in such a historic place, knowing this was where Princess Diana had grown up.

As we sat down to afternoon tea with Lord Spencer, we shared stories of our social action work. The entire room was filled with conversation and laughter, yet there was an underlying sense of awe at the history around us. After tea, Lord Spencer gave us a private tour of the estate. It felt like walking through a museum, with art, sculptures, and treasures from different eras, including a set once used by Marie Antoinette. Every corner of the house carried a story, making the experience all the more profound.

The Awards Ceremony: A Moment of Honour

Once the tour ended, we returned to the stables to change into our black-tie outfits. This was the moment we had all been waiting for. As we prepared, there was a collective sense of excitement and quiet reflection. We helped each other with last-minute adjustments, knowing that we were about to participate in something truly special.

We all gathered for a formal photoshoot. The atmosphere was a mix of excitement and reflection as we stood against the backdrop of the awards sponsors. Dressed in our finest black-tie attire, we shared moments of laughter and exchanged final words of encouragement. The stately rooms, with their rich history and opulent décor, added to the grandeur of the occasion.

Photographers captured the essence of the night - smiles, candid moments, and the quiet pride in each of our achievements.

Once the photoshoot concluded, we made our way to the marquee for the awards ceremony. The walk through the estate felt almost magical, with a softly lit path winding through the deer park. The glow of fairy lights illuminated our way, creating an enchanting atmosphere.

As we crossed a temporary bridge over the estate's meticulously landscaped grounds, the marquee appeared ahead, sparkling against the night sky. Its ceiling shimmered like stars, and the entire scene felt dreamlike - the perfect tone for the evening ahead.

The ceremony itself was awe-inspiring. Seated with my friends from Ireland and England, we listened as Lord Spencer and Tessy Ojo, CEO of The Diana Award, spoke about Princess Diana’s legacy and the importance of the work we had all done. The moment I had been waiting for arrived, as a video showcasing my achievements played on the screen and my name was called with Coldplay playing as background music. Walking up to the stage, I was overwhelmed with gratitude - for my mentors, my family, and everyone who had supported me on this journey.

As I held the glass cube trophy, its significance weighed heavily in my hands - a symbol not only of recognition but of the responsibility that comes with it. Yet, at that moment, looking out at the faces of my fellow recipients, all sharing in this achievement, I felt a profound sense of unity. We were no longer individuals on separate paths but part of something far greater - a collective force, bound by a shared commitment to making a lasting difference in the world, continuing the legacy that Princess Diana so passionately believed in.

Charles Spencer, The Rt Hon. the Earl of Spencer, presents Aodhán Roberts with the Diana Legacy Award.

The Week Leading Up to Althorp: A Journey of Growth

While the award ceremony at Althorp was the highlight of the week, the days leading up to it were filled with workshops, networking, and bonding with the other recipients. Each day offered new opportunities for personal and professional development.

• Day 1: Arrivals and Introductions
  We all arrived at the London Hilton Kensington on Sunday, 5th December, with the atmosphere buzzing with excitement. After a warm welcome at the Diana Award reception desk, we had some time to settle into our rooms and relax before the evening’s activities. For those who had travelled from abroad, this was a moment to unwind after a long journey.

  In the evening, we gathered for a casual buffet dinner, which provided the perfect opportunity to meet and connect with fellow Legacy Award recipients in a relaxed setting. Conversations flowed as we shared our stories, and meaningful connections began to form.

• Day 2: Induction and Mentoring
  Monday got off to a productive start. We began the day with an induction session, where we received an overview of the week’s events, followed by fun "getting to know you" activities, which helped us bond as a group. After this, we travelled to Gilead Sciences, where we met our mentors. This was an exciting moment, as these mentors would support us over the next two years as part of the Development Programme, offering long-term guidance for our social action work​.

  The day continued with a session on “Communicating Your Story,” where we learnt how to give impactful presentations and gain confidence in sharing our work. That evening, we changed into smart outfits for a formal welcome dinner at Galvin at the Windows, a restaurant with stunning views of London. The dinner was a grand affair, and it was an honour to meet the Legacy Award judges, making it an inspiring evening​

• Day 3: Workshops on Leadership and Wellbeing
  Tuesday was an intensive and rewarding day, starting with workshops on goal setting, managing stress as changemakers, and leadership development. We explored different leadership styles and how to align them with our personal values, which was incredibly insightful.

  In the afternoon, we took part in a creative drawing session, offering a chance to unwind and reflect. This was followed by a session on the importance of building effective networks to support our social action work and attract new opportunities. It was a powerful reminder of how essential it is to create strong connections.

  The day ended with a dinner at a local restaurant, where we continued to strengthen the bonds we had formed, discussing our shared experiences and passions for making a difference​

• Day 4: Media Training and Personal Branding
  Wednesday was all about developing key skills. The day began with media training, where we learnt how to condense our personal stories into clear, impactful messages. This was particularly useful for those of us frequently engaging with the media as part of our advocacy work.

  We then took part in a workshop on personal branding and confidence. One of the highlights of the day was a styling session with Dress for Success, where we were gifted outfits that reflected our personal styles. We also met with past Legacy Award recipient here where we were able to get a glimpse into what the future could look like.

Looking Back: A Week That Changed Everything

As I reflect on the week, I realise that this experience wasn’t just about receiving an award. It was about growth - personally and professionally. It was about connecting with others who are equally passionate about making a difference in the world. And most importantly, it was about honouring Princess Diana’s legacy by continuing the work she started.

The ceremony at Althorp will forever be etched in my memory, not just for the grandeur of the event but for what it represented: a commitment to positive change, a celebration of compassion, and the beginning of a lifelong journey. This is a moment I will carry with me always, as a reminder of the power of kindness and the impact we can all have if we dare to care.