William and Harry's letters of love
Prince William and Prince Harry wrote comforting letters to a desperately ill girl after being told about her plight by Princess Diana.
Fifteen year-old Victoria Hemphill, from Londonderry, Northern Ireland, was admitted to Harefield Hospital, Middlesex, in December1996 after her body rejected a heart transplant.
Diana visited Victoria 15 times in four months up to June last year - before leaving for her ill-fated summer holiday with Dodi Fayed. When she told the boys about Victoria's illness in April, they both decided to write.
Now the story of the letters that gave the young girl extra strength in her fight for life is to be told in a television documentary about the caring work of the princess/ "My mother has told me how incredibly brave you have been coping with your illness," wrote William.
Harry wrote: "I just wanted to sent you lots of love while you are in hospital."
Both letters written on blue Kensington Palace paper and signed with kisses from the Princess.
The revelation coincides with the news that William will set up his own charitable trust when he enters public life at 18 or 21.
Victoria was born with a heart defect and underwent a series of unsuccessful operations before doctors decided on a transplant.
She has spent most of her life in hospital and has now been told she will need a Kidney transplant.
Victoria said: "I was very touched to get the letters from Wills and Harry - especially with the kisses. The princess was a great friend. I hope one day to meet the boys."
The Unseen Diana will be shown on ITV on August 31.
© Associated Newspapers Ltd., 12 August 1998