Harry keeps Diana's memory alive

Prince Harry will today visit West Ham United to meet a group of young offenders as part of a series of charity visits in memory of his mother, Princess Diana.

The Prince, who celebrates his 18th birthday on Sunday, wants to remind the public of Diana's deep commitment to charitable causes. He is said to be deeply upset that the fifth anniversary of her death was dominated by the publication of bodyguard Ken Wharfe's book about her private life.

Eton has given him the day off to attend the engagements which were his own idea but were drawn up with the help of officials at St James's Palace. He will meet young offenders taking part in West Ham's Football in the Community Scheme and visit Great Ormond Street Hospital.

He will also be looking at projects involving the homeless in London and public health policy in the Third World. The visits will inevitably prompt comparisons with Diana's charitable work and have already led to him being called "the Prince of hearts".

In 1996, when Diana gave up all but six of her charity roles, she remained the presidency of Great Ormond Street. She also retained her links with Centrepoint, the London charity for the homeless.

Yesterday Harry joined Prince Charles at St Paul's Cathedral to remember victims of the 11 September terror attacks.