On Friday, March 17, Prince William and his wife, Duchess Kate, returned to the French capital since his mother, Princess Diana, died in a car crash there in 1997.

Duke and Duchess of Cambridge met with UK ambassador to France Edward Llewellyn and his wife Anne Llewellyn to attend a black-tie dinner and reception hosted by Edward Llewellyn, Britain's ambassador to France, at the British Embassy.

"Before I came here, Her Majesty The Queen reminded me of how much she has enjoyed her many visits to France," William told his fellow guests. "It is a feeling that Catherine and I entirely share, and look forward to this and many more visits in the years to come – to France, our ally, our friend, our neighbor."

William's Parisian tour marks a major milestone in his life - 20 years since his mother's passing. (At the age of only 36, Princess Diana tragically died in a car accident in the French city in August 1997.) This year, celebrations and commemorative events will take place in memory of the late royal, including the Diana Award, a fashion exhibition featuring her iconic wardrobe and a gala hosted by her brother Earl Spencer. A statue of the princess will also be installed in the Kensington Palace public gardens.