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Diana statue unveiled - 19th July 2021
The unveiling of a bronze likeness honouring Diana, the Princess of Wales, has taken place in the grounds of her erstwhile home, Kensington Palace, in the heart of London.
Her sons, William and Harry – the Dukes of Cambridge and Sussex respectively – reunited in apparent harmony at the commemorative occasion, despite the fact that the brothers have remained distant since the funeral in April of Prince Philip, their paternal grandfather and the Queen's husband.
Harry's announcement of his separation from the royal family in 2020, and events subsequent to that, have driven a wedge between the two siblings. However, the royal duo appeared at ease as they greeted the few attendees gathered, namely relatives on their mother's side, as well as committee members responsible for the statue.
There was a round of applause as the brothers jointly lifted the green cover, uncloaking the metal representation of their mother. Created by sculptor Ian Rank-Broadley in close collaboration with her sons, the bronze portrays Princess Diana in a strong, standing posture, with hands outstretched to three youngsters beside her.
The princes remarked on the significance of the statue in a joint tribute to their mother. "We will remember her love, strength and character, qualities that made her a force for good around the world, changing countless lives for the better", they said.
The event was scheduled to coincide with what would have been Princess Diana's 60th birthday. She lost her life as a result of a vehicle collision in August 1997, when William and Harry were aged 15 and 12. Harry has spoken frankly about the tragedy's enduring personal impact.
On commissioning this honorary piece in 2017, the princes expressed their heartfelt aspiration that the work would prompt viewers to "reflect on her life and her legacy".
For the many who continue to hold Princess Diana dear to them, the artwork is now on public display in the redesigned Sunken Gardens at Kensington Palace.
