Princess Diana Statue Unveiled by William and Harry

A statue honoring the late Princess Diana, commissioned by Princes William and Harry in 2017 to mark what would have been her 60th birthday, has been revealed for the first time.

The emotional unveiling took place at Kensington Palace during a ceremony dedicated to celebrating Lady Di's legacy.

Prince Harry made a special trip from the US to attend the event, which he had jointly planned with his brother, William, four years ago.

Despite the growing distance between the two brothers following Harry and Meghan's departure from royal duties, there is optimism that this poignant occasion will help bridge the gap.

The statue depicts Diana alongside three children, symbolizing her compassion and commitment to supporting young people.

Resting on a plinth bearing her name, the statue was unveiled in Kensington Palace's Sunken Garden, a place cherished by the Princess of Wales during her time at the palace.

Similar to the scaled-back funeral of Prince Philip at Windsor Castle in April, the ceremony adhered to Covid-19 restrictions.

William, Harry, Diana's brother Earl Spencer, and her sisters Lady Sarah McCorkadale and Lady Jane Fellows gathered to pay tribute to the beloved princess.

Also in attendance were members of the statue commissioning committee, including the sculptor Ian Rank-Broadley, renowned for his royal family portraits.

The tragic death of Diana at the age of 36 in a car accident in Paris on August 31, 1997, deeply affected millions worldwide, leaving an irreplaceable void.

Both princes emphasized their mother's positive influence in the UK and globally as they collaborated on the statue project.

In a statement released by Kensington Palace, William and Harry expressed their sentiments on what would have been Diana's milestone birthday, highlighting her enduring impact and the hope that the statue will serve as a lasting tribute to her remarkable life and legacy.

Acknowledgments were extended to Ian Rank-Broadley, Pip Morrison, and their teams for their exceptional craftsmanship, as well as to the generous supporters who contributed to the statue's realization.

The brothers also expressed gratitude to individuals worldwide who continue to honor Diana's memory.

The unveiling ceremony not only commemorated Diana's enduring spirit but also served as a poignant reminder of her unwavering love, strength, and compassion that touched countless lives for the better.