The News
**Princess Diana Statue Unveiled on Her 60th Birthday**
The long-awaited statue of Princess Diana has finally been unveiled after years of anticipation.
Commissioned in 2017 by her sons, Prince William and Harry, the sculpture was revealed today to commemorate what would have been Diana's 60th birthday.
The statue portrays Diana with short cropped hair, her hands gently placed on the shoulders of two children, while another child stands behind her, symbolizing the universality and lasting impact of her humanitarian work.
Although the children depicted in the statue remain unnamed, Kensington Palace stated that they hold a special significance.
The sculpture aims to capture Diana's warmth, elegance, and energy, reflecting the final period of her life when she gained confidence as an ambassador for charitable causes.
Diana, often referred to as the Queen of Hearts, dedicated herself to philanthropy, supporting over 100 charities during her lifetime, from raising awareness about the AIDS crisis to advocating against landmines.
At the unveiling ceremony, Prince William and Harry chose not to deliver speeches, letting the statue stand as a poignant tribute to their beloved mother.
Renowned sculptor Ian Rank-Broadley's artwork now stands in the sunken garden at Kensington Palace, a place cherished by Diana.
The garden has been redesigned over the past two years, adorned with more than 4,000 flowers, including forget-me-nots, Diana's favorite bloom.
Describing Diana as an icon who touched lives worldwide, Rank-Broadley expressed gratitude for the opportunity to collaborate with the princes on the statue.
The sculptor aimed to capture Diana's compassion and humanity, highlighting her enduring impact across generations.
The hope is that visitors will find solace in visiting the statue and the sunken garden, taking a moment to honor the memory of the beloved princess.
In the presence of Diana's siblings, William and Harry unveiled the statue by removing a green cloth covering it, creating a lasting reminder of their mother's legacy at Kensington Palace.
The brothers, dressed elegantly in dark suits, arrived early for the ceremony, engaging in friendly conversation with guests before entering the garden.
Despite their well-documented differences, William and Harry appeared united, sharing moments of laughter and camaraderie throughout the event.
A paving stone in front of the statue bears an inscription inspired by the poem “The Measure of a Man,” emphasizing Diana's intrinsic value as a woman of compassion and integrity.
Due to Covid restrictions, the guest list was limited to just 13 individuals, including members of the Statue Committee and key figures involved in the project.
Following the unveiling, William and Harry expressed gratitude to all those who contributed to bringing the statue to fruition, acknowledging the importance of preserving their mother's memory for future generations.