The Royal Family has honored the late Princess Diana with her own statue in the Sunken Garden of the Kensington Palace. According to CNN, the statute was four years in the making after being commissioned in 2017 on Diana’s 20th death anniversary. However, the unveiling marks what would’ve been her 60th birthday.
The permanent memorial was initially covered by a green silk cloth, prior to Diana’s sons Prince William and Prince Harry unveiling it. The beloved Princess of Wales was captured in bronze alongside three young children whom represent her well-known charity work. An official statement by Kensington Palace addressed the choice of company for the princess.
“The figure of Diana, Princess of Wales is surrounded by three children who represent the universality and generational impact of The Princess’ work,” the statement said.
The Duke of Cambridge and Duke of Sussex were reportedly seen in conversation among each other and additional family members. The sight is noteworthy among circulating reports of lingering tension between the siblings following Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle’s departure earlier this year. CNN reports that Princess Diana’s siblings Lady Sarah McCorquodale, Lady Jane Fellowes and Earl Spencer were in attendance for the ceremony.
Along with the children, the statue is accompanied by an excerpt engraving of the poem “The Measure of a Man” in front of it. Traquita Thomas’ famous words were also read at Diana’s 2007 memorial service. Diana, herself, is styled in a dress complementing her fashion choice during the last few years of her life.
“The portrait and style of dress was based on the final period of her life as she gained confidence in her role as an ambassador for humanitarian causes and aims to convey her character and compassion,” the palace statement said.
Prince William and Prince Harry did not give a speech at the ceremony, opting instead to release a joint written statement honoring their mother.
“Today, on what would have been our Mother’s 60th birthday, we remember her love, strength and character—qualities that made her a force for good around the world, changing lives for the better,” their statement said. “Every day, we wish she were still with us, and our hope is that this statue will be seen forever as a symbol of her life and legacy.”
Watch the unveiling below:
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