Prince William and Prince Harry came together Thursday for a ceremony honoring the memory of their mother Diana, Princess of Wales, on what would have been her 60th birthday, reports The New York Times. The ceremony at Kensington Palace’s Sunken Garden unveiled a new sculpture of Princess Diana.
- The estranged brothers are barely on speaking terms but put on a united front during the ceremony, says CBS News.
What is the new Princess Diana statue at Kensington Palace?
Thursday’s ceremony came after four years of planning, says CNN. The statue of Princess Diana was commissioned in 2017 on the 20th anniversary of her death. The entire Sunken Garden — one of Diana’s favorite spots — was redesigned for the occasion.
- Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the memorial ceremony remained exclusive and small. The garden will be open to the public on Friday, reports The New York Times.
- Those in attendance also included Diana’s siblings, Lady Jane Fellowes, Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Earl Spencer, says CNN.
According to Kensington Palace per CNN, the sculpture “aims to reflect the warmth, elegance and energy of Diana, Princess of Wales, in addition to her work and the impact she had on so many people.”
Have Prince William and Prince Harry reunited?
This is the first reunion between William and Harry since the funeral of their grandfather, Prince Philip, the queen’s husband, says CBS News, as tensions remain high between the brothers due to accusations from Harry — and denials from William — about the royal family’s handling of mental health and racial issues.
Neither prince gave a speech at the ceremony but they issued a rare joint statement afterward. Per CNN, the statement from Kensington Palace said:
- “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 countless lives for the better.
- “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 her legacy.”
The joint statement thanked the sculptor, landscape architect and “all those around the world who keep our mother’s memory alive,” per CNN.
- The brothers kept their distance at the ceremony and parted ways shortly after, says The New York Times.