Princes Unveil Princess Diana Statue on What Would’ve Been Her 60th Birthday

The late Princess Diana’s sons – Prince William and Prince Harry – today, 1 July 2021, unveiled a statue to their mother at Kensington Palace’s Sunken Garden in London… on the day she would have turned 60.

The brothers appeared united as they honoured their beloved mother, who died in a car crash in Paris in August 1997. In a joint statement, they 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.

“Thank you to Ian Rank-Broadley, Pip Morrison and their teams for their outstanding work, to the friends and donors who helped make this happen, and to all those around the world who keep our mother’s memory alive.”
– Prince William and Prince Harry

The two princes were joined by their uncle, Charles Spencer.

Despite press rumours of a fierce rivalry between the brothers, they appeared relaxed today. Prince Harry flew over from the US, where he now lives with wife Meghan Markle and their two children, a couple of days ago.

According to Kensington Palace (which was once Princess Diana’s home), the children in the statue represent “the universality and generational impact” of her work.

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. pic.twitter.com/jsZXyUsG7q

— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) July 1, 2021

A South African Mom’s Tribute to Diana

I spotted a few pictures of this incredible woman today… this one, in her gym clothes, is so normal and real with her car keys in her mouth. With those incredible legs…

I am two years younger than her. I can remember the shy pictures of her when she started dating Charles. And the wedding… think most of the world watched. I cannot imagine anything worse than being followed and photographed constantly.

She was a fabulous mother. How sad that she could not still be in her sons’ lives. And her compassion for children who suffered worldwide was real. She died on my birthday, 31 August (1997). A close friend phoned me early that morning whilst I was having a sleepless night with a 2-week old son. Just too sad for words what the circumstances were.

A sculpture of her (designed by Ian Rank – Broadley) was unveiled by her two sons at Kensington Palace this afternoon, in her most loved part of the garden. Lovely sculpture. In the meantime, Gucci has copied her handbag that she had with her in the gym picture.

Stuff the handbag. She was something else, and… I think she would have preferred more gym clothes, normality, privacy and life long joy with her sons.

What a mom she was. I always say a silent prayer for her on my birthday. RIP. The whole world loved her.

By Stefanie Minnaar

ALSO READ: The South African Woman Who Wore Princess Diana’s Ring Before Kate Did