Prince William and Prince Harry have always tried to keep their mother Princess Diana’s legacy alive. Back in 2017, the brothers commissioned a statue to mark the 20th anniversary of her death in hopes of recognizing her impact around the globe, per BBC. “It has been 20 years since our mother’s death and the time is right to recognize her positive impact in the UK and around the world with a permanent statue. Our mother touched so many lives. We hope the statue will help all those who visit Kensington Palace to reflect on her life and her legacy,” William and Harry said in a joint statement at the time, per the royal website.
The statue was created by artist Ian Rank-Broadley. The unveiling is expected to be in July as a tribute to Diana on what would have been her 60th birthday. Cosmopolitan reports that the statue will be placed in Diana’s favorite spot at Kensington Palace, the Sunken Garden. The area is surrounded by many of the Princess of Wales’ favorite flowers such as white roses, lilies, tulips, and daisies.
William and Harry are both expected to be at the dedication of the statue. However, their strained relationship may cast a shadow on the day. Currently, the brothers are said to be at odds following the tension of Harry exiting the royal family. In addition, Prince Harry recently spoke out about the royal family in a shocking tell-all interview that rocked the royals.
William and Harry are insisting on delivering separate speeches
Prince William and his younger brother, Prince Harry, may be united in their love for Princess Diana, but their tribute to their late mother may be another sign of the rift in their relationship. Sources tell The Sun that the brothers’ relationship has gotten so rocky that they’re each insisting on delivering separate speeches at the dedication of the statue.
“The brothers will be physically together for the ceremony but want to make their own personal addresses. You might have thought they’d go for a joint statement and speech but that’s not the case. Each has insisted on preparing their own. It is a big concern that their body language will suggest all is not well and they won’t present a united front,” a source told the outlet.
In addition, it’s unclear whether Harry’s wife, Meghan Markle, will be in attendance at the event (via Cosmopolitan). Meghan has not seen the royal family since her exit from The Firm. When Harry returned to the U.K. in April for the funeral of his grandfather, Prince Philip, Meghan didn’t come along due to her advanced pregnancy. Although many are hoping to see William and Harry mend their relationship, Page Six reports that the brothers aren’t close to reconciliation. The princes’ mutual friend, Tom Bradby, recently revealed that William and Harry’s relationship has been spiraling over the past 18 months. Meanwhile, Princess Diana’s statue is due to be unveiled on July 1.
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