PHOTO | Princes together again: Unveil the statue of Princess Diana
If she were alive, Princess Diana would have celebrated today 60th birthday. The big day was marked by the unveiling of a statue sculpted in her honor. Her sons, Princes Harry and William, stood side by side for the first time in a long time at Kensington Palace during the unveiling of the statue.
Before the statue was unveiled in the Royal Gardens, the Duke of Cambridge seemed to be talking to his brother, and Harry seemed reserved as they walked together. This is the first time the brothers have met face to face since the funeral of Prince Philip in April, reports The Sun.
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Meanwhile, Diana's brother Earl Charles Spencer and sisters, Lady Sarah McCorkodale and Lady Jane Fallows, arrived on foot at Kensington Palace. They walked through the crowds, pausing for a moment to pay their respects to their sister. Today's event was small, with only a few invited guests, not including the incumbent Queen of Scotland or Prince Charles.
When the two dukes stood in their place on either side of the statue, William said "Ready?" before removing the green cloth.
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What does the statue look like?
The bronze statue of Diana is surrounded by three children who symbolically represent him "The universality and influence of generations" of her work. Her short hair, dress style and portrait were based on the last period of her life, after parting with the Prince of Wales. The statue shows Diana wearing an elegant blouse with an open neck, a wide waist and a tight midi skirt.
Kensington Palace said Diana "Gained self-confidence in the role of ambassador for humanitarian purposes" and that the statue "It aims to convey her character and compassion."
Sculpted by the famous artist Ian Rank-Brodley, the statue is 1,25 times the size of a human in size and was made in the Castle Fine Arts Foundry with a bluish green patina.
The words under the statue
"These are the units of measurement for the value of this woman regardless of birth. No, what was her status? But did she have a heart? How did she play her part? ”
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The princes sent an emotional message after the revelation
"Today, on the day of 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. "Every day we wish she was still with us and we hope that this statue will be seen forever as a symbol of her life and heritage." stands in the statement written by the princes.
"Thanks to Ian Rank-Brodley, Pip Morrison and their outstanding work team, to the friends and donors who helped make this happen, and to all those around the world who keep the memory of our mother alive." the statement ends.
The Duke of Cambridge and Duke of Sussex unveiling a statue they commissioned of their mother Diana, Princess of Wales, in the Sunken Garden at Kensington Palace, London, on what would have been her 60th birthday.
OminDominic Lipinski and Yui Mok#PrincessDiana pic.twitter.com/7syu4hDxbQ
- PA Images (@PAImages) July 1, 2021
You can watch the whole event here: