In 1997, Princess Diana’s death not only shook the British royal family. On the occasion of their 60th birthday, their quarreling sons find each other again briefly.
London – In honor of their late mother Princess Diana, who would have turned 60 on Thursday (July 1st, 2021), Harry and William unveiled a bronze statue in London. Even if the brothers presented themselves as a unit, it became clear how great the distance between them is now.
Diana died in a tragic car accident in Paris in 1997 while escaping from paparazzi. One of her favorite places was the Sunken Garden on the grounds of Kensington Palace in London. It was there that Harry and William unveiled the memorial that they commissioned from sculptor Ian Rank-Broadley in 2017.
Princess Diana: statue unveiled in London
“Every day we wish that she was still with us, and our hope is that this statue will forever be seen as a symbol of her life and heritage,” the brothers said in a joint statement, according to the dpa news agency. They recalled the love of the Princess of Wales, her strength and character – “qualities that would have made her a force for the good in the world”.
The statue reflects Diana’s commitment to others; three children can be seen at her side, some of whom cuddle up to her. Diana was known as the “Queen of Hearts”, as compassionate, especially with people with whom fate had not been kind.
| Princess Diana, Princess of Wales | |
| Born | July 1, 1961 at Sandringham in Norfolk, England |
| Wedding to Prince Charles | July 29, 1981 at St Paul’s Cathedral, London |
| divorce | August 28, 1996 |
| Sons | Prince William, Prince Harry |
| Died | August 31, 1997 in Paris, France |
Even if the two brothers, 39 and 36, were united in mourning, media representatives observed on the spot how far the princes were from each other. As reported by the dpa, there was neither a hug nor a pat on the back. Distance is not unusual in times of Corona. But it is said that body contact has long been allowed again within the closest family.
British Royalty: Dispute between Harry and William
The relationship between William and Harry has long been considered tense. The reason are serious allegations by the younger brother against the British royal family. A year ago Harry and his wife, Duchess Meghan, gave up their royal duties and moved to the United States. In an interview with Oprah Winfrey, Meghan accused members of the royal family of racism and lack of support, among other things.
The unveiling of the statue is the brothers’s second joint public appointment after Harry’s move to the United States. In April he attended the funeral of his grandfather Prince Philip. (uf with dpa)
Rubric picture: © Dominic Lipinski / dpa
