Today, Kensington Palace released a statement on behalf of Prince William and Prince Harry that a statue of their late mother, Diana, Princess of Wales will be erected on the grounds of their home at Kensington Palace.
The Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry said: “It has been twenty years since our mother’s death and the time is right to recognise 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.”
The two have commissioned a committee and will privately raise funds for the statue.
Hopes are that the statue will be complete by the end of 2017, but a timeline has not yet been released.
This 31 of August will mark the 20th anniversary of the death of Diana who was tragically killed in a car accident in Paris. The Princes have planned a variety of memorials to celebrate their mother this year. An exhibition at Kensington Palace will feature “Diana: Her Fashion Story” and a new temporary garden in spring and summer in her memory, which will be called ‘The White Garden’ will also be put in.
National Kindness Day will also commemorate her death in March. The National Kindness Day promotes doing something kind for someone else. Another component of the programme will take place at Earl Spencer’s home, Althorp, in Northamptonshire. Diana’s brother will host an exhibition showcasing 20 Diana Award recipients. These are young people who embody the values of the late Princess, who are active in their communities and who, through their work, are bringing social change to their communities.
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Much long overdue. I know the statue of Diana will be beautiful.
Wonderful idea but is Kensington palace open to the public?