Art World
Prince William and Prince Harry Commission Statue of Princess Diana
The public monument will come twenty years after her tragic death.
Caroline Elbaor
Share This Article
Twenty years after her death, a statue of Princess Diana has been commissioned by her two sons, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry, to be erected on the public grounds of Kensington Palace in London.
“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,” the two princes said in a joint statement.
“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.”
Though an artist has yet to be selected, a spokesperson told the BBC that work on the statue would begin soon. The sculptor will be chosen by a special committee composed of six people, including Diana’s sister Lady Sarah McCorquodale.
The sculpture will be the fourth monument in London dedicated to the Princess of Wales, including the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain in Hyde Park, the memorial garden close to Kensington Palace, and the Princess of Wales Memorial Walk.
“This is very much their way of commemorating their mother. It’s not really a reflection on anything that has gone before, it’s just that they feel that now they are ready to do this,” said a royal source, according to The Telegraph.
In addition to the upcoming commemorative statue, the 20-year anniversary of Princess Diana’s death will be marked by a slew of exhibitions. A show centered around her fashion and style will open at Kensington Palace in late February.
Princess Diana of Wales was killed in a car crash in Paris on August 31, 1997 when William was 15 and Harry was 12. Her death was greatly grieved by the public, as Lady Di was known as “the people’s princess.” It is estimated that a broadcast of her funeral had an audience of two billion people worldwide.
Article topics
Related Articles
-
