Prince Harryis back home in California after traveling to the U.K. to pay tribute to his late motherPrincess Diana.
On Thursday, the brothers came together at their childhood home, Kensington Palace, to reveal the statue, which they commissioned four years ago. The sculpture depicts their mother with three children, reflecting Diana’swork to support and nurture children around the world.
Despite speculation that William and Harry might each deliver a speech for the occasion, they issued a joint statement.
Prince Harry.DOMINIC LIPINSKI/POOL/AFP via Getty Images
Prince William and Prince Harry.Alamy Stock Photo
“Today, on what would have been 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 for the better,” they said in part. “Every day, we wish she were still with us, and our hope is that this statue will be seen forever as a symbol of her life and her legacy.”
The event marked the first time the brothers have been together since the funeral of their grandfatherPrince Philipin May.
RELATED VIDEO: Who Are the Children Featured in the New Princess Diana Statue at Kensington Palace?
Plans for the statue were first announced in February 2017, although the event wasscaled backdue to ongoing COVID-19 restrictions in the U.K.
William’s wifeKate Middletonwas not in attendance, nor was Harry’s wife,Meghan Markle, who remained in California with the couple’s two young children: 2-year-old sonArchie Harrisonand daughterLilibet Diana, who was born on June 4.
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As for the way they honored their mother this week, royal historian Robert Lacey told PEOPLE that the brothers"demonstrated a constructive way of dealing with differences."
“[They were] not sweeping [their differences] under the carpet but acknowledging more important things and doing that in a way that warmed everyone’s heart,” said Lacey, who hasexplored the tensionsbetween William, 39, and Harry, 36, in his bookBattle of Brothers.
Added Ken Wharfe, who led the personal protection of Princess Diana and her sons for several years in the late ’80s: “It was their idea and it was a joint effort.”
source: people.com
