Inauguration of a statue of Lady Di in the presence of Princes William and Harry in London

Audio 01:21

Britain's Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, during the unveiling of a statue of his mother, Princess Diana, at Sunken Garden in Kensington Palace, London on July 1, 2021, which would have been his 60th birthday.

AFP - DOMINIC LIPINSKI

Text by: RFI Follow

4 min

In London, a statue of Princess Diana was unveiled in a small group Thursday afternoon in the gardens of Kensington Palace, her former residence.

The Princess of Wales, tragically died in a car accident in 1997, would have turned 60 on July 1.

And beyond this tribute, the ceremony also marked the reunion of Diana's sons, Princes Harry and William.

Their relationship has been strained since Prince Harry's shattering withdrawal from the royal family, but they have appeared side by side and smiling.

The event was not open to the public, but a group of fans made the trip anyway.

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With our correspondent in London,

Claire Digiacomi

Balloons, birthday cakes and glasses of champagne, these admirers of Diana had it all planned. Installed in front of the gates of Kensington Palace, they followed the tribute ceremony live on their phones. Among them, Margaret Tyler, 77, a jacket in the colors of the Union Jack on the shoulders. She never misses a royal event and, for her, this statue of the princess surrounded by children tells the story of who she was: “ 

She helped people who did not receive help elsewhere ... Like when she shook hands with her. 'a man sick with AIDS without wearing a glove, or when she walked in a minefield ...

"

Settled in their camping chairs, Paula and her friend Elizabeth made the trip from Blackburn, near Manchester, more than 350 kilometers away.

They hope that this anniversary can warm the relationship between Harry and William.

“ 

It's very sad that they had a fight,”

says Paula.

I think Diana would scold them!

But I hope they will fix this. 

" 

I think they'll be reconciled, for their mother,"

Elizabeth continues.

And I hope that from today they will move forward and turn the page

.

"

And after a night spent in London, Paula and Elizabeth will go to see the statue of Lady Di this Saturday, for its opening to the public.

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