Harry and William’s brotherly feud set aside for Princess Diana’s big unveiling
The Duke of Cambridge and the Duke of Sussex set aside their rumoured long-standing feud to pay homage to their late mother, Princess Diana, for what would have been her 60th birthday.
In a joint tribute, the royal brothers said: "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.
"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.
"Thank you to Ian Rank-Broadley, Pip Morrison and their teams for their outstanding work, to the friends and donors who helped make this happen, and to all those around the world who keep our mother’s memory alive."
The event marked the first time both the Duke of Cambridge and Sussex have been pictured together since the Duke of Edinburgh's funeral in April.
Prince Harry travelled all the way to the UK from Los Angeles last Friday in order to undergo a period of isolation before attending the event.
William and Harry, who looked dapper in dark suits with ties, and first greeted the chairman of the statue committee Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton.
The royal brothers looked at ease as they shared a laugh with the ex-Army officer.
Harry was also able to reunite with his mother's siblings, Lady Sarah McCorquodale, Lady Jane Fellowes and Earl Spencer.
The royal statue of Princess Di proved to be a remarkable gesture, and is engraved with the royal's name and the date of the unveiling.
A paving stone in front is engraved with an extract after the poem The Measure of A Man, which was in the programme for the 2007 memorial service for the Princess.
It reads: "These are the units to measure the worth
"Of this woman as a woman regardless of birth.
"Not what was her station?
"But had she a heart?
"How did she play her God-given part?"
The stunning bronze statue shows Diana in her later years, surrounded by three children.
In a statement, Kensington Palace said: "The statue aims to reflect the warmth, elegance and energy of Diana, Princess of Wales, in addition to her work and the impact she had on so many people.
"The figure of Diana, Princess of Wales is surrounded by three children who represent the universality and generational impact of the Princess' work.
"The portrait and style of dress was based on the final period of her life as she gained confidence in her role as an ambassador for humanitarian causes and aims to convey her character and compassion."
William could be heard saying "ready?" to his little brother before they both pulled off the cloth and the guests applauded.
The brothers were seen speaking to the Sunken Garden's designer, Pip Morrison, who said the garden was a “calming place”.
"We have worked carefully to ensure that the new layout and planting scheme complements the statue, providing a calming place for people who visit Kensington Palace to remember the Princess.”
Sculptor Ian Rank-Broadley also honoured the late royal, saying: "Diana, Princess of Wales was an icon who touched the lives of people right around the world, so it has been a privilege to work alongside Prince William and Prince Harry on this statue which commemorates her life.
"We wanted to capture her warmth and humanity while showcasing the impact she had across generations. I hope that people will enjoy visiting the statue and the Sunken Garden, and taking a moment to remember the Princess."
Princess Diana's brother, Charles Spencer, was also spotted at Kensington Palace for the emotional unveiling, and called the brief ceremony “intimate, moving and peaceful.”
"To have had a lovely summer's day today with the roses and geranium in full bloom was just perfect.
“We were standing here in February up to our knees in mud, at that point we didn't think we would ever get to this day."
Images: Getty