When Will Prince George And Princess Charlotte See Diana's Statue?

A statue of the late Princess Diana commissioned by her sons, William and Harry, will be unveiled July 1 in the Sunken Garden of Kensington Palace, marking what would have been her 60th birthday, according to Forbes. Prince William and Harry selected the sculptor Ian Rank-Broadley for the project in 2017, but the coronavirus pandemic postponed the statue's reveal, allowing it to be unveiled on the sentimental occasion instead.

Despite a rumored rift between the brothers since Harry and his wife Meghan's tell-all interview with Oprah Winfrey, Harry will attend the event, which Best Life describes as a small gathering with the Spencer family and a select individuals. Some royals will see the long-awaited statue privately before the unveiling, including William and his family. Although William's wife Kate Middleton was originally scheduled to attend the event, it now being reported she won't be in attendance due to COVID-19 protocols limiting the gathering to 15 people. She also hopes her absence will encourage the brothers to bond over the occasion. Royal sources told the publication William prefers to visit the statue prior to its public reveal to share the personal moment with Kate and their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. 

More than two decades after Princess Diana's death, Prince William and Prince Harry are still affected over the loss of their mother. On Mother's Day, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge posted a touching tribute to Instagram which included drawings and messages from Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis dedicated to "Granny Diana." The post read: "For those experiencing bereavement, today may be particularly challenging. Each year on Mother's Day, George, Charlotte and Louis make cards remembering their Granny, Diana, for William. Whatever your circumstances, we are thinking of you this Mother's Day."

A source reportedly told Page Six that, "William is determined that the Sussex drama does not overshadow this important moment of remembrance to his much-missed mother and is keeping that as his focus." While some publications reported William and Harry would have a private meeting after the unveiling, Page Six sources say it is unlikely, due to the media presence and time restraints. Harry is expected to leave soon after to return to the United States where he now lives with his wife, Meghan Markle, and their two children.