How William, Kate, and Harry paid tribute to Princess Diana, 20 years after her tragic death
So emotional.
On the eve of the 20th anniversary of Princess Diana’s death, her sons Prince William and Prince Harry along with Kate Middleton publicly paid tribute to the late Princess of Wales.
On 31 August 1997 the whole world was devastated to hear that the People’s Princess – which Princess Diana was referred to at the time – died in a car accident in Paris.
The Princess would have turned 56 this year, just a year older than Prince William is now.
Today The Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry will pay tribute to their mother Diana, Princess of Wales. pic.twitter.com/zkfhfPxcsY
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) August 30, 2017
Prince William, Prince Harry and Kate paid tribute to the princess on 30 August 2017, a day before the 20th anniversary of her death by taking a tour around the Sunken Garden at Kensington palace which has been dedicated to the Princess.
The White Garden is planted with flowers inspired by memories of the Princess’s life, image and style.
The garden has been open since spring, and will continue into September with White roses, lilies, gladioli and cosmos. pic.twitter.com/9Lx3vWctPE
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) August 30, 2017
White Gardens follow a tradition first established at Sissinghurst, to create peaceful and contemplative spaces where visitors can reflect. pic.twitter.com/ZfiJzOL4co
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) August 30, 2017
The Guardian reports that the three of them toured around for an hour and went on to examine floral tributes, photographs and candles left by the public on the gates of the palace in honor of Diana.
They wanted to say thank you to those who made the journey to Kensington Palace.
đź“·PA. pic.twitter.com/gj9R7pWQbz— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) August 30, 2017
The Duke and Prince Harry are grateful for the many flowers, letters and messages they have received about their Mother. pic.twitter.com/pOAtvsOE4q
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) August 30, 2017
Kensington Palace tweeted throughout the day saying the visit allowed William and Harry to publicly pay tribute to the life and work of their mother.
The engagement today will be The Duke and Prince Harry's opportunity to publicly pay tribute to their mother, and all she achieved. pic.twitter.com/Ff6TGWU65P
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) August 30, 2017
William and Harry, respectively, lost their mother at the age of 15 and 12 and rarely spoke about her or what they went through at the time of her death. But, earlier this year, they decided to talk about her in an ITV Documentary called Diana, Our Mother: Her Life and Legacy.
Earlier this summer TRH's spoke about their mother and her inspiring work in the ITV documentary Diana, Our Mother: Her Life and Legacy. pic.twitter.com/ggI2wvjLa8
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) August 30, 2017
They also spoke to BBC1, with William saying he was devastated when he lost her, but wanted her to be proud of him. “I didn’t want her worried or her legacy – all her hard work, and all the energy and love she put in when we we’re younger – to go to waste.”
The Duke and Prince Harry also contributed to @BBCOne film, shown on Sunday, about their mother. pic.twitter.com/nSyy6Zfx3R
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) August 30, 2017
William and Harry reportedly chose The White Garden and the commissioning of a new, permanent statue as the two main memorials dedicated to Princess Diana.
Apparently, the statue will be erected on the grounds of Kensington Palace at some time in the future. William and Harry announced the artwork for the statue earlier this year saying that the time is right to recognize her positive impact in the United Kingdom and around the world with a permanent statue.
“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.”