Diana statue: Expert 'doesn't expect' words from the brothers

When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters. Sometimes they’ll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer. Our Privacy Notice explains more about how we use your data, and your rights. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Prince Harry returned to the UK on Friday ahead of the special event today, which takes place on what would have been Diana’s 60th birthday. The Duke quarantined in Frogmore Cottage, Windsor for five days before attending a charity engagement yesterday afternoon. A royal commentator said glimpses of the “old Prince Harry” were seen as he made a surprise appearance at the WellChild Awards, held at London’s Kew Gardens.

But the main event, and reason for the Duke of Sussexes’ return to the UK, will take place today.

Harry and William will unveil a new statue of their late mother in the Sunken Gardens at Kensington Palace.

It will mark just the second time the brothers have reunited in person since Harry stood down as a senior royal and moved to California, US, with wife Meghan Markle and their two children.

The pair only briefly met at the funeral of their grandfather Prince Philip in April and tensions are understood to remain after the Sussexes’ recent spate of TV interviews.

As a result, royal expert Phil Dampier expects Harry to feel nervous about spending the statue unveiling with his brother today.

Speaking after yesterday’s charity event, he told The Sun Online: “I’m sure Harry will be nervous about tomorrow and I’m sure it will be quite a tense event.

“We all know the backstory that is that it’s going to be his first time seeing William since Philip’s funeral and clearly they’re going to have a lot to talk about.

“Everyone will be fascinated to see what the body language is like between them.

JUST IN: Diana statue unveiling LIVE: Harry and William reunite

“Harry has changed a lot in the last three or four years after getting married and becoming a father – just like a lot of people change.

“But whether he’s able to carve out another niche for himself and heal the family wounds… only time will tell.

“It will be a massive opportunity to see which direction he’s going in.”

Mr Dampier said Harry appeared happy and natural at the WellChild awards on Wednesday night, giving royal fans a “blast from the past”.

DON’T MISS:
Meghan Markle’s ‘tone-deaf’ contradictions about post-royal life [DETAILS]
Diana statue unveiling: What time is reunion? Will it be on TV? [INSIGHT]
Kate Middleton ‘won’t have any more children’ after ‘big announcement’ [ANALYSIS]

The expert, who wrote ‘Royally Suited: Harry and Meghan in Their Own Words’, said his enthusiasm for the charity was a stark reminder of how suited he was to royal engagements.

He said: “It reminds us of the old Harry.

“He’s always been very good with children and he’s always been very good with people with disabilities.

“I’ve always felt that he’s been happiest and at his most natural when he’s dealing with people and helping them.

“It’s a great loss to the Royal Family that he’s no longer doing these things.

“It’s nice to see him do them on occasion but it reminds us that it’s sadly going to be a rare event.”

Diana’s statue is due to be unveiled at 2pm this afternoon.

Harry and William are expected to give separate speeches to mark the event.

Source: Read Full Article