Prince Harry gives speech at The 2021 Diana Awards

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.

On July 1, Prince William will want the focus to be entirely on the life and legacy of his mother Princess Diana, according to a source. They said: “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”.

Prince William is to publicly meet his brother for the first time since April on Thursday.

Then, the Dukes of Cambridge and Sussex will unveil the statue of Diana they commissioned in 2017 and honour her memory.

Kensington Palace revealed last week only a handful of guests will attend the ceremony taking place in the Sunken Garden at Princess Diana’s former London residence.

Prince William and Prince Harry will be joined by close family of late Princess Diana, members of the statue committee, sculptor Ian Rank-Broadley and gardener designer Pip Morrison. 

The statue committee includes Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton, a trusted friend and former private secretary to William and Harry, and Princess Diana’s eldest sister, Lady Sarah McCorquodale.

Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, is not expected to attend.

The source told Page Six: “Catherine’s absence speaks volumes.

“I think keeping the numbers down is a perfect ‘excuse’ for Catherine to stay away.

“William is fed up with the drama and Catherine doesn’t need to be dragged into this.

“They are planning a private family visit with their children, and that private moment is far more important than the public rhetoric.”

Last week, the Daily Mail wrote the Dukes had initially planned to invite more than 100 guests to the ceremony.

However, the newspaper claimed, following the delaying of the easing of the last COVID-19 restrictions, the princes decided to bring down the number of attendees to the bare minimum. 

As noted by the source, it has also been reported Prince William wants his family to see the statue before its official unveiling.

This means Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis could be given a private tour, with the Sunken Garden being just a few steps away from their London home.

In a 2017 documentary, Prince William revealed he is bringing up his children knowing about their late grandmother.

Appearing on Diana, Our Mother: Her Life and Legacy, he said: “We’ve got more photos up around the house now of her and we talk about her a bit.” 

His words about Princess Diana clearly have had an impact on George, Charlotte and Louis.

On Mother’s Day, Kate and William shared online cards drawn by their children for their late grandmother.

Princess Charlotte’s card read: “Papa is missing you.”

Prince Harry is also bringing up his children honouring Princess Diana and letting them know who she was.

In the docs-series he co-produced with Oprah Winfrey, The Me You Can’t See, Harry revealed he keeps a picture of his mother in the nursery and that one of Archie’s first words has been ‘Grandma Diana’. 

Yesterday, Prince Harry delivered a brief speech in the run-up to the unveiling ceremony to congratulate all the recipients of the 2021 Diana Awards.

Speaking about the upcoming event, Harry said: “Later this week, my brother and I are recognising what would have been our mum’s 60th birthday, and she would be so proud of you all for living authentic life with purpose and with compassion for others.

“Our mum believed that young people have the power to change the world. She believed in your strength because she saw it day in and day out and in the faces of young people exactly like you, she witnessed a boundless enthusiasm and passion.

“And I too see those same values shine through. As it has done for 21 years now, The Diana Award carries her legacy forward by putting young people at the centre of our future. And this has never been more important.”    

Source: Read Full Article