Diana’s mother ‘terrified’ she’d make same mistakes says expert

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With relations strained by Harry and Meghan’s bombshell TV interview, the brothers appear to have put aside their differences to sign off the design for the long-awaited tribute to Princess Diana. There had been uncertainty over whether they would be able to come together at the unveiling at Kensington Palace on July 1 – on what would have been their mother’s 60th birthday. Princess Diana, died in a car crash in August 1997.

But it is now understood that the sculptor has sent it to be cast following feedback from the princes.

The news is seen among royal watchers as a possible thawing of relations.

Previously, royal officials thought the chances of William, 38, and Harry, 36, reuniting at the unveiling were unlikely.

But sources now say both were determined that the project, announced in 2017, would be fulfilled despite their personal conflicts.

And it is understood that their cousin Zara Tindall and her husband Mike have been playing peacemakers between them over the past year.

Top sculptor Ian Rank-Broadley, 68, whose portrait of the Queen appears on all British coins, is creating the commissioned statue.

A source close to the sculptor said: “It will have been signed off by William and Harry, that much I do know.

“I know he did work closely with the boys and I think it will be incredible.

“We’re lucky to have him as an artist in the UK.” The brothers set up a working committee to oversee the project to construct the statue and it is thought US-based Harry will have been sent pictures of the design.

Prince William is said to have been furious with Harry and Meghan after their tell-all to TV host Oprah Winfrey, during which the pair levelled accusations of racism at the Royal Family.

They claimed one member – whom they did not name – had asked what colour Archie’s skin would be when Meghan was pregnant.

The interview came after William was also angered by the way the Sussexes “insulted” the Queen with a “disrespectful” response to her ban on them using the word royal in future business ventures.

They had announced that they were leaving their royal roles.

Planners at the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea previously approved plans for the statue despite only being given its dimensions and location. Historic England also said the proposal would not have an adverse effect on the Grade I-listed Kensington Palace.

Jane Siddell, inspector of Ancient Monuments for Historic England, earlier wrote: “The proposed art installation is located within the Sunken Garden, an early 20th century element of the gardens located a little way from the east front of the palace.

“The location has been carefully chosen, with the statue to be located off-centre on one of the paths within the garden, close to an opening in the hedges.

“It will be visible to the public viewing the garden, but the statue will not impinge upon views of, or from the palace owing to its slightly sunken and screened position.

Palace “There is a tradition of statues being installed in Kensington Gardens and around Kensington Palace, for instance the statue of King William III to the south of the palace, and Queen Victoria by the Round Pond, and the proposed installation follows that tradition.”

Neither Kensington Palace nor Mr Rank-Broadley commented on approval of the design.

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