When Prince William and Prince Harry reunited for the unveiling of Princess Diana’s statue, it was a profoundly nostalgic moment for the brothers.
The statue that commemorates what would have been her 60th birthday stands in the Sunken Garden at Kensington Palace, which was inspired by a 1993 Christmas card.
Since the statue has been unveiled, the gorgeous Christmas photos that inspired it has been revealed.
The shot from the 1993 Christmas card that inspired the statue.
(Credit: Kensington Palace)The beautiful tableau of Diana in-between her sons as she gazes into the distance in the photos is like how she stands, today, between the two children beside her statue.
However, that isn’t the only apt comparison, as Diana’s outfit from the card was also a source of inspiration.
The blue, high neck collared shirt, black belt, pencil skirt, and large golden buckle she wears in the photos have been recreated by sculptor Ian Rank-Broadley.
However, behind these photos is a deeper story, as they were taken during a tense moment for the family.
In 1992 Diana and Prince Charles had separated, and in 1993 they chose to send out separate Christmas cards, which made it clear to the public that their marriage was officially over.
The monumental statue marks the first reunion of the royal brothers after a busy few weeks for Prince Harry, who welcomed his baby daughter Lilibet with his wife Duchess Meghan, in June.
Diana’s clothes, gaze and stance are reminiscent of the card.
(Credit: Getty)In an official statement via the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s Instagram account, the royal siblings spoke about the inspiration behind the bronze monument and the side of their mother they hoped to capture.
“Today, on what would have been our Mother’s 60th birthday, we remember her love, strength and character – qualities that made her a force for good around the world, changing countless lives for the better,” the brothers said.
“Every day, we wish she were still with us, and our hope is that this statue will be seen forever as a symbol of her life and her legacy.”
The original Christmas card and its message.
(Credit: Kensington Palace)“Thank you to Ian Rank-Broadley, Pip Morrison and their teams for their outstanding work, to the friends and donors who helped make this happen, and to all those around the world who keep our mother’s memory alive.”
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