On the eve of the 20th anniversary of Diana, Princess of Wales’ death, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry visited the White Garden tribute to her at Kensington Palace, before the brothers laid some of the public’s flowers on the palace gates.
William, Catherine and Harry made the short walk from their private residences around to the public sunken garden, where the display has been since May. Umbrellas were needed since the August weather was less than favourable.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry arriving at the White Garden in the grounds of Kensington Palace, in tribute to Diana, Princess of Wales. Picture by Stephen Lock / i-Images
One of the gardeners responsible for the floral tribute, Sean Harkin, who designed the display, and Graham Dillamore – who knew the Princess from working at the palace decades ago – met the Royals on their arrival.
The sunken garden was supposed to have been one of the Princess’ favourite locations, and now features white roses, lilies, gladioli, forget-me-nots, daisies and cosmos; the use of white is supposed to stimulate peace and encourage contemplative thinking, but also took inspiration from the creams and whites regularly seen in Diana’s wardrobes.
A spokesperson said prior to the engagement: “Together, they will reflect on the significant achievements of the Princess, and the legacy of her work which continues to resonate with so many today.”
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry in the White Garden remembering Diana, Princess of Wales (Historic Royal Palaces)
Prince Harry talks with garden designer, Sean Harkin, in the White Garden at Kensington Palace (@Kensington Palace)
Also attending the event in the White Garden included some of Diana’s patronages, those she continued to be affiliated with after her divorce. Child Bereavement UK, the Landmine Survivors Network, Centrepoint, Great Ormond Street Hospital, The Leprosy Mission, The Royal Mardsen Hospital, the English National Ballet and the National AIDs Trust were there in this capacity.
The Osteopathic Centre for Children was due a visit from The Princess of Wales in September 1997, which of course did not go ahead. They were also invited to the garden.
Later this year, the brothers have a statue of Diana planned for the grounds of Kensington Palace, in permanent tribute to her life and work.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge chatting to representatives of Diana’s charities (Kensington Palace)
Following their tour around the garden, the Duke, Duchess and Prince went to the gates of Kensington Palace, where members of the public have been laying flowers to mark the 20th anniversary of Diana’s death, but also gathering to get a glimpse of the engagement.
William and Harry went and spoke to those there, even taking bouquets and cards to the gates for the public, and reading the tributes to their mother – sadly much like they had done in 1997.
A tweet from Kensington Palace said: “The Duke and Prince Harry are grateful for the many flowers, letters and messages they have received about their Mother.”
We expect this autumn to be busy for the royal trio, after tweets hinted at two tours in October and November for them, also following Prince Philip’s ‘retirement’.
Video: William and Harry place floral tributes from the waiting crowds outside the gates at Kensington Palace, Diana’s former home. pic.twitter.com/8Z34558noZ
— Rebecca English (@RE_DailyMail) August 30, 2017
7 comments
Theres know words of comfort i can give you but as you and your brother miss her so do i and many many more people she will allways be in my heart like she is in yours R.I.P. The Peoples Princess DIANA <3 The love you gave to all who you met and touched <3
Prince Harry and Prince William, I used to keep a picture of your Mother on my desk. Simply because I loved and admired her so much. She was an amazing Mum, as well as a very capable woman. She put up with dreadful occurrences in her life, but she always was able to come home to her boys. She touched my life deeply, both as a mother and as a woman. I think the fact that she was not perfect, by her own admission, actually made her perfect. The peoples princess reached all corners of the world, even here in the USA. I recently lost my own mother, in may. This only makes me feel even more passion for her life, her sons, and her work. You were both children when she died and that was awful. My dad died when I was 15 so I can understand, a little bit. I never had to grieve my loss while putting on a good face, for the public. Nor did I ever have to follow any protocol.. I refuse to criticize your father, he did what he did. But he is your dad and he was there for you. As for Duchess Kate, I adore her. Prince George and Princess Charlotte have awesome parents. Children are a reflection of their parents and your mother must be so proud of her boys! I wish all of you peace in your heart. Princess Diana will live forever in peoples hearts, but specially in your hearts.
Rip the peoples princess Diana. Your mother will be so proud of you both. We miss her dearly but so proud of the men you have become, we see so much of her in both of you. Keep up the good work. William and Kate you have a beautiful family, and no doubt you will too harry.. God bless you today and everyday.. Thank you so much for all the charitable work you do.
I will never forget her tireless efforts to highlight the misery And the Pain suffered by victims of aids, landmines and leProsy, at a time when the Public knew little of the impacts on those affected by them. Her endless work with children, the aged, the disabled, and generally those less fortunate. She was and remains my heroine. Her deAth was a TRAGEDY especially for her children, but many around rhe world were filled With grief. She was a shining symbol of hope That UNFORTUNATELY was Extinguished far to early. Many will remeber and love her as time goes on and Her legacy lives on in her children.. May they remain pRoud of her work and principals.
I live in Perth Australia, I have a pic of Diana on my bookshelf amongst all my family pics, I really loved and admired her.
For me, l elevated her to “THE PEOPLE’S QUEEN” Is so sad for many to think she’s not with us ANYMORE.. I admired her always.. I have many…many of clips and paperS , magazines and anything l could. keep.. May GOD BLESS HER CHILDREN ALWAYS,TO CONTINUE ON WITH HER LEGACY.
JACKIE
Our only true English Rose our true princess god how I miss you your smile all you did to help others you stood out so sad as you never got to see your boys be what they are today their kids now with the best manna the press killed you the pictures where sole breaking if I had 1 wish is that you would still be here we all miss our true English Rose love always our princess xxxx