PRINCE WILLIAM and Prince Harry have released a joint statement in tribute to their late mum, Princess Diana, as they unveiled a special statue of her today in London.
And a royal expert said their united message hints at a “significant step” in healing their rift.
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Prince William and Prince Harry reunited today for the unveiling of a statue of Princess Diana – and released a joint statement
In the moving tribute, the Duke of Cambridge, 39, and Duke of Sussex, 36, shared that they wish their mother, who died in 1997, was with them “every day.”
Harry and William’s statement said: “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.
“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 legacy.”
Royal expert Duncan Larcombe told Fabulous: “William and Harry’s joint statement is the first significant sign the brothers are at least reunited.
The brothers observe the statue after unveiling it today in the Sunken Garden at Kensington Palace
Harry and William reunited to reveal the statue they commissioned back in 2017
“For weeks leading up to the event there were real fears at the palace they would each issue their own statements, just as they did when the Duke of Edinburgh died.
“For the bulk of their adult lives William and Harry have always issued joint statements in all matters relating to their mother.
“That is why it was such a shock last month when William and Harry issued their own, differing statements in the wake of the investigation into the BBC’s Diana interview.
“It has always been unthinkable William and Harry would be on such bad terms they couldn’t even agree on a joint statement for such an important occasion.
“But by paying tribute to their mother and standing side-by-side to mark what would have been her 60th birthday, William and Harry have taken a major step forward in healing their rift.”
Duncan pointed out that the brothers spent time together before the ceremony, and added “with a bit of luck they will find more time to talk before Harry returns home.”
Harry has been staying at Frogmore Cottage, Windsor, since flying to the UK from his home in Santa Barbara that he shares with Meghan Markle, 39, Archie, two, and newborn daughter Lilibet.
The royal expert continued: “History shows both Diana’s boys can be strong minded, even stubborn at times.
“But the fact they were able to finally agree on something will be greeted with sighs of relief at the palace.”
The statue was commissioned four years ago, and today’s unveiling was a private affair for the royal brothers.
Just a handful of guests were seen at Kensington Palace, including Diana’s brother Earl Charles Spencer and sisters Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes.
The statue has been installed in the Sunken Garden of Kensington Palace, and members of the public will be able to see it for free as it is in the surrounding grounds of the palace.
Members of the public will only have to pay to tour Kensington Palace itself, along with the various exhibits including to see Diana’s wedding dress.
The statue is the work of Ian Rank-Broadley, an acclaimed artist who has a long track record of creating images of the royal family.
A palace insider confirmed that William and Harry had been involved in the statue’s design – including advising the sculptor even on how her nose should look.
Harry and William have been working together on the project since 2017.
But despite today’s ceremony marking the culmination of years of work, it’s understood the pair are barely speaking, while their relationship is “incredibly strained”.
Sources close to their uncle Earl Spencer say the family hope they will be brought together as they remember their mother.
