The Prince of Wales reportedly ‘did not want to go’ to the unveiling of a statue of his late mother five years ago today, as he and his brother reunited amidst their strained relationship.
Five years ago today, Prince William and Prince Harry presented a united front as they appeared amicable at a touching ceremony to unveil a stunning statue of their beloved late mother, Princess Diana.
The event took place on July 1 2021 – on what would’ve been Diana’s 60th birthday – amid mounting reports of a deepening rift between the two brothers, coming just four months after the Duke and Duchess of Sussex sat down for a bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey. During the interview, the couple made a string of shocking and controversial allegations about their experiences as senior members of the Royal Family.
Among the claims was that questions had been raised about what colour their son Archie’s skin would be before his birth. Speaking about his brother William and father King Charles, Harry said in the interview: “I am part of the system with them, I always have been, but I guess-and I’m very aware of this-my brother can’t leave that system, but I have. My father and my brother are trapped.”
William and Harry reunited five years ago today to unveil a statue of their mother (Image: PA)
According to those close to him, William was left feeling “very upset” and “reeling” in the wake of the Oprah interview, with his head “all over the place”.
In the months after their brief reunion to unveil the statue, a source revealed to the Sunday Times that William remained “furious” several months on and was reluctant to attend the Diana statue unveiling alongside his brother, who flew in from California especially for the occasion.
The statue was unveiled on what would’ve been Diana’s 60th birthday (Image: Getty Images)
The close friend told the publication: “William was still furious. He had taken the view that he’d only give so much. He just didn’t want to go there [with Harry].”
It also revealed that while Princess Kate was absent from the event, she “worked her magic out of sight” as a peacemaker, ensuring the unveiling proceeded smoothly and without incident with both brothers in attendance. An aide said: “[Catherine] was amazing behind the scenes when Harry came.”
The Diana statue was unveiled at Kensington Palace’s Sunken Garden on what would have been the late princess’s 60th birthday. Alongside William and Harry, those present at the unveiling included Diana’s sisters Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes, as well as her brother Earl Spencer.
Princess Diana would’ve been 65 today (Image: UK Press via Getty Images)
