Princes William and Harry Unite in Emotional Tribute to Princess Diana at Kensington Palace

In a poignant and deeply moving ceremony, Prince William and Prince Harry came together in the Sunken Garden at Kensington Palace to honor their late mother, Princess Diana, on what would have been her 64th birthday. The event, held on July 1, 2025, was marked by a candlelit vigil that illuminated the serene garden, one of Diana’s favorite places during her time at the palace. The brothers, standing side by side, unveiled a new memorial plaque dedicated to their mother’s enduring legacy, a moment that resonated with quiet reverence and shared grief.

The Sunken Garden, transformed for the occasion with soft candlelight casting shadows across its vibrant blooms, served as the perfect backdrop for this heartfelt tribute. The garden, redesigned in 2021 for the unveiling of Diana’s statue, features over 4,000 flowers, including her beloved forget-me-nots, roses, and tulips, creating a tranquil setting that reflects her compassionate spirit. On this evening, the flickering candles added a layer of intimacy, drawing a small gathering of close family, friends, and dignitaries to reflect on Diana’s life and impact.

Prince William, his voice trembling with emotion, addressed the attendees with a whispered tone that carried the weight of memory. “Today, we gather not only to remember our mother but to celebrate the love and strength she shared with the world,” he said. “Her heart was her greatest gift, and this garden, bathed in light, reminds us of her warmth.” Harry, standing steadfast beside his brother, nodded in silent agreement, their shared presence a powerful symbol of unity despite past tensions.

The new plaque, engraved with a verse inspired by Diana’s humanitarian work, reads: “Her compassion knew no bounds, her love a beacon for all.” It joins the existing bronze statue of Diana, unveiled in 2021, which depicts her surrounded by three children, symbolizing her universal and generational impact. Sculpted by Ian Rank-Broadley, the statue captures Diana’s elegance and strength, a fitting tribute to a woman who reshaped perceptions of royalty through her activism and empathy.

The ceremony was deliberately intimate, with only a handful of guests, including Diana’s siblings—Lady Sarah McCorquodale, Lady Jane Fellowes, and Earl Spencer—as well as members of the statue committee and garden designer Pip Morrison. The absence of public speeches underscored the personal nature of the event, allowing the brothers to focus on their mother’s memory rather than their publicized differences. Laughter and warm exchanges between William, Harry, and their aunts and uncle hinted at a family bound by shared love for Diana, even amidst personal challenges.

The Sunken Garden, first created in 1908 and inspired by the Dutch-style Pond Garden at Hampton Court Palace, has long been a place of solace for the royal family. Diana, who lived at Kensington Palace for 15 years, often visited the garden to admire its floral displays and chat with gardeners like Graham Dillamore, the deputy head of gardens and estates at Historic Royal Palaces. “She would stop by, sometimes after a jog, always curious about the flowers,” Dillamore recalled in a 2021 interview. For this memorial, the garden was adorned with additional candles and white roses, Diana’s favorites, to create a reflective atmosphere.

The brothers’ joint appearance was their first since a charity event in 2022, and it carried added significance given their strained relationship in recent years. While no official statements addressed their personal dynamics, their shared commitment to honoring Diana was evident. In a joint statement released via Kensington Palace, they wrote: “Our mother’s legacy lives on in the lives she touched. We hope this plaque and garden serve as a space for reflection, where her compassion continues to inspire.” The statement echoed sentiments from 2021, when they unveiled the statue, expressing their wish that Diana’s memory remain a “force for good.”

The candlelit vigil also marked a moment of reconciliation for the public, who have followed the brothers’ journey since Diana’s tragic death in a 1997 car crash. William was 15 and Harry 12 at the time, and their grief has shaped much of their public work, from mental health advocacy to humanitarian causes. The Sunken Garden, open to the public during palace hours, has become a pilgrimage site for those wishing to honor Diana, with visitors often leaving flowers and notes at the statue’s base.

As the ceremony concluded, William and Harry lingered in the garden, speaking quietly with guests and sharing memories of their mother. The candlelight flickered against the statue, casting a gentle glow over the scene. For a moment, the weight of their titles and public scrutiny faded, leaving only two sons united in love for their mother. The event, though brief, was a powerful reminder of Diana’s enduring influence, not only on her sons but on a world that still feels her absence.

The Sunken Garden will remain open to visitors, free during Kensington Palace’s operating hours, offering a space to reflect on Diana’s legacy. As one guest remarked, “This garden feels like her—peaceful, warm, and full of life.” For William and Harry, the night was a testament to their mother’s heart, a legacy they continue to carry forward.