Prince William And Prince Harry To Meet Privately After Diana Statue Ceremony

Jul 01, 2021 by apost team

Until this day, Princess Diana, who is also called the People's Princess, is remembered fondly all over the world for her impeccable fashion style, kind-hearted manner and charity work. Diana's early death in 1997 devastated not only the British royal family but also fans across the globe. In the wake of her passing, memorabilia to her quickly rose to prominence.

Set to be unveiled on July 1 is the first official statue in honor of Diana, Princess of Wales. The date — which coincides with what would have been her 60th birthday — has been pushed back due to the ongoing pandemic, but finally, the day for the statue's unveiling is here.

Prince William and Prince Harry will unveil the statue of their late mother together, with Harry traveling to the U.K. especially for the event. The brothers commissioned the statue of their beloved mom back in 2017 for the 20th anniversary of her death.

William and Harry have worked hard to preserve their mother's legacy both symbolically but also throughout their own charity work as parts of the royal family. Both brothers have taken carried on Princess Diana's legacy in terms of being outspoken about mental health.

However, both brothers have taken drastically different paths in their life; while William has stuck to his duty, Harry took the unconventional path and left behind his role as a senior royal, opting instead for a life in the United States with his wife Meghan Markle. His controversial decision, however, has led to a major rift in the family, which has been covered thoroughly in the media. 

There have currently been tensions between Prince Harry and Meghan and the rest of the royal family due to their bombshell Oprah Winfrey interview, followed by their role in the Apple+ Docuseries "The Me You Can't See." 

The official unveiling of the statue will be Harry's first time seeing his family since Prince Philip's funeral in mid-April. An official "Sussex source" revealed to Harper's Bazaar that Meghan Markle won't be joining her husband for the event and will focus on caring for the couple's infant daughter, Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor at their Montecito home instead.

The Mirror had initially reported that Kate will help her husband Prince William and his brother Harry put on a united front for the occasion. However, new reports show that Kate has been removed from the guestlist for the unveiling. The Sun reported that this means that Harry and William will be meeting without a "peacemaker" around them.   

Metro UK also reported that Harry also does not have plans to meet his brother or his father when he arrives in the UK. Harry was expected to be in quarantine for five days, and Charles is already on a trip to Scotland now that Harry has finished quarantine. 

Harry and William have only been communicating by text amid a bitter fallout. A source told the Sun, "There have not been any personal chats or proper talks, just a very brief and minimal exchange of text messages. The relationship is still very much strained and there’s no sign yet that there will be any sort of coming together any time soon." 

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Meanwhile, it has been reported that William will visit the statue accompanied by Kate Middleton and their children a bit early in order to have a private moment ahead of the official event. After the event, the brothers are expected to gather with "immediate family," among which the guest list will most likely include Diana's three siblings. 

A different source told The Sun, "The relationship is still very much strained and there’s no sign yet that there will be any sort of coming together any time soon. The boys will walk out together out of respect for their mum." 

Reuters reported that royal commentator Penny Juror said about the upcoming reunion, "I think it's going be very awkward. They will put on a show because the cameras will be there, but neither of them is very good at hiding their emotions."

Vanity Fair reported that a source said the brothers have agreed to call a temporary truce for the day, adding, “What you will see is a carefully choreographed show of unity for that day, at least."

According to the Daily Mail, Harry will be holding a '"private meeting" with his brother once the statue unveiling is over. The Telegraph even called it "a sign of reconciliation." 

With neither Kate nor Meghan joining their husbands at the main event, only time will tell whether the brothers will be able to mend their relationship. However, other members of the royal family may try to heal the inflamed rift between the brothers in their own way. Queen Elizabeth has already extended an "olive branch" to Harry and Meghan and has invited them to her Platinum Jubilee. 

How do you think the brothers will feel when they reunite for such an emotional event? Tell us your thoughts, and be sure to pass this onto your friends and family as well.