A sculpture in memory of Princess Diana will be created by famous artist Ian Rank-Broadley, the same man who created the image of Queen Elizabeth II that graced coins in the United Kingdom from 1998. Rank-Broadleys’ depiction of the Queen was praised for its likeliness, despite some thinking she looked grumpy.
At the time, Rank-Broadley said there was “no need to disguise the matureness of the Queen’s years [or] flatter her. She is a 70-year-old woman with poise and bearing,” The Telegraph reports.
Prince William and Prince Harry announced the decision to have a statue made in January this year, saying that “the time is right to recognise her positive impact in the UK and around the world with a permanent statue.”
The royal brothers have now released a joint statement explaining why they have chosen Rank-Broadley. “We have been touched by the kind words and memories so many people have shared about our mother over these past few months,” the statement reads. “It is clear the significance of her work is still felt by many in the UK and across the world, even twenty years after her death. Ian is an extremely gifted sculptor and we know that he will create a fitting and lasting tribute to our mother.”
They added that “We look forward to unveiling the statue, which will allow all those who visit Kensington Palace to remember and celebrate her life and legacy.”
Rank-Broadley said he was honoured to have been selected. “It is my sole and highest intention to fulfil the expectations of Their Royal Highnesses in creating a lasting and fitting memorial to their late mother Diana, Princess of Wales.”
The statue, due to be unveiled in 2019, will sit on the now-public grounds of Princess Diana’s former home at Kensington Palace. Its design will be finalised after consultations between Rank-Broadley, Prince Harry and Prince William.
