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Harry in UK for Diana statue unveiling

Tony JonesAAP
Prince Harry has arrived at his private residence Frogmore Cottage in the UK, officials say.
Camera IconPrince Harry has arrived at his private residence Frogmore Cottage in the UK, officials say. Credit: AP

Prince Harry has arrived in the UK ahead of the unveiling of his mother Diana, Princess of Wales' statue - commissioned to honour her memory.

Harry jetted to England on Friday and will now quarantine as the final preparations are made for the ceremony next Thursday.

The event will be a "very personal moment" for the the princess' sons and close family, a royal source has said.

But the plans have been scaled back with many of Diana's friends and colleagues unable to attend due to coronavirus regulations.

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The Daily Mail claims the princess's friends were left disappointed by the move and a separate larger event is likely to take place in September.

A spokeswoman for Harry confirmed the Duke of Sussex had arrived "safely" at his private residence Frogmore Cottage close to the Queen's Windsor Castle home.

Diana's sons will put their differences aside for the event on July 1, which will take place on what would have been their mother's 60th birthday.

Kensington Palace has confirmed the royal brothers and Diana's close family - thought to be her siblings - and others involved in organising the statue will attend the ceremony in the Sunken Garden at Kensington Palace.

"This is a small event and a very personal moment for the family," a royal source said.

"Plans have been scaled back due to the current COVID-19 restrictions and media arrangements reflect both the size and tone of the event."

Diana's sons commissioned the artwork in 2017 - the 20th anniversary year of her death - to celebrate the princess' life and legacy through the creation of a permanent statue.

In a statement when the project was announced, the royal brothers said: "Our mother touched so many lives. We hope the statue will help all those who visit Kensington Palace to reflect on her life and her legacy."

Among those attending the unveiling will be members of the statue committee, sculptor Ian Rank-Broadley who created the artwork, and garden designer Pip Morrison.

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