Exclusive: Prince Harry 'Is Demanding' Wife Meghan Markle 'Be Part' Of Princess Diana's 60th Birthday Tribute
Prince William and Prince Harry announced in 2017 that a statue to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Princess Diana's death — and all the amazing work their mother did — would be installed on July 1, 2021, in the Sunken Garden of Kensington Palace.
However, a lot has happened since the initial announcement was made and now the brothers are at war over the tribute, a source reveals.
“Harry is demanding the Meghan be part of the official ceremony. She will not be able to attend in person because of the couple's second child, but Harry is pushing to have a comments prepared by Meghan included in the event or he wants a video message featuring his wife to be released to the media the same day the brothers unveil the statue,” an insider exclusively tells The Royal Observer.
And if Harry’s demands are not agreed to, family fear the red-headed royal may not make the trip back home.
“It is very possible that Harry does not return to the U.K. for the event,” the source adds. “The cold shoulder Harry received at Prince Philip's funeral is not helping. Harry was rattled not only by his family’s reaction but also by the negative media coverage he received during his short stay. Now he may bow out of the upcoming trip all together.”
Before the news of baby No. 2, it was announced in August 2020 that the couple, along with son Archie, would all be attending. Now, the birth of their daughter would give them a convenient excuse to forgo the unveiling.
“The design on the statue was signed off by William and Harry. And even after Harry left the U.K., he was kept up to date on the progress and received photos of the work taking place. What is happening now would break Diana’s heart,” a friend dishes. “Diana loved spending time in the gardens at Kensington Palace. It was her refuge and sanctuary. She would cut flowers from the garden for her desk. Her two boys picked the perfect place for the statue, now let’s hope they both are there when it is unveiled.”
