LONDON -- Kensington Palace says Princes William and Harry have chosen sculptor Ian Rank-Broadley to create a statute of their mother, Princess Diana, to mark the 20th anniversary of her death.
Rank-Broadley, whose image of Queen Elizabeth II has appeared on British coins since 1998, will complete the work by 2019. The statue will be placed on the grounds of Kensington Palace, where Diana once lived.
The princes said in a statement Sunday that the statue is meant to create "a fitting and lasting tribute to our mother" and to remember her life and legacy.
The princes added they had been touched by the kind words and memories shared with them about Diana this year, as the world recalled her death in a Paris car accident in 1997.
The Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry are pleased to announce that they have chosen Ian Rank-Broadley as the sculptor to create the statue of their mother Diana, Princess of Wales.
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal)
The statue, which will be erected in the grounds of Kensington Palace, will celebrate the late Princess's life and legacy. It is expected to be unveiled in 2019.
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal)
TRH said: "We have been touched by the kind words and memories so many people have shared about our mother over these past few months. 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."
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal)
TRH said: "Ian is an extremely gifted sculptor and we know that he will create a fitting and lasting tribute to our mother. We look forward to unveiling the statue, which will allow all those who visit Kensington Palace to remember and celebrate her life and legacy."
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal)