NewsRoyalsPrince WilliamThe Prince of Wales reportedly 'did not want to go' to the unveiling of a statue of his late mother five years ago today, as he and his brother reunited amidst their strained relationship10:32, 01 Jul 2026Prince William and Prince Harry reunite at Diana statue unveilingFive years ago today, Prince William and Prince Harry presented a united front as they appeared amicable at a touching ceremony to unveil a stunning statue of their beloved late mother, Princess Diana.‌The event took place on July 1 2021 - on what would've been Diana's 60th birthday - amid mounting reports of a deepening rift between the two brothers, coming just four months after the Duke and Duchess of Sussex sat down for a bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey. During the interview, the couple made a string of shocking and controversial allegations about their experiences as senior members of the Royal Family.‌Among the claims was that questions had been raised about what colour their son Archie's skin would be before his birth. Speaking about his brother William and father King Charles, Harry said in the interview: "I am part of the system with them, I always have been, but I guess-and I'm very aware of this-my brother can't leave that system, but I have. My father and my brother are trapped."‌According to those close to him, William was left feeling "very upset" and "reeling" in the wake of the Oprah interview, with his head "all over the place".In the months after their brief reunion to unveil the statue, a source revealed to the Sunday Times that William remained "furious" several months on and was reluctant to attend the Diana statue unveiling alongside his brother, who flew in from California especially for the occasion.‌The close friend told the publication: "William was still furious. He had taken the view that he'd only give so much. He just didn't want to go there [with Harry]."It also revealed that while Princess Kate was absent from the event, she "worked her magic out of sight" as a peacemaker, ensuring the unveiling proceeded smoothly and without incident with both brothers in attendance. An aide said: "[Catherine] was amazing behind the scenes when Harry came."‌The Diana statue was unveiled at Kensington Palace's Sunken Garden on what would have been the late princess's 60th birthday. Alongside William and Harry, those present at the unveiling included Diana's sisters Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes, as well as her brother Earl Spencer.Article continues belowIn a heartfelt joint statement issued on the day, William and Harry said: "Today, on what would have been our Mother's 60th birthday, we remember her love, strength and character – qualities that made her a force for good around the world, changing countless lives for the better."Every day, we wish she were still with us, and our hope is that this statue will be seen forever as a symbol of her life and her legacy." When William and Harry commissioned the statue of their mother in 2017, they said they hoped it would help visitors to the palace "reflect on her legacy".Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌Prince HarryMeghan MarklePrince WilliamPrincess DianaKensington PalaceRoyal Family