In a surprising display of unity, the House of Windsor, headed by Queen Elizabeth, gathered with the Spencer family on Tuesday morning in London to dedicate a $6.5 million oval granite fountain in honor of Princess Diana.
Speaking in Hyde Park, where she was accompanied by her husband Prince Philip and Diana's former husband, Prince Charles, as well his sons, Princes William and Harry, the Queen acknowledged that there had been difficult times with her late daughter-in-law but added that "memories mellow with the passing of the years," reports Reuters.
The dedication of the modern-style fountain marked Diana's family's first public appearance with the royals since her funeral in 1997, when Earl Spencer shocked many observers by roundly – and publicly – criticizing the Windsors for their cold treatment of his sister.
Her Majesty, 78, acknowledged how the Princess's death, in a Paris car crash, sparked international attention. "Central to this remains the extraordinary effect Diana had on those around her," the Queen said.
"Her drive to empathize with those in difficulty, hardship or distress, her willingness to embrace a new cause, her shrewd ability to size up all those she met, allowed her not only to touch people's lives but to change them."
On a personal note, the Queen said Diana "made such an impact on our lives." Referring to Princes William and Harry, who looked solemn during the ceremony, the Queen said, "I remember especially the happiness she gave to my two grandsons."
Royals, Spencers Unite for Diana Tribute
Princess Diana
Globe
Latest News
On Newsstands Now
- Jennifer Aniston: Wedding on Hold
- Exclusive: Kristin Cavallari's Wedding Album!
- Paris Jackson in Crisis
Pick up your copy on newsstands
Click here for instant access to the Digital Magazine
Advertisement
