60th Birthday Of The Late Diana, Princess of Wales

 

  July 1st marks what would have been the late Diana, Princess of Wales' 60th birthday. A statue will be unveiled of the princess in the Sunken Garden of Kensington Palace today by her sons Princes William and Harry of Wales. It is in this garden that Diana often came during her years living at the Palace between 1982 -1997.

The guest list for the unveiling has been pared back due to COVID restrictions and so it is expected that only her sons, immediate family and the artist himself will be present. 

The statue arrived just a few days ago and is covered by a large protective box. It was commissioned by the two princes back in 2017 and today will be a time of sorrow as the boys remember their mum.

I myself was a huge fan of the princess, who was born Hon. Diana Spencer later Lady Diana Spencer when her father inherited the Earldom. I was lucky enough to remember all the significant moments in her public life being played out in newspapers, magazines and television. Can vividly recall footage of Diana leaving Clarence House on her way to St Paul's Cathedral for her wedding to Prince Charles in 1981and also leaving St Mary's Hospital with their newborn baby sons in 1982 and 1984.

I was also lucky to see her several times in Australia in 1983 and 1985 as well as on a few occasions in London in 1992. Probably my closest encounter was in Melbourne's Tullamarine Airport when the Prince & Princess of Wales arrived for the 1985 tour of the state of Victoria for it's 150 year celebration. 

After disembarking the aircraft and meeting dignatories, the princess walked over to the crowds who waited for hours on the tarmac to see her. I was wearing a replica of her "sheep jumper". Diana walked to me, pointed at my jumper and said "ah you have a jumper just like mine!" shook my hand and kept moving, 

My memories of that moment? Diana was tall, beautifully groomed, slim and I recall her perfume and happy voice. She was at once ladylike, warm and endearing. I will remember it forever. A photo of me in my jumper with the princess appeared in the Woman's Day magazine and my mum got a copy of the photo framed for Christmas.

Where was I when she died? We all remember that I think. I was in Sydney's northern beaches and only did it sink in when my mobile kept ringing. I signed a Book of Condolence in Perth's Government House where I almost fainted waiting in the queue. I couldn't watch the funeral as I don't think I could have borne the grief. 

I along with millions the world over will pause today and silently wish Diana "happy birthday". I look forward to the day we can leave Australia for a holiday and can visit the statue in person.

 Diana, just before I met her in 1985