Prince William, Prince Harry and Kate Middleton Visit White Garden to Honor Princess Diana

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge join Harry as they remember the late royal on the eve of the 20th anniversary of her death

By Elyse Dupre Aug 30, 2017 4:55 PMTags
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On the eve of the 20th anniversary of their mother's death, Prince William and Prince Harry paid tribute to the late Princess Diana by visiting the White Garden at her former home, Kensington Palace.

The garden, normally referred to as the historic Sunken Garden, was temporarily transformed this spring and summer with flowers and foliage inspired by Diana. According to the Historic Royal Palaces, the plants are "predominantly white and cream" with accent colors to "offset the white," including beautiful white roses and Cosmos daisies.

Joined by the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, their Royal Highnesses walked underneath umbrellas to avoid the rain. The royals received a tour by the current head gardener Sean Harkin, who designed the display, as well as by Graham Dillamore, who knew Diana during the years he worked as a gardener at Kensington Palace.

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Following the tour, their Royal Highnesses met with both past and present representatives of some of the charities Diana supported, including The Leprosy Mission, the National Aids Trust and the English National Ballet. They also met with founders and former and current patients of Osteopathic Centre for Children. Diana had been learning about the organization and had planned to meet with its representatives in early September 1997 to assist with the launch of their Sweet Pea initiative. However, her death occurred on Aug. 31 of that year.

Harry expressed sympathy for a group of charity representatives in terms of how Diana's death impacted their organizations, as well. 

"I can imagine for a lot of you it was like, 'Right, here we go; now we've got her. We've got the thirst. We've got the attention. Now let's do something...' Then suddenly she's snapped away," he said. "If I can put it [this way], all of us lost somebody."

The princes also took a moment to look at the numerous flowers, pictures and memorabilia people left outside of Kensington Palace in honor of Diana and thanked people who visited the site to remember their mother. William recalled how far the 1997 tributes had gone on, noting to Harry, "Last time, it was all the way down."

However, there was a lighter moment between the princes when William pointed out a photo of him and his mother wearing sunglasses at an unknown event to Harry, saying, "Look at my shades."

To see more of the royals' visit, view the photo gallery:

A Somber Morning

Kate, William and Harry weren't going to let the rain ruin this momentous occasion.

Walking Through the Flowers

The royals walked with their tour guides past gorgeous flowers. The White Garden includes white roses and Cosmos daisies.

Sharing a Smile

William and Kate smiled and chatted with their tour guide as they remembered Diana.

Listening In

Harry heard stories from his tour guide as they walked through the garden.

Feeling Reflective

The fountain was a lovely centerpiece among the flowers. 

Kate's Floral Dress

The Duchess of Cambridge wore a long-sleeved Prada dress with a floral pattern—perfect for the occasion.

A Closer Look

The bow detail and bright floral pattern were stunning.

A Full View

As usual, Kate embodied pure elegance.

Tributes for Diana

People left photos, flowers and other memorabilia in honor of Diana at Kensington Palace.

Feeling the Love

William and Harry examine the many gifts left in remembrance of his mother.

The princes have talked publicly about their mother's death several times this year. In an interview with the BBC, Harry discussed how the paparazzi continued to take photographs of Diana after the accident that ended her life. William also shared the last memory he has of his mother during the British documentary Diana, Our Mother: Her Life and Legacy.

The White Garden will continue into September.