The royal family’s silence raises eyebrows – 25th anniversary of Princess Diana’s death
- Replies 9
Before we officially embrace the month of September, August 31 marks the 25th anniversary of Princess Diana’s tragic demise… But it seems like the royal family would rather let the day pass without uttering a word.
Rob Jobson, Sunrise’s Royal Editor, speculates that the family, having celebrated the 10th and 20th anniversaries of the Princess’ death, now wants to ‘draw a line under it’.
Queen Elizabeth and Prince Charles are expected to ‘stay silent’ while Diana’s sons Prince William and Prince Harry will most likely only post separate online tributes.
Mr Jobson predicts that both sons will release social media statements to mark the occasion but nothing more. The royal reporter described this lack of action as ‘a little surprising’.
Even after the Princess of Wales died in a devastating car crash back in 1997, Mr Jobson believes that she has recently transitioned from a public figure to a historical figure.
August 31st marks the 25th anniversary of Princess Diana’s death. Source: LA Times
‘It’s almost as if she was passed into history.’ he said.
To commemorate the 20th death anniversary in 2017, her sons compiled private footage for a documentary to celebrate their mother’s life. It was titled Diana, Our Mother: Her Life And Legacy.
In the documentary, William declared that the Princess’ 20th anniversary would be the final, significant anniversary that the brothers will commemorate.
‘We won’t be doing this again.’ he can be heard saying in the footage.
‘We won’t speak as openly or publicly about her again. Hopefully, this film will provide the other side from close family friends that you may not have heard of before – from those who knew her best, want to protect her memory, and remind people of the person she was.’
Aside from the documentary, they also commissioned a statue of Princess Diana for the Sunken Garden of Kensington Palace. It was unveiled on what would have been the princess’ 60th birthday (July 1, 2021), but the event wasn’t televised.
The princes unveiled a statue of their mother. Source: ABC News
For the 10th anniversary, William and Harry organised a service with 100 members of the Royal Family at Guards’ Chapel near Buckingham Palace. People left bouquets, poems, and portraits at the gates of Diana’s former home, Kensington Palace.
Mr Jobson believes that mementos will still be left for this anniversary, even though there are no formal royal plans.
‘William and Harry said on the 20th that they’ve made their documentary. There was a lot made of it then, a lot of publicity all over it in August, and I think they want to draw a line under it.’ he detailed.
‘It’s difficult really… She has shifted from this iconic figure to this historic figure. We have the statue and it’s almost as if she’s passed into history.’
Mr Jobson added that ultimately, it is William and Harry’s decision how the anniversary will be marked, explaining that Prince Charles and Queen Elizabeth had handed over the commemorations.
What are your thoughts on the royal family’s decision to stay silent? Would you have done the same if you were in their shoes? Let us know in the comments below!
Rob Jobson, Sunrise’s Royal Editor, speculates that the family, having celebrated the 10th and 20th anniversaries of the Princess’ death, now wants to ‘draw a line under it’.
Queen Elizabeth and Prince Charles are expected to ‘stay silent’ while Diana’s sons Prince William and Prince Harry will most likely only post separate online tributes.
Mr Jobson predicts that both sons will release social media statements to mark the occasion but nothing more. The royal reporter described this lack of action as ‘a little surprising’.
Even after the Princess of Wales died in a devastating car crash back in 1997, Mr Jobson believes that she has recently transitioned from a public figure to a historical figure.
August 31st marks the 25th anniversary of Princess Diana’s death. Source: LA Times
‘It’s almost as if she was passed into history.’ he said.
To commemorate the 20th death anniversary in 2017, her sons compiled private footage for a documentary to celebrate their mother’s life. It was titled Diana, Our Mother: Her Life And Legacy.
In the documentary, William declared that the Princess’ 20th anniversary would be the final, significant anniversary that the brothers will commemorate.
‘We won’t be doing this again.’ he can be heard saying in the footage.
‘We won’t speak as openly or publicly about her again. Hopefully, this film will provide the other side from close family friends that you may not have heard of before – from those who knew her best, want to protect her memory, and remind people of the person she was.’
Aside from the documentary, they also commissioned a statue of Princess Diana for the Sunken Garden of Kensington Palace. It was unveiled on what would have been the princess’ 60th birthday (July 1, 2021), but the event wasn’t televised.
The princes unveiled a statue of their mother. Source: ABC News
For the 10th anniversary, William and Harry organised a service with 100 members of the Royal Family at Guards’ Chapel near Buckingham Palace. People left bouquets, poems, and portraits at the gates of Diana’s former home, Kensington Palace.
Mr Jobson believes that mementos will still be left for this anniversary, even though there are no formal royal plans.
‘William and Harry said on the 20th that they’ve made their documentary. There was a lot made of it then, a lot of publicity all over it in August, and I think they want to draw a line under it.’ he detailed.
‘It’s difficult really… She has shifted from this iconic figure to this historic figure. We have the statue and it’s almost as if she’s passed into history.’
Mr Jobson added that ultimately, it is William and Harry’s decision how the anniversary will be marked, explaining that Prince Charles and Queen Elizabeth had handed over the commemorations.
What are your thoughts on the royal family’s decision to stay silent? Would you have done the same if you were in their shoes? Let us know in the comments below!
.png){kind=icon}
