The significance behind the Princess Diana statue outfit

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Prince William and Prince Harry reunited yesterday to unveil the Princess Diana statue, on what would have been their mother's 60th birthday.

In a joint statement, they 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 legacy.'

The statue, created by sculptor Ian Rank-Broadley, who also created the Queen's effigy stamped on British coins, is of Princess Diana surrounded by three children.

She is wearing a shirt, pencil skirt and large belt, as well as mocassins and statement pearl earrings. Although simple, the outfit is rather significant.

According to Kensington Palace, it is meant to represent 'her character and compassion'.

In a statement, it said, 'The figure of Diana, Princess of Wales, is surrounded by three children who represent the universality and generational impact of The Princess' work. The portrait and style of dress was based on the final period of her life as she gained confidence in her role as an ambassador for humanitarian causes and aims to convey her character and compassion'.

Penny Goldstone

Penny Goldstone is the Digital Fashion Editor at Marie Claire, covering everything from catwalk trends to royal fashion and the latest high street and Instagram must-haves.

Penny grew up in France and studied languages and law at the Sorbonne Nouvelle University in Paris before moving to the UK for her MA in multimedia journalism at Bournemouth University. She moved to the UK permanently and has never looked back (though she does go back regularly to stock up on cheese and wine).

Although she's always loved fashion - she used to create scrapbooks of her favourite trends and looks, including Sienna Miller and Kate Moss' boho phase - her first job was at MoneySavingExpert.com, sourcing the best deals for everything from restaurants to designer sales.

However she quit after two years to follow her true passion, fashion journalism, and after many years of internships and freelance stints at magazines including Red, Cosmopolitan, Stylist and Good Housekeeping, landed her dream job as the Digital Fashion Editor at Marie Claire UK.

Her favourite part of the job is discovering new brands and meeting designers, and travelling the world to attend events and fashion shows. Seeing her first Chanel runway IRL at Paris Fashion Week was a true pinch-me moment.