The Duke of Sussex arrives in UK ahead of Diana memorial statue event

There had been an abundance of speculation as to whether or not the Duke and Duchess of Sussex would return for the unveiling of a much-anticipated memorial statue to Prince Harry’s mother, the late Diana, Princess of Wales, next month. While Meghan’s attendance was ruled out, given she has just given birth and will be in the early stages of her maternity leave, Harry has now arrived in the UK – marking his first trip to the country since attending Prince Philip’s funeral.

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Images previously shared by the MailOnline showed Harry arriving at Los Angeles International Airport on the evening of Thursday 24 June, drawing up at the terminal in a chauffeur-driven black Cadillac SUV. He has returned to the country in order to attend the special statue unveiling that will fall on 1 July, what would have been Diana’s 60th birthday, which has been dramatically downsized on account of ongoing coronavirus restrictions.

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Harry needs to self-isolate for at least five days following his arrival, followed by undertaking a ‘test to release’, in keeping with current travel rules. The Mirror reported that the Duke is staying in Frogmore Cottage, where he once lived with Meghan, and which is now being used by Princess Eugenie and her husband Jack Brooksbank. The property has reportedly been split into two self-contained cottages, meaning Harry is able to quarantine without coming into contact with his cousin and her family.

A source told the Sun that Frogmore was specially prepared for Harry’s return, stating: ‘Eugenie and Jack were handed the keys last year and told they could use it while Harry and Meghan were in America. The cottage is now literally split into two, meaning Harry can isolate in one half of the house without ever coming into contact with his cousin and her family. It has been set up for his return after last-minute plans seemed to work when he was back for the Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral in April.’

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Prince Harry, 36, and his brother Prince William, 39, are set to unveil a statue for their late mother which the brothers have been working on and designing since 2017. A plinth has been laid in the palace’s Sunken Garden, said to be Diana’s favourite spot in the grounds. In 2017, the 20th anniversary of her death, the spot was transformed into a tribute to Diana, with a display of her favourite flowers including white roses and lilies, tulips and daisies. It will be the first time the brothers unite in person since attending the funeral of their late grandfather earlier this year. A source told the Mirror that Harry ‘wants to put on a united front with William and pay an appropriate tribute to their mother.’

Hello! reports that Princess Diana’s statue has now arrived at the site, and is being securely stored in a box ahead of its public debut. Both brothers are reportedly expected to visit the statue separately this week in advance of the public unveiling on Thursday, with William also bringing the Duchess of Cambridge and the couple’s children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, to share in the special moment as a family.

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