Princes William and Harry announce statue of Princess Diana in honour of her 60th birthday

Prince William and Prince Harry have released a rare joint statement revealing how they will be honouring their late mum Princess Diana on what would have been her 60th birthday next year.

The brothers announced they will be installing a statue of Diana at her favourite spot in the Sunken Garden of Kensington Palace on July 1, 2021 – the day she would have celebrated her milestone birthday.

"The statue will be installed in the Sunken Garden of Kensington Palace on 1st July 2021, marking The Princess's 60th birthday," the statement explained, noting the installation had been delayed by the coronavirus pandemic.

"Our mother touched so many lives. We hope the statue will help all those who visit Kensington Palace to reflect on her life and her legacy."

William and Harry first commissioned the artwork in 2017, hiring sculptor Ian Rank-Broadley, whose portrayal of their grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, has been featured on British coins since 1998.

Their statement marks the first time the brothers have spoken publicly together since Harry moved to Los Angeles with his wife Meghan Markle and son Archie, having quit royal life earlier this year.

Today marks 23 years since Diana was killed in a car crash in Paris - when William and Harry were just 15 and 12.

The beloved Princess was 36.