Princes visit palace garden where Diana would stroll

LONDON — Princes William and Harry on Wednesday visited a memorial garden dedicated to Diana, Princess of Wales, to pay tribute to their mother’s charity work.

The brothers, accompanied by William’s wife, the Duchess of Cambridge, huddled under umbrellas in the rain as they strolled through the Sunken Garden, which is planted with white flowers and dedicated to the princess at her former home, where she would stroll and ask the gardeners about their everchanging displays.

William and Harry, who have both promised to carry on their mother’s charity work, chatted animatedly with representatives from groups that Diana supported. The princes then left the palace grounds to meet members of the public who had braved the rain for hours for a chance to share memories of Diana with her sons.

Many people brought flowers, which the princes gathered and laid in front of the black and gold gates of Kensington Palace.

The flowers added to a fastgrowing collection of items, including flags, burning candles and photographs, hanging on the gates to remember Diana.

“I still get upset,” said Maria Scott, 46, who was among those waiting for the princes at the palace gates. “The feelings haven’t diminished. She’s too much of an important person to forget about.”

Fans of Diana from as far as Australia have posted homemade signs with messages. One read: “Her work carries on through her loving sons,” while another said “20 years on and we still miss you.”

William and Harry stopped to admire the makeshift memorial, smiling as they read some of the messages.