William and Harry commission Princess Diana statue at Kensington Palace

A statue of Princess Diana, who died in a Paris car crash 20 years ago, has been commissioned by the Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry in her honour. The sculpture will be erected in the public grounds of her former residence, Kensington Palace.

Princes William and Harry said in a joint statement: "It has been 20 years since our mother's death and the time is right to recognise her positive impact in the UK and around the world with a permanent statue.

"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," they said.

According to the press release, a sculptor has yet to be chosen, but the palace hopes that the statue will be unveiled before the end of 2017. The princes have formed a six-member committee to advise on the sculptor and raise private funds to pay for the statue. Reports said the Queen has fully supported her grandchildren in commemorating Princess Diana.

Lady Diana, the first wife of Prince Charles, was killed when the limousine carrying her and millionaire companion Dodi Al-Fayed crashed in a Paris tunnel in August 1997. At that time, William was 15 and Harry 12.