LONDON — Princes William and Harry put aside their differences to appear together on Thursday to unveil a statue honoring their mother Diana in the Sunken Garden of Kensington Palace.

The statue — which was originally commissioned in 2017 on the 20th anniversary of her death — was revealed at an afternoon ceremony on what would have been Diana's 60th birthday.

It was their first appearance together since the Duke of Edinburgh's funeral in April.

They paid tribute to their mother in a joint statement released through Kensington Palace following the low-key event, saying: "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 her legacy."

William and Harry seemed at ease during the event, warmly greeting guests and sharing jokes with the small group of attendees.

Kensington Palace 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," the palace statement added. — Agencies