Mid-day

Mumbai, Jun 19: Cambridge International Academy at Karjat, which was founded in memory of the late Princess Diana, has erected a marble statue of her. The statue has been made by craftsmen from Jaipur.

But a request by the school authorities to get Diana’s sons, Princes William and Harry, to unveil the statue on July 1 (Diana’s birth anniversary) has been turned down by Buckingham Palace.

A palace spokesperson said they had received the invitation, but added, “Both princes are busy with their military duties, and therefore, cannot make it to India.” But Arjun Gaur, chairman of the academy, remains optimistic.

“We have sent an invitation to the royal family and they are considering it. The two princes are busy with their commitments, but we are trying our best to bring them down for the function.”

School director Pramod Patankar said, “Our students were ready to welcome William and Harry. But they will be disheartened to learn that the royals will not make it. In fact, we were preparing a grand welcome for them.”

Gaur added, “I was inspired by Lady Diana and built the school as a tribute to her. Presently, we have 110 boarders, of whom 20 are from foreign countries.”