Overview: Visiting the Diana Memorial Garden at Kensington Palace
The Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Garden, situated within the historic Sunken Garden at Kensington Palace in London, is an elegant public memorial honoring the life, warmth, and humanitarian legacy of the late Princess. Commissioned by her sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, the garden is centered around a permanent bronze statue created by acclaimed British sculptor Ian Rank-Broadley, which was officially unveiled on July 1, 2021, on what would have been Diana’s 60th birthday.
Unlike ticketed exhibitions inside the State Apartments of Kensington Palace, the Sunken Garden and the Diana statue are completely free to access for the public during Kensington Gardens’ normal daylight operating hours. Surrounded by a tranquil reflective pool, limestone paved pathways, and more than 4,000 carefully curated white and pastel blooms, the memorial provides a serene contemplative space in the heart of London’s Royal Parks.
The Ian Rank-Broadley Statue & Humanitarian Symbolism
Commissioned in 2017 to mark the 20th anniversary of Princess Diana’s tragic passing, the monument was designed to capture her approachable spirit and global charitable impact rather than formal royal stiffness:
- Figurative Composition: The 1.25-times life-size bronze sculpture depicts Diana standing confidently in modern dress, with her hands gently resting on the shoulders of three children of diverse backgrounds. The children symbolize the universality and multi-generational impact of her charitable crusades, particularly her pioneering work supporting pediatric AIDS patients, demining war-torn fields, combating homelessness, and assisting vulnerable youth.
- The Inscribed Paver: Embedded in the paving stones directly in front of the plinth is an engraved granite paver featuring an excerpt from the poem The Measure of a Man by Wallace Bruce, adapted to honor Diana’s generosity: “These are the units to measure the worth / Of this woman as a woman regardless of birth / Not what was her station? / But had she a heart? / How did she play her God-given part?”
- Artistic Legacy: Sculptor Ian Rank-Broadley is best known for creating the definitive effigy of Queen Elizabeth II that appeared on British and Commonwealth coins from 1998 through 2015.
The Sunken Garden: Horticultural Design & Favorite Flowers
Originally laid out in 1908 by King Edward VII in the style of an 18th-century Dutch garden, the Sunken Garden was Diana’s favorite retreat during her fifteen years residing at Kensington Palace. Head palace gardener Pip Morrison led a meticulous five-month redesign to prepare the grounds for the statue’s unveiling:
- Admission Cost: 100% Free. No advance booking or palace ticket is required to view the Sunken Garden or statue from the perimeter viewing walkway.
- Opening Hours: The gardens open daily at 6:00 AM year-round. Closing times align with dusk/sunset, ranging from 4:30 PM in mid-winter (December) to 9:00 PM during peak British summer (July and August).
- Accessibility: Flat, broad paved tarmac and stone pathways connect all park entrances to the Sunken Garden, making the viewpoint completely accessible for wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and strollers.
- Best Months to Visit: Late April through June provides peak spring bulb displays (tulips, narcissi, forget-me-nots), while July and August showcase fragrant English roses and dahlias in full bloom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is admission free to the Diana Memorial Garden?
Yes, viewing the Diana Princess of Wales statue and the surrounding Sunken Garden at Kensington Palace is completely free to the public without requiring a ticket or advance reservation.
Who sculpted the Diana statue at Kensington Palace?
The bronze memorial statue was sculpted by renowned British artist Ian Rank-Broadley, who was commissioned by Prince William and Prince Harry to commemorate their mother’s 60th birthday.
What Tube station is closest to Kensington Palace?
High Street Kensington Station (Circle and District lines) and Queensway Station (Central line) are the closest London Underground stations, each located approximately a 10-minute walk from the Sunken Garden.
- Admission Cost: 100% Free. No advance booking or palace ticket is required to view the Sunken Garden or statue from the perimeter viewing walkway.
- Opening Hours: The gardens open daily at 6:00 AM year-round. Closing times align with dusk/sunset, ranging from 4:30 PM in mid-winter (December) to 9:00 PM during peak British summer (July and August).
- Accessibility: Flat, broad paved tarmac and stone pathways connect all park entrances to the Sunken Garden, making the viewpoint completely accessible for wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and strollers.
- Best Months to Visit: Late April through June provides peak spring bulb displays (tulips, narcissi, forget-me-nots), while July and August showcase fragrant English roses and dahlias in full bloom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is admission free to the Diana Memorial Garden?
Yes, viewing the Diana Princess of Wales statue and the surrounding Sunken Garden at Kensington Palace is completely free to the public without requiring a ticket or advance reservation.
Who sculpted the Diana statue at Kensington Palace?
The bronze memorial statue was sculpted by renowned British artist Ian Rank-Broadley, who was commissioned by Prince William and Prince Harry to commemorate their mother’s 60th birthday.
What Tube station is closest to Kensington Palace?
High Street Kensington Station (Circle and District lines) and Queensway Station (Central line) are the closest London Underground stations, each located approximately a 10-minute walk from the Sunken Garden.
- High Street Kensington Tube Station (Circle & District Lines): Exit the station onto Kensington High Street, walk east for 400 meters, enter Kensington Gardens via Palace Gate or Broad Walk, and arrive at the Sunken Garden in roughly 10 minutes.
- Queensway Tube Station (Central Line): Exit the station, enter Kensington Gardens through the Black Lion Gate, and follow Broad Walk south past the Round Pond directly to the palace grounds (approx. 10-minute walk).
- Bus Routes: London bus routes 9, 49, 52, 70, 94, 148, and 390 stop along Kensington High Street or Bayswater Road adjacent to the park gates.
Practical Visitor Information & Etiquette
- Admission Cost: 100% Free. No advance booking or palace ticket is required to view the Sunken Garden or statue from the perimeter viewing walkway.
- Opening Hours: The gardens open daily at 6:00 AM year-round. Closing times align with dusk/sunset, ranging from 4:30 PM in mid-winter (December) to 9:00 PM during peak British summer (July and August).
- Accessibility: Flat, broad paved tarmac and stone pathways connect all park entrances to the Sunken Garden, making the viewpoint completely accessible for wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and strollers.
- Best Months to Visit: Late April through June provides peak spring bulb displays (tulips, narcissi, forget-me-nots), while July and August showcase fragrant English roses and dahlias in full bloom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is admission free to the Diana Memorial Garden?
Yes, viewing the Diana Princess of Wales statue and the surrounding Sunken Garden at Kensington Palace is completely free to the public without requiring a ticket or advance reservation.
Who sculpted the Diana statue at Kensington Palace?
The bronze memorial statue was sculpted by renowned British artist Ian Rank-Broadley, who was commissioned by Prince William and Prince Harry to commemorate their mother’s 60th birthday.
What Tube station is closest to Kensington Palace?
High Street Kensington Station (Circle and District lines) and Queensway Station (Central line) are the closest London Underground stations, each located approximately a 10-minute walk from the Sunken Garden.
- High Street Kensington Tube Station (Circle & District Lines): Exit the station onto Kensington High Street, walk east for 400 meters, enter Kensington Gardens via Palace Gate or Broad Walk, and arrive at the Sunken Garden in roughly 10 minutes.
- Queensway Tube Station (Central Line): Exit the station, enter Kensington Gardens through the Black Lion Gate, and follow Broad Walk south past the Round Pond directly to the palace grounds (approx. 10-minute walk).
- Bus Routes: London bus routes 9, 49, 52, 70, 94, 148, and 390 stop along Kensington High Street or Bayswater Road adjacent to the park gates.
Practical Visitor Information & Etiquette
- Admission Cost: 100% Free. No advance booking or palace ticket is required to view the Sunken Garden or statue from the perimeter viewing walkway.
- Opening Hours: The gardens open daily at 6:00 AM year-round. Closing times align with dusk/sunset, ranging from 4:30 PM in mid-winter (December) to 9:00 PM during peak British summer (July and August).
- Accessibility: Flat, broad paved tarmac and stone pathways connect all park entrances to the Sunken Garden, making the viewpoint completely accessible for wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and strollers.
- Best Months to Visit: Late April through June provides peak spring bulb displays (tulips, narcissi, forget-me-nots), while July and August showcase fragrant English roses and dahlias in full bloom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is admission free to the Diana Memorial Garden?
Yes, viewing the Diana Princess of Wales statue and the surrounding Sunken Garden at Kensington Palace is completely free to the public without requiring a ticket or advance reservation.
Who sculpted the Diana statue at Kensington Palace?
The bronze memorial statue was sculpted by renowned British artist Ian Rank-Broadley, who was commissioned by Prince William and Prince Harry to commemorate their mother’s 60th birthday.
What Tube station is closest to Kensington Palace?
High Street Kensington Station (Circle and District lines) and Queensway Station (Central line) are the closest London Underground stations, each located approximately a 10-minute walk from the Sunken Garden.
- Kensington Palace: Explore the palace exterior, the historic Orangery tearoom, and the Round Pond where swans and geese gather.
- Diana Memorial Playground: Located a 10-minute walk northwest near Queensway Gate, featuring an enormous wooden pirate ship inspired by Peter Pan, sensory trails, and water play areas for children under 12.
- Diana Memorial Fountain (Hyde Park): Located a pleasant 15-minute stroll southeast across the Serpentine Bridge. Designed by landscape architect Kathryn Gustafson, this flowing granite oval ring allows visitors to sit and dip their feet into cool mountain stream waters.
How to Get There: Tube Stations & Walking Directions
- High Street Kensington Tube Station (Circle & District Lines): Exit the station onto Kensington High Street, walk east for 400 meters, enter Kensington Gardens via Palace Gate or Broad Walk, and arrive at the Sunken Garden in roughly 10 minutes.
- Queensway Tube Station (Central Line): Exit the station, enter Kensington Gardens through the Black Lion Gate, and follow Broad Walk south past the Round Pond directly to the palace grounds (approx. 10-minute walk).
- Bus Routes: London bus routes 9, 49, 52, 70, 94, 148, and 390 stop along Kensington High Street or Bayswater Road adjacent to the park gates.
Practical Visitor Information & Etiquette
- Admission Cost: 100% Free. No advance booking or palace ticket is required to view the Sunken Garden or statue from the perimeter viewing walkway.
- Opening Hours: The gardens open daily at 6:00 AM year-round. Closing times align with dusk/sunset, ranging from 4:30 PM in mid-winter (December) to 9:00 PM during peak British summer (July and August).
- Accessibility: Flat, broad paved tarmac and stone pathways connect all park entrances to the Sunken Garden, making the viewpoint completely accessible for wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and strollers.
- Best Months to Visit: Late April through June provides peak spring bulb displays (tulips, narcissi, forget-me-nots), while July and August showcase fragrant English roses and dahlias in full bloom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is admission free to the Diana Memorial Garden?
Yes, viewing the Diana Princess of Wales statue and the surrounding Sunken Garden at Kensington Palace is completely free to the public without requiring a ticket or advance reservation.
Who sculpted the Diana statue at Kensington Palace?
The bronze memorial statue was sculpted by renowned British artist Ian Rank-Broadley, who was commissioned by Prince William and Prince Harry to commemorate their mother’s 60th birthday.
What Tube station is closest to Kensington Palace?
High Street Kensington Station (Circle and District lines) and Queensway Station (Central line) are the closest London Underground stations, each located approximately a 10-minute walk from the Sunken Garden.
- Kensington Palace: Explore the palace exterior, the historic Orangery tearoom, and the Round Pond where swans and geese gather.
- Diana Memorial Playground: Located a 10-minute walk northwest near Queensway Gate, featuring an enormous wooden pirate ship inspired by Peter Pan, sensory trails, and water play areas for children under 12.
- Diana Memorial Fountain (Hyde Park): Located a pleasant 15-minute stroll southeast across the Serpentine Bridge. Designed by landscape architect Kathryn Gustafson, this flowing granite oval ring allows visitors to sit and dip their feet into cool mountain stream waters.
How to Get There: Tube Stations & Walking Directions
- High Street Kensington Tube Station (Circle & District Lines): Exit the station onto Kensington High Street, walk east for 400 meters, enter Kensington Gardens via Palace Gate or Broad Walk, and arrive at the Sunken Garden in roughly 10 minutes.
- Queensway Tube Station (Central Line): Exit the station, enter Kensington Gardens through the Black Lion Gate, and follow Broad Walk south past the Round Pond directly to the palace grounds (approx. 10-minute walk).
- Bus Routes: London bus routes 9, 49, 52, 70, 94, 148, and 390 stop along Kensington High Street or Bayswater Road adjacent to the park gates.
Practical Visitor Information & Etiquette
- Admission Cost: 100% Free. No advance booking or palace ticket is required to view the Sunken Garden or statue from the perimeter viewing walkway.
- Opening Hours: The gardens open daily at 6:00 AM year-round. Closing times align with dusk/sunset, ranging from 4:30 PM in mid-winter (December) to 9:00 PM during peak British summer (July and August).
- Accessibility: Flat, broad paved tarmac and stone pathways connect all park entrances to the Sunken Garden, making the viewpoint completely accessible for wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and strollers.
- Best Months to Visit: Late April through June provides peak spring bulb displays (tulips, narcissi, forget-me-nots), while July and August showcase fragrant English roses and dahlias in full bloom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is admission free to the Diana Memorial Garden?
Yes, viewing the Diana Princess of Wales statue and the surrounding Sunken Garden at Kensington Palace is completely free to the public without requiring a ticket or advance reservation.
Who sculpted the Diana statue at Kensington Palace?
The bronze memorial statue was sculpted by renowned British artist Ian Rank-Broadley, who was commissioned by Prince William and Prince Harry to commemorate their mother’s 60th birthday.
What Tube station is closest to Kensington Palace?
High Street Kensington Station (Circle and District lines) and Queensway Station (Central line) are the closest London Underground stations, each located approximately a 10-minute walk from the Sunken Garden.
- 4,000+ Curated Blooms: The planting beds surrounding the central rectangular ornamental pond were planted with more than 4,000 flowers, deliberately emphasizing white, cream, and delicate pink hues to create a calm, dignified atmosphere.
- Princess Diana’s Signature Flora: The horticultural scheme features 100 of Diana’s favorite flowers, blue Forget-Me-Nots, alongside 500 white garden roses, 200 fragrant English roses, 300 tulips, 100 summer dahlias, sweet peas, white narcissi, and lavender borders.
- Central Water Basin: The long, stepped reflective pool features gentle floating water lilies and provides a mirror-like surface reflecting both the sky and the sculpted figures.
The Diana Memorial Trail & Kensington Gardens Walking Route
The Sunken Garden forms a key highlight of the broader seven-mile Princess Diana Memorial Walk, marked by 90 brass medallions set into pathways connecting four London Royal Parks:
- Kensington Palace: Explore the palace exterior, the historic Orangery tearoom, and the Round Pond where swans and geese gather.
- Diana Memorial Playground: Located a 10-minute walk northwest near Queensway Gate, featuring an enormous wooden pirate ship inspired by Peter Pan, sensory trails, and water play areas for children under 12.
- Diana Memorial Fountain (Hyde Park): Located a pleasant 15-minute stroll southeast across the Serpentine Bridge. Designed by landscape architect Kathryn Gustafson, this flowing granite oval ring allows visitors to sit and dip their feet into cool mountain stream waters.
How to Get There: Tube Stations & Walking Directions
- High Street Kensington Tube Station (Circle & District Lines): Exit the station onto Kensington High Street, walk east for 400 meters, enter Kensington Gardens via Palace Gate or Broad Walk, and arrive at the Sunken Garden in roughly 10 minutes.
- Queensway Tube Station (Central Line): Exit the station, enter Kensington Gardens through the Black Lion Gate, and follow Broad Walk south past the Round Pond directly to the palace grounds (approx. 10-minute walk).
- Bus Routes: London bus routes 9, 49, 52, 70, 94, 148, and 390 stop along Kensington High Street or Bayswater Road adjacent to the park gates.
Practical Visitor Information & Etiquette
- Admission Cost: 100% Free. No advance booking or palace ticket is required to view the Sunken Garden or statue from the perimeter viewing walkway.
- Opening Hours: The gardens open daily at 6:00 AM year-round. Closing times align with dusk/sunset, ranging from 4:30 PM in mid-winter (December) to 9:00 PM during peak British summer (July and August).
- Accessibility: Flat, broad paved tarmac and stone pathways connect all park entrances to the Sunken Garden, making the viewpoint completely accessible for wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and strollers.
- Best Months to Visit: Late April through June provides peak spring bulb displays (tulips, narcissi, forget-me-nots), while July and August showcase fragrant English roses and dahlias in full bloom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is admission free to the Diana Memorial Garden?
Yes, viewing the Diana Princess of Wales statue and the surrounding Sunken Garden at Kensington Palace is completely free to the public without requiring a ticket or advance reservation.
Who sculpted the Diana statue at Kensington Palace?
The bronze memorial statue was sculpted by renowned British artist Ian Rank-Broadley, who was commissioned by Prince William and Prince Harry to commemorate their mother’s 60th birthday.
What Tube station is closest to Kensington Palace?
High Street Kensington Station (Circle and District lines) and Queensway Station (Central line) are the closest London Underground stations, each located approximately a 10-minute walk from the Sunken Garden.
- 4,000+ Curated Blooms: The planting beds surrounding the central rectangular ornamental pond were planted with more than 4,000 flowers, deliberately emphasizing white, cream, and delicate pink hues to create a calm, dignified atmosphere.
- Princess Diana’s Signature Flora: The horticultural scheme features 100 of Diana’s favorite flowers, blue Forget-Me-Nots, alongside 500 white garden roses, 200 fragrant English roses, 300 tulips, 100 summer dahlias, sweet peas, white narcissi, and lavender borders.
- Central Water Basin: The long, stepped reflective pool features gentle floating water lilies and provides a mirror-like surface reflecting both the sky and the sculpted figures.
The Diana Memorial Trail & Kensington Gardens Walking Route
The Sunken Garden forms a key highlight of the broader seven-mile Princess Diana Memorial Walk, marked by 90 brass medallions set into pathways connecting four London Royal Parks:
- Kensington Palace: Explore the palace exterior, the historic Orangery tearoom, and the Round Pond where swans and geese gather.
- Diana Memorial Playground: Located a 10-minute walk northwest near Queensway Gate, featuring an enormous wooden pirate ship inspired by Peter Pan, sensory trails, and water play areas for children under 12.
- Diana Memorial Fountain (Hyde Park): Located a pleasant 15-minute stroll southeast across the Serpentine Bridge. Designed by landscape architect Kathryn Gustafson, this flowing granite oval ring allows visitors to sit and dip their feet into cool mountain stream waters.
How to Get There: Tube Stations & Walking Directions
- High Street Kensington Tube Station (Circle & District Lines): Exit the station onto Kensington High Street, walk east for 400 meters, enter Kensington Gardens via Palace Gate or Broad Walk, and arrive at the Sunken Garden in roughly 10 minutes.
- Queensway Tube Station (Central Line): Exit the station, enter Kensington Gardens through the Black Lion Gate, and follow Broad Walk south past the Round Pond directly to the palace grounds (approx. 10-minute walk).
- Bus Routes: London bus routes 9, 49, 52, 70, 94, 148, and 390 stop along Kensington High Street or Bayswater Road adjacent to the park gates.
Practical Visitor Information & Etiquette
- Admission Cost: 100% Free. No advance booking or palace ticket is required to view the Sunken Garden or statue from the perimeter viewing walkway.
- Opening Hours: The gardens open daily at 6:00 AM year-round. Closing times align with dusk/sunset, ranging from 4:30 PM in mid-winter (December) to 9:00 PM during peak British summer (July and August).
- Accessibility: Flat, broad paved tarmac and stone pathways connect all park entrances to the Sunken Garden, making the viewpoint completely accessible for wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and strollers.
- Best Months to Visit: Late April through June provides peak spring bulb displays (tulips, narcissi, forget-me-nots), while July and August showcase fragrant English roses and dahlias in full bloom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is admission free to the Diana Memorial Garden?
Yes, viewing the Diana Princess of Wales statue and the surrounding Sunken Garden at Kensington Palace is completely free to the public without requiring a ticket or advance reservation.
Who sculpted the Diana statue at Kensington Palace?
The bronze memorial statue was sculpted by renowned British artist Ian Rank-Broadley, who was commissioned by Prince William and Prince Harry to commemorate their mother’s 60th birthday.
What Tube station is closest to Kensington Palace?
High Street Kensington Station (Circle and District lines) and Queensway Station (Central line) are the closest London Underground stations, each located approximately a 10-minute walk from the Sunken Garden.
