That bench has since been dubbed “Lady Di’s Chair” and that portrait is one of the most iconic frames of the late princess who sat alone without her husband for the photo call during their official tour of India, their last as a couple. Within the year, Prince William’s parents, Princess Diana and Prince Charles, announced their separation. Princess Diana later died in a vehicle crash in Paris on August 31, 1997. The royal couple re-created that solemn image on that very bench, which has since been named in Princess Diana’s honor.
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The Duchess, née Kate Middleton, 34, who wore a white dress with blue embroidery by India designer Naeem Khan, and the Duke of Cambridge, 33, recreated the iconic image from 1992.
By the time he and Diana finally made it to India together their marriage was on the rocks and the couple officially separated months later. India’s most famous landmark holds a special significance for the young royals, with Kensington Palace saying Prince William feels “incredibly lucky” to visit a site where his mother’s memory is so alive.
The Taj Mahal was given a makeover for the royal rendezvous, especially the famed Diana seat by the central pool was repaired for the occasion.
Prince William, Duke of Cambridge looks on as Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge fires an arrow during an Bhutanese archery demonstration on the first day of a two day visit to Bhutan on the 14th April 2016 in Paro, Bhutan. The royal couple caused a great deal of excitement, with dozens of people taking pictures on their cellphones.
William and Kate follow a long line of royals who have visited the Taj Mahal post-Independence.
While Prince William understands the public’s never-ending fascination with his mother, he has said that he and the duchess don’t consider themselves to be living in her shadow.
Prince William and Kate on Sunday arrived in India where they met top political leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, cricketers and Bollywood stars.
The Taj Mahal was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the mid-17th Century as a monument of love to his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal.
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Despite the unhappy headlines, a then-9-year-old William may have been told that the place was remarkable and that she enjoyed visiting.
