Princess Diana may have passed away nearly three decades ago, but her legacy is still as strong as ever. Now, an iconic memorial created in her honour has undergone an impressive regeneration, meaning it can stand for many more years to come. Set in Kensington Gardens, the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground is the perfect tribute to her legacy as the ‘People's Princess’, being a free to use space for all children.

This week, the playground reopened after an impressive £3 million revamp, with one key change being that it’s now much more accessible. The space has been more inclusively redesigned for children with different needs, including wheelchair-accessible spaces and slides.

diana, princess of wales (1961 1997) at a dr barnardos home in auburn, new south wales, australia, january 1988. she is wearing a dress by catherine walker. (photo by jayne fincher/princess diana archive/getty images)
Princess Diana Archive
Princess Diana visiting children at a Dr Barnardo’s home in Austrailia, in 1988.

‘This playground has been thoughtfully designed so that children of all abilities and interests can find something that appeals to them,’ Andy Williams, park manager for Kensington Gardens, told Pro Landscaper. ‘Children can once again splash, swing, climb and hide in this almost two-acre playground set amongst sub-tropical planting.’

Created around the theme of Peter Pan, the playground centres on a huge ‘Galleon’ pirate ship, which stands at 12 metres tall. There’s also a treehouse and crocodile waterplay area (which will be flooded once the hosepipe ban is lifted) and plenty of places for children to slide, climb and play.

london, united kingdom june 30: children playing in the princess of wales memorial playground in kensington gardens in london. (photo by tim graham photo library via getty images)
Tim Graham
The original galleon ship back when the playground opened in 2000.
the plaque on the pathway at the diana, princess of wales memorial playground and walk which was opened on 30 june 2000 in londons kensington gardens by domenica lawson, the princesss last godchild. the opening was also attended by the princess brother earl spencer and his children. (photo by jonathan utz / afp) (photo by jonathan utz/afp via getty images)
JONATHAN UTZ

The playground opened in 2000 and was enjoyed for more than 20 years before it closed for a much-needed regeneration. The Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground is located in Kensington Gardens, London, and is free to use during opening hours.

Earlier this month, Prince Harry visited another location dedicated to Princess Diana’s memory: her childhood home and resting place, Althorp Park. During a visit to the UK for the Invictus Games, Prince Harry spent time holidaying with his wife, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

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Meghan shared photographs from their trip in a post on social media. In one of the images, Prince Harry could be seen walking down a tree-lined lane at Althorp Park alongside his son, with both of them holding bouquets of flowers.

Princess Diana is laid to rest on an island in the centre of a private lake in the grounds and it’s believed the Prince was there to pay his respects to his late mother, with his family by his side.