London, Jan 29 (IANS): A statue of Princess Diana has been commissioned by her two sons, Duke of Cambridge Prince William and Prince Harry, 20 years after her death, a media report said.

"It has been 20 years since our mother's death and the time is right to recognise her positive impact in the UK and around the world with a permanent statue," the two Princes said in a statement on Saturday.

"Our mother touched so many lives. We hope the statue will help all those who visit Kensington Palace to reflect on her life and her legacy," BBC quoted the statement as saying.

Diana died on August 31, 1997 in a car crash in Paris when William was 15 and Harry was 12.

The sculpture will be erected in the public grounds of Diana's former residence, Kensington Palace.

The statue will be the fourth London-based monument dedicated to Diana and will be close to the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain in Hyde Park and the memorial garden close to Kensington Palace.

An artist will be chosen by a committee of six people, including Diana's sister Lady Sarah McCorquodale.