Princes planning huge Wembley concert for Diana
Showbiz Desk

LONDON—Britain’s Princes William and Harry are planning a huge pop concert to mark the 10th anniversary of their mother Diana, princess of Wales’ death, newspapers said.
The charity event is due to be held at the currently unfinished new Wembley Stadium on July 1, which would have been her 46th birthday. Top acts from Britain and the United States were expected to perform before 90,000 fans, with the event to be televised live to viewers worldwide. The acts would be chosen by the princes, with some reflective of their mother’s tastes. Singers Madonna, Kylie Minogue and Beyonce have been approached, as have rock band The Killers and rapper Pharrell.
Elton John, who performed at Diana’s funeral, and George Michael are also in the frame. William, 24, and Harry, 22, both now in the British Army, want the concert to be an “upbeat, joyous tribute to her life and work”, the Sunday Mirror said. “We’re considering a number of options on how best to commemorate next year,” said a spokesman for Clarence House, the princes’ official residence. “William and Harry will make a decision in due course.”
An official announcement is due to be made on December 12, The Mail on Sunday said. A source told the tabloid: “The princes are very excited about it. They are very hands-on, organising and helping to select their favourite bands. It is going to cause a stir. This is a major new happening with regard to the princes’ emerging public profile.” Diana married Prince Charles, the heir to the throne, in July 1981 and was a hugely popular member of Britain’s royal family. The couple separated in December 1992 and divorced in August 1996. Diana was killed in a Paris car crash in August 1997 along with her boyfriend Dodi Fayed and his chauffeur Henri Paul.
The Sunday Telegraph newspaper said confidential BBC documents showed that nearly half the population (44 percent) felt alienated by the blanket coverage of her funeral. The papers, drawn up soon after the event, showed that the corporation came to regret the use of phrases such as “mood of the nation” and “public grief” during its bulletins.
The new Wembley Stadium in northwest London has run vastly over-budget and been repeatedly delayed. The 800 million pound (1.5 billion dollar) venue is due to open in time for the showpiece FA Cup Final football match in May.