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Princes William, Harry mark Diana's birthday with concert
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July 02, 2007 08:36 IST

Britain's Princes William and Harry appeared on the stage to kick off a charity concert to mark the 46th birthday of their late mother Princess Diana on Sunday, with Sir Elton John opening the show at the newly-built Wembley Stadium amid heightened security.

The Princes, on stage to introduce Duran Duran, one of Diana's favourite bands, said the concert was about 'all that our mother loved in life'.

Huge cheers greeted Sir Elton, 60, who performed in front of a giant photograph of Diana by Mario Testino, rendering Your Song.

Eighties stars Duran Duran played a trio of songs including Wild Boys - which they dedicated to the princes - and Rio, a favourite track of the late princess.

Up to 63,000 music fans joined hosts Princes William and Harry at the memorial show, according to BBC.

"This evening is about all that our mother loved in life -- music, dance, her charities and her family and friends," said 25-year-old Prince William [Images].

It is 10 years since the Princess died in a car crash in Paris in August 1997.

Meanwhile, Prince Harry paid tribute to fellow soldiers currently serving in Iraq. The 22-year-old had been due to be deployed in Basra this year, but military commanders decided against sending him there, deeming it too dangerous.

"I wish I was there with you. I'm sorry I can't be. But to you and everybody else on operations at the moment, we would both like to say, stay safe," he said.

The six-hour show is being broadcast to 140 countries, with proceeds from ticket sales going to charitable causes favoured by the Princess.

Security was heightened at stadium after a double car bombing plot was foiled in the British capital early Friday and after a fiery but failed car bombing at Glasgow Airport in Scotland on Saturday.

About 450 officers were on duty at the event, Scotland Yard said, with ticket-holders advised to take the minimum amount of items with them, and be vigilant.



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