The Diana Memorial Fountain in Hyde Park, London, has remained closed throughout the summer due to a series of technical faults, leaving visitors disappointed during a period of prolonged high temperatures. Royal Parks, the charity responsible for maintaining the park, has apologized for the inconvenience.
Problems began months ago when the pump that draws water from a local borehole experienced a mechanical breakdown. Although the pump was repaired, subsequent issues arose from a failure in the system's control software, preventing the water supply from being restored. The closure was announced on July 1, and the fountain has been dry for longer than anticipated as teams worked to resolve the software glitch.
Royal Parks noted that the same water network supplies several other parks in London, meaning maintenance staff have been managing multiple operational issues simultaneously. Park officials anticipate that water flow will resume within the next few weeks, emphasizing that the memorial receives regular maintenance and investment.
The £5.2 million fountain, opened in July 2004 as a tribute to Princess Diana, has a history of early operational problems. Shortly after its inauguration, it was closed due to flooding caused by leaves clogging an outflow. Within two weeks, it was shut again due to injuries from people slipping on the wet stone, leading to the hiring of guards to prevent paddling. Further closures occurred in January 2005 for renovations and again the following summer due to blocked drains from litter.
Designed by Kathryn Gustafson, the 690ft fountain is constructed from 545 pieces of Cornish granite and features a large granite ring where water is pumped up a hill before cascading down in two directions.
A 2006 report by Members of Parliament described the fountain as "ill-conceived and ill-executed" due to management and design failures, noting its initial budget was £3 million. Princess Diana is also commemorated by a statue at Kensington Palace and the Diana Memorial Playground.