On this space rises the Flame of Liberty, a replica of the torch of the Statue of Liberty (Liberty Enlightening the World) in New York City. The statue was erected in 1989 to celebrate the Franco-American friendship. Somewhat forgotten, the Flame benefited from a renewed interest when Diana, Princess of Wales, died on 31 August 1997, during a road accident in the tunnel of Pont de l'Alma, located below the monument.
Further reading
Sully, Nicole (2010). "Memorials incognito: The candle, the drain and the cabbage patch for Diana, Princess of Wales". Architectural Research Quarterly. 14 (2): 115–128. doi:10.1017/S1359135510000734.