Kate Middleton to Miss Unveiling of Princess Diana Statue Due to Covid Restrictions

Kate Middleton will not be able to attend the highly anticipated unveiling of a statue honoring Princess Diana this week due to Covid-19 regulations.

Initially scheduled to join Prince William and Prince Harry at the event on Thursday, palace sources have revealed that only Diana's close family members will be present as plans to accommodate over 100 guests have been canceled.

The Duchess of Cambridge was confirmed as a guest earlier, but changes were made to the arrangements following Prince Harry's return to the UK.

A royal source disclosed to the Mirror that the event has been downsized to create a more intimate and personal atmosphere for the family.

The adjustments in plans, including the exclusion of media coverage and a reduced guest list, align with the current Covid-19 restrictions while maintaining the event's significance.

A spokesperson from Kensington Palace stated that Prince William and Prince Harry will participate in a small gathering to unveil a statue they commissioned in honor of their mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, at the Sunken Garden in Kensington Palace on July 1.

In addition to Diana's close family members, attendees will include members of the Statue Committee, the sculptor Ian Rank-Broadley, and garden designer Pip Morrison.

The event coincides with what would have been the Princess of Wales' 60th birthday.

Kate Middleton's absence from the ceremony may disappoint Diana's friends who had hoped for a reconciliation between the feuding brothers.

Earlier reports suggested that Kate was poised to assist in presenting a united front with the princes during the event.

It was expected that the trio would walk in together, with the brothers delivering separate speeches while jointly honoring Diana's legacy and recognizing sculptor Ian Rank-Broadley for his dedication to the project.

A rift between William and Harry has widened since the latter's relocation to the US after stepping back from royal duties.

Currently residing in California with his wife Meghan Markle and their children, Harry's attendance at the statue unveiling had been uncertain amid speculation about the state of his relationship with the royal family.

Despite returning to Britain in April for Prince Philip's funeral at Windsor Castle, reports indicate that Harry, William, and Prince Charles did not engage in discussions to resolve their differences.

Contrary to earlier suggestions, royal historian Robert Lacey dismissed claims of a truce, revealing that William and Kate expressed reluctance to engage with Harry due to concerns about confidential discussions being leaked through Meghan Markle's connections.

The Mirror has reached out to Kensington Palace for further insights on the matter.