The Duchess of Cambridge’s absence from the ceremony on Thursday will be "telling on so many levels," family sources have claimed. The guest list for the long-awaited royal event was cut due to the current coronavirus guidelines.

       Only Diana’s sons, Princes William and Harry, and the late Princess’ close relatives will attend the poignant ceremony in the Sunken Garden at Kensington Palace.

       A Kensington Palace spokesperson announced that the unveiling would be a “small” event in a statement released on Friday.

       They said: “Prince William and Prince Harry will attend a small event to mark the unveiling of a statue they commissioned of their mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, in the Sunken Garden at Kensington Palace on Thursday, July 1.

       "In addition to close family of Diana, Princess of Wales, members of the statue committee, the sculptor Ian Rank-Broadley, and garden designer, Pip Morrison, will also be present.”

       A source told Page Six "Catherine’s absence speaks volumes."

       According to the insider, the Cambridges will take the opportunity to visit the monument privately with their children.

       They added: "I think keeping the numbers down is a perfect ‘excuse’ for Catherine to stay away.

       “William is fed up with the drama and Catherine doesn’t need to be dragged into this.

       "They are planning a private family visit with their children, and that private moment is far more important than the public rhetoric."

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