The heir to the throne, who was married to the mother of his children for 15 years, will not attend the unveiling. A friend of the Prince of Wales said he will keep the late Princess’ memories to himself as Princes William and Harry host the event.

The source told the Sunday Times: “He does find it terribly difficult.

“These moments have the potential to resurface old wounds, and it brings back memories for him; happy, sad, regretful.

“Since Diana’s death, he has felt it’s best to keep those memories to himself and leave his sons to it.”

The statue will be erected in Kensington Palace’s Sunken Gardens, a spot close to Diana’s heart.

The date of the unveiling, July 1, marks what would have been the late royal’s 60th birthday.

Ken Wharfe, who worked as Diana’s long-time protection officer, explained why the location was so special to the Princess of Wales.

He told Vanity Fair: “It’s a very fitting place for the statue to be.

“The Sunken Garden was a place that Diana loved and enjoyed taking the children to.”

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