Queen's absence at Diana statue unveiling discussed by Jobson

When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters. Sometimes they’ll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer. Our Privacy Notice explains more about how we use your data, and your rights. You can unsubscribe at any time.

On Thursday, Prince William and Prince Harry unveiled a statue of their late mother in the Sunken Gardens of Kensington Palace. It was a small, intimate event with just the princes, Diana’s brother and sisters, the sculptor, the head gardener and members of the statue committee. Noticeably not in attendance was Meghan Markle, who remained in the US with her two children Archie and Lilibet, and Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, who many thought would be there.

According to the Palace, this was due to Covid restrictions, but one royal expert has cast doubt on this, pointing out that there are sporting events happening at the moment with thousands of people.

Pod Save the Queen is hosted by Ann Gripper and features Daily Mirror royal editor Russell Myers.

Last week, Mr Myers said he had been told Kate was going to be in attendance, adding that she certainly wanted to be there, as did several other people.

However, these plans changed and he was not sure he quite believed the Palace’s explanation.

He said: “Certainly the goalposts did change somewhat from plans that were expected by some.

“The Palace said that this was due to coronavirus restrictions ‒ read into that what you will, because I don’t think it was all to do with Covid because we’re having sporting events with many many thousands of people at the moment.

“So that isn’t necessarily the correct excuse.

“However, it possibly did serve a purpose because, like you just said, a more intimate event, one without speeches, release a statement on behalf of the brothers, and in their sense its job done really.”

Last week, Mr Myers said he thought the presence of the Duchess of Cambridge would “act as quite a buffer between the brothers”.

William and Harry have had a strained relationship over the past few years and months, in particular since the Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced their decision to step down as senior royals, and since their interview with Oprah Winfrey.

Kate is often seen as the ‘peacemaker’ and was seen instigating a conversation with Harry at Prince Philip’s funeral in April.

Mr Myers said he thought it would be “a good decision” to have Kate there, considering how much attention there will be on Harry returning to the UK for the event.

However, a royal source later told Harper’s Bazaar that it was “always going to be the two brothers”.

DON’T MISS
William and Harry’s ‘perfect antidote’ to speculation over royal feud [QUOTE]
Harry’s ‘service is universal’ claim in new light after Diana poem [ANALYSIS]
Meghan heartbreak at misogynistic root of vile pregnancy conspiracy [INSIGHT]

Meanwhile, royal commentator Camilla Tominey said Kate was advised not to go out of fear Harry would feel “outflanked” amid the feud between the brothers.

Ms Tominey said: “Aides had agonised over whether Kate, 39, should attend Thursday’s engagement, but she will not be present.

“While William, 39, always wanted his wife of 10 years to be by his side, there were concerns that Harry might feel ‘outflanked’ by the Cambridges if they were together and he was on his own.”

In the end, it was just the two brothers and Diana’s siblings, Earl Spencer, Lady Jane Fellowes and Lady Sarah McCorquodale.

However, somewhere Kate has been visible recently is at Wimbledon.

She was spotted “having a grand old time” sitting and “laughing her head off” with British tennis legend Tim Henman, according to Mr Myers.

While the children have not been yet, as Kate appeared on a Friday when they would have been at school, Ms Gripper said she would love to see the Duchess back with the kids on finals weekend.

Meanwhile, Prince Harry has been spotted heading to the airport to fly back to the US to be with his family.

Harry’s daughter Lilibet is just a month old.

To subscribe to Pod Save the Queen go to your normal podcast provider.

Source: Read Full Article