"Resurface old wounds": Why Prince Charles will not be attending event commemorating Princess Diana
Prince Charles is unlikely to attend the unveiling of a statue of Princess Diana amid concerns the emotional event will "resurface old wounds".
His sons Prince William and Prince Harry will reunite for the commemoration on Thursday July 1, on what would have been Diana's 60th birthday.
Their mother will be forever remembered through a sculpture that will be installed in the Sunken Garden at Kensington Palace, her former home.
The Spencer family will also be present at the event.
Diana's sister Lady Sarah was part of a committee that had been tasked with commissioning and privately raising funds for the creation of the statue.
But the Prince of Wales, who was married to Diana for 15 years, will be absent.
Prince Charles and Diana separated in 1992 and their divorce was finalised in 1996.
"He does find it terribly difficult," a friend of Prince Charles told The Sunday Times.
"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."