Princess Diana’s statue unveiling was a sign of ‘the Spencer generation taking over’, says royal expert
Princess Diana's statue unveiling had strong representation from the Spencer family

Princess Diana's statue unveiling guest list signified the 'Spencer generation taking over', according to a royal expert.
- Princess Diana's statue unveiling guest list revealed significant predictions for the future of the Royal Family, according to a royal expert.
- The Windsors were noticeably outnumbered by the Spencers, Princess Diana's biological family, at the poignant event to celebrate the late royal's 60th birthday.
- In other royal news, Prince George said the most hilarious thing when spotted on a day out with Kate Middleton.
Princess Diana's statue unveiling guestlist has revealed a power shift within the Royal Family, according to a royal biographer.
Speaking on the Royal Beat, Robert Lacey argued that the notable lack of Windsors at yesterday's Kensington Palace memorial service was a symbol of the "Spencer generation taking over."
"There's no way the Queen would have put up a statue to Diana, obviously no way Charles would have put up a statue to Diana," he said. "So this is them. It's the new Spencer generation taking over. There’s not a Windsor in sight here, it’s that side of the family.”
The poignant ceremony, which had been delayed numerous times due to various factors, saw Prince Harry and Prince William come together with Diana's close relatives to celebrate what would have been her 60th birthday. The royal brothers teamed up to unveil the life-sized bronze statue of their late mother, before taking a moment of silence to remember her. They also shared some words with each other about the sculpture, before mingling with the other guests in attendance.
Prince William and Prince Harry unveil Princess Diana's statue in celebration of her 60th birthday
Prince Harry and Prince William had hoped to invite 100 people to the unveiling, but were forced to reduce the invitation list to adhere to new coronavirus restrictions. The service, which took place at Sunken Garden in Kensington Palace, was attended by just 13 people in the end.
The unveiling had a noticeably strong representation from the Spencer family, with both Diana's sisters, Lady Sarah McCoquodale, and Lady Jane Fellowes, making a rare public appearance in honor of the special occasion. Earl Spencer, Diana's younger brother, was also present, traveling down to London from Diana's childhood home of Althorp House for the important event.
Sign up for the woman&home newsletter
Sign up to our free daily email for the latest royal and entertainment news, interesting opinion, expert advice on styling and beauty trends, and no-nonsense guides to the health and wellness questions you want answered.
Prince Harry chatting to Princess Diana's brother, Earl Spencer, and two sisters, Lady Sarah McCoquodale, and Lady Jane Fellowes.
Prince Harry and Prince William embrace their aunts Lady Sarah McCorquodale (second left) and Lady Jane Fellowes (right) at Princess Diana's statue unveiling.
The Windsor clan, on the other hand, were visibly absent from the unveiling.
Aside from Prince Harry and Prince William, there were no Royal Family members in attendance. Prince Charles has always found tributes to his late ex-wife "terribly difficult" and therefore chose to "leave his sons at it", according to a royal insider.
The future King of England is reportedly keeping a low profile, having fled to the Queen's Scottish holiday home, Balmoral Castle, while his youngest child is back in town. It is understood that Prince Charles has "no plans" to see Harry during his UK trip, dashing fans' hopes at a potential reunion between the estranged father and son.
The Queen is also in Scotland at the moment, where she is undergoing a week of royal engagements at the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Hailing from the lovely city of Dublin, Emma mainly covers the Royal Family and the entertainment world, as well as the occasional health and wellness feature. Always up for a good conversation, she has a passion for interviewing everyone from A-list celebrities to the local GP - or just about anyone who will chat to her, really.
Emma holds an MA in International Journalism from City, University of London, and a BA in English Literature from Trinity College Dublin.
-
Julianne Moore mastered wearing barrel leg jeans last spring - and her styling trick has never been more relevant
A lesson in balancing proportions - this is how to make statement denim look refined and sophisticated.
By Molly Smith Published
-
'You’ve got to live your life, no restrictions' - Jennifer Aniston’s 80/20 approach to wellness is so refreshing
Jen's non-restrictive approach is backed by researched and praised by experts
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
Kate and William 'enjoying half-term break' in private paradise for special trip with Carole Middleton
The Prince and Princess of Wales have reportedly jetted off to enjoy some sunshine with family close by after missing 2025 BAFTAs
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton and Prince William mark Valentine's Day with candid romantic picture - and the caption says it all
The Prince and Princess of Wales have shared a new picture to celebrate Valentine's Day and it's pure romance
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton's foodie compromise for Prince William that we bet she'd make for King Charles
The Princess of Wales has developed a way to keep everyone happy when she makes a signature dish and it involves tweaking the method
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Lady Louise Windsor could step up to be vital support to Prince William in 'years to come'
Lady Louise could potentially be 'willing' to help out her cousin Prince William one day even if she doesn't become a working royal
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton and Prince William make poignant appearance as a duo for first time this year
The Prince and Princess of Wales paid their respects as they attended a service to mark Holocaust Memorial Day 2025
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Prince William’s ‘wish’ for Princess Charlotte and Louis as George follows in his footsteps
The Prince of Wales enjoyed a special visit in Birmingham and reportedly shared a surprising wish for his younger children
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
What do the royals eat on Christmas Day? The mouth-watering festive meals Prince William and Kate will enjoy
The Prince and Princess of Wales and the other royals are in for a treat this Christmas Day if their food traditions remain unchanged
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton and Prince William's Christmas card worth the wait with gorgeous photo of kids during pivotal 2024 moment
The Prince and Princess of Wales have shared their 2024 Christmas card on social media and it's such a special and significant choice
By Emma Shacklock Published