Kate Middleton was noticeably absent on Thursday when a statue dedicated to her late mother-in-law Princess Diana was unveiled at Kensington Palace on what would have been the late icon’s 60th birthday. Now, a source close to the situation is coming forward to say that while Kate desperately wanted to be there, it was ultimately decided by the royal family that she would stay home.

“Out of respect for [Prince] Harry and William, [the royal family] wanted it to be just about Diana’s sons and not a huge public affair,” a source told US Weekly. “Kate was definitely supporting William while physically not being there and really wanted to attend, but the family as a whole decided it was best for the kids and her to stay home.”

The source went on to say that the royal family decided “a few weeks ago” who would be at the ceremony. “Kate watched from afar with” her and Prince William’s three young children as the statue was unveiled.

Kensington Palace announced on June 25 who would attend the ceremony.

“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 1st July,” a palace spokesperson said at the time. “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.”

William and Harry announced the commission of the statue back in January of 2017.

“It has been 20 years since our mother’s death and the time is right to recognize her positive impact in the UK and around the world with a permanent statue,” they said at the time. “Our mother touched so many lives. We hope the statue will help all those who visit Kensington Palace to reflect on her life and her legacy.”

While speaking to the attendees at the small event yesterday, the brothers said, “Today, on what would have been our mother’s 60th birthday, we remember her love, strength and character — qualities that made her a force for good around the world, changing countless lives for the better.”

“Every day we wish she were still with us, and our hope is that this statue will be seen forever as a symbol of her life and her legacy,” William and Harry added.