Princess Diana to be present at Royal wedding?

At the William-Kate wedding, Prince's mother will be present in spirit

The picture of Princess Diana and Prince Charles on their wedding day will perhaps continue to be one of the most enduring images of the last century.

Later this week, as Di's son Prince William exchanges vows, the image will haunt us even more.

Diana, who died tragically in a freak mishap, will certainly be missed at what is being proclaimed as the wedding of the century.

Prince William however has ensured that his mother's family and select friends are present at the event.

According to the Royal Wedding guest list released recently, Lady Di's brother Earl Spencer and his fianc e Karen Gordon have been invited to the wedding. Reports suggest that they will be seated right behind the Middletons and their friends at the abbey.

Here's a quick look at who will be present at the wedding of the century... and who won't:

Also invited to the wedding include Elton John, the British singer-songwriter, who sang at Diana's funeral as well as Tessa Green, who once chaired the cancer specialist centre which Princess Diana supported.

While former Labour Prime Ministers Tony Blair and Gordon Brown have been snubbed, the Conservative PMs John Major and Margaret Thatcher have received the invite.

Thatcher is said to have turned down the invitation citing health reasons. Major who was appointed guardian to William and Harry after Diana died will however make it.

Prince William's friend and singer Joss Stone, who performed at the concert for Diana, has also made the cut as has filmmaker and Madonna's ex husband Guy Ritchie.

Rowan Atkinson, the famous British actor best known for his performance in the Mr Bean series has also been invited. Atkinson is said to be a close friend of Prince Charles.

And of course, since no big wedding worth its salt can ever be complete without their presence, the Beckhams -- Victoria and her footballer husband David -- have also been invited to the royal do!

Needless to say, like all guest lists this one too had its share of controversies as the name of Crown Prince of Bahrain -- Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa -- provoked an outcry following alleged human rights abuses in his country.

It has been reported that government troops have been firing on and killing pro-democracy campaigners in Bahrain.

Within a day of the list being announced, the Prince declared that wouldn't be attending.