A royal representative is "most certainly" going to be at the unveiling of a memorial statue to the Gurkhas along with campaigner and actress Joanna Lumley.

Miss Lumley, who has been a long supporter of Gurkha welfare and whose father served as a British Gurkha officer in the Second World War, was confirmed this week as one of the guests of honour for the unveiling.

The Folkestone Gurkha Memorial Fund, the group behind the memorial project, last week celebrated after the first ground for it was dug on Tuesday.

A spokesman for the group said: "Joanna is scheduled to come along and most certainly a representative from the Royal family.

"We can’t say anything official at the moment as we are awaiting confirmation"

They hope to open the memorial later this year in what is a very significant year for the serving Gurkhas and ex-Gurkhas around the country.

This year marks the G200 commemorations which are marking the 200th year of the alliance between Nepal and Britain and two centuries of Gurkha service to Britain.

However, it is thought the member of the royal family is not going to be either Prince Charles or Prince Harry due to prior commitments.

The memorial gained planning permission just a couple of months ago and work has started in earnest to get it in place by the end of 2015.

Members of the group have raised £50,000 for the 12ft statue comprising of a 6ft bronze statue of a Gurkha soldier standing on a 6ft plinth.

It is being built in the Garden of Remembrance in Sandgate Road after Shepway District Council granted the project the go-ahead.

Designed by sculptor Rebecca Hawkins, the memorial will stand to pay tribute to the 46,000 Gurkhas who have lost their lives in service to Britain.

The group spokesman added: "We are delighted that this is the start of providing the unique memorial here in Folkestone to the contribution of the Gurkhas, marking our respect for their service and also the positive role they are playing as part of the wider community.

“This memorial will be a positive contribution to both the community and nation.

“The traditional groundbreaking ceremony is the beginning of the final stages of the project and we would like to thank all those who have supported us over many years."

Guests included Maj Prem Bahadur Gurung, Gurkha Major, Cllr Jenny Hollingsbee, deputy leader of Shepway District Council and mayor of Folkestone Cllr Emily Arnold.