On 6 September 1997, the world watched as Princess Diana, the Princess of Wales, was laid to rest in a ceremony marked by immense public mourning.
PRINCESS DIANA’S FUNERAL
The funeral was held at Westminster Abbey and was watched by an estimated 2 billion people around the globe. Many felt a deep connection to Diana’s compassion and humanitarian work.
Princess Diana died tragically in a car crash in Paris on 31 August 1997. She was with her partner, Dodi Fayed, when their car, chased by paparazzi, crashed, according to People.
Both Dodi and the driver died instantly. Medical crews tried to save Diana, but she was pronounced dead at 4 a.m. that day. Her death shocked both the United Kingdom and the world.
THE WORLD MOURNED PRINCESS DIANA
At Kensington Palace, more than one million bouquets flooded the grounds as people paid tribute.
The funeral drew around 2,000 guests, including all the royal family, political figures, and close celebrity friends.
Notable attendees included Hillary Clinton, Tom Cruise, and Elton John, who performed a poignant version of Candle in the Wind rewritten as a tribute to Diana.
The funeral procession began at 9:08 a.m.
YOUNG PRINCES AT PRINCESS DIANA’S FUNERAL
Prince Philip, King Charles, Diana’s brother Charles Spencer, and her sons Prince William and Prince Harry walking behind the coffin.
At just 15 and 12 years old, Prince William and Harry showed great strength during this emotional moment.
Prince William later said in a BBC documentary, “It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. There was that balance between duty and family.”
Harry reflected, “I’m glad I was part of it, even though it was difficult.”
WHY WAS SHE SO POPULAR?
Princess Diana’s worldwide popularity stemmed from her genuine warmth, compassion, and dedication to humanitarian causes. Unlike many royals, she connected deeply with people across social and cultural boundaries.
She used her platform to highlight issues often ignored, such as AIDS awareness and the campaign against landmines.
Princess Diana showed great empathy and courage. Her openness about personal struggles and her approachable nature made her relatable and beloved by millions.
These qualities, combined with her grace and style, created a unique bond with people globally, including in South Africa, where her spirit of kindness and advocacy for the vulnerable resonated strongly.
THE PEOPLE’S PRINCESS
Princess Diana was buried privately at her family home, Althorp. The event remains one of the largest televised broadcasts in history, watched by millions far beyond the UK.
Her funeral symbolised a global outpouring of grief and remains a poignant memory of a beloved figure whose impact reached far beyond British shores.
DID YOU WATCH THE FUNERAL LIVE, OR REMEMBER WHERE YOU WERE THEN?
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