The death of Diana, Princess of Wales, on August 31, 1997, was a tragedy that shocked the world. Queen Elizabeth II, Diana’s mother-in-law, was deeply affected by the news of her death.
In a letter to Prime Minister Tony Blair, the Queen wrote, “It was indeed dreadfully sad, and she is a huge loss to the country. But the public reaction to her death, and the service in the Abbey, seem to have united people round the world in a rather inspiring way. William and Harry have been so brave and I am very proud of them.”
The Queen was deeply moved by the outpouring of public grief that followed Diana’s death. Millions of people lined the streets of London to pay their respects as her funeral cortege passed by. The Queen was also deeply touched by the courage of Diana’s two sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, who walked behind their mother’s coffin during the funeral procession.
The Queen was also moved by the way in which Diana’s death had brought people together in a time of sorrow. She wrote in her letter to Prime Minister Blair, “The public reaction to her death, and the service in the Abbey, seem to have united people round the world in a rather inspiring way.”
The Queen’s feelings about Diana’s death were a mixture of sorrow and admiration. She was saddened by the loss of Diana, but also proud of the way in which the public had responded to her death. The Queen’s letter to Prime Minister Blair was a testament to her admiration for Diana and her sons, and her respect for the public’s response to her death.
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