On September 6th, 1997, the world mourned the death of Diana, Princess of Wales. Although she was no longer a member of the Royal Family, having divorced the then-Prince of Wales one year prior, Diana was given a royal funeral. This was a ceremonial funeral, which shared many of the elements of a state funeral.
The funeral was held at Westminster Abbey and was attended by over 2,000 people, including members of the Royal Family, dignitaries, and celebrities. The service was broadcast to over a billion people worldwide.
The funeral procession began at Kensington Palace and traveled through London, passing by Buckingham Palace and other landmarks, before arriving at Westminster Abbey. The coffin was draped in the Royal Standard and was carried by representatives of the British Army, Navy, and Air Force. The procession was followed by members of the Royal Family, including Diana’s two sons, Princes William and Harry.
The funeral service was conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury and included readings from Diana’s family and friends. The service was followed by a gun salute and a fly-past of military aircraft.
The funeral procession then traveled to Althorp, Diana’s family home, where she was buried in the grounds.
The funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales, was a fitting tribute to a beloved public figure. It was a day of mourning for the nation, but also a day of celebration for a life that touched so many.
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