On the Death of Princess Diana
Queens Elizabeth II
Since last Sunday's dreadful news,we have seen,throughout Britain and around the world,an overwhelming expression of sadness at Diana's death.We have all been trying in our different ways to cope.It's not easy to express a sense of loss,since the initial shock is often succeeded by a mixture of other feelings:disbelief,incomprehension,anger and concern for those who remain.
We have all felt those emotions in these last few days.So what I say to you now,as your queen and a grandmother,I say from my heart.
First,I want to pay tribute to Diana myself.She was an exceptional and gifted human being.In good times and bad,she never lost her capacity to smile and laugh,nor to inspire others with her warmth and kindness.
I admired and respected her for her energy and commitment to others,and especially for her devotion to her two boys.This week at Balmoral,we have all been trying to help William and Harry come to teams with the devastating loss that they and the rest of us have suffered.
No one who knew Diana will ever forget her.Millions of others who never met her,but felt they knew her,will remember her.
I for one believe that there are lessons to be drawn from her life and from the extraordinary and moving reaction to her death. I share in your determination to cherish her memory.
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May those wo died rest in peace and may we,each and every one of us,thank God for someone who made many,many people happy.