~ The Queen's Message ~

BUCKINGHAM PALACE
5TH SEPTEMBER, 1997



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 is 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 as 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 terms with the devasting
loss that they and the rest of us have suffered.
 
No-one who knew Diana will ever forget her.  Millions of others who
never even met her, but felt they knew her, will remember her.  I
for one believe 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.
 
This is also an opportunity for me, on behalf of my family, and
especially Prince Charles and William and Harry, to thank all of
you who have brought flowers, sent messages and paid your respects
in so many ways to a remarkable person.  These acts of kindness
have been a huge source of help and comfort.
 
Our thoughts are also with Diana's family and the families of those
who died with her.  I know that they too have drawn strength from
what has happened since last weekend, as they seek to heal their
sorrow and then to face the future without a loved one.
 
I hope that tomorrow we can all, wherever we are, join in
expressing our grief at Diana's loss, and gratitude for her all-
too-short life.  It is a chance to show to the whole world the
British nation united in grief and respect.
 
May those who died rest in peace and may we, each and every one of
us, thank God for someone who made many, many people happy.




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