Skip to content
Search AI Powered

Latest Stories

Queen Elizabeth Mourned Princess Diana's Death In A Completely Unscripted Tribute

Queen Elizabeth Mourned Princess Diana's Death In A Completely Unscripted Tribute
(Anwar Hussein/Getty Images, Sean Gallup/Getty Images)

The world mourned when Princess Diana was killed in the tragic car crash in August 31, 1997. But what puzzled the public through their grief was Queen Elizabeth's delayed appearance in London immediately after news of Diana's sudden death.

When the terrible news reached the Queen – who was then 71 – she was staying at the Balmoral Castle in Scotland with her grandsons William, then 15, and Harry, then 12.


Her majesty remained reticent until she finally arrived for the funeral six days after the tragedy. But she subtly reversed the public opinion on the Queen's relationship with the late Princess with a simple gesture.


Photographer Mark Stewart recalled witnessing the monarch at the funeral make a "completely unscripted" moment as she led the family to the gates.

He told People that the Queen was "walking out of the palace down to the side of the road with the public."

"I pushed my way through the crowd, which was about 20 deep, and luckily the BBC had left a ladder against a tree. I managed to climb the ladder and I have the only shot of the Queen bowing her head at the coffin as it goes past."
"It showed the Queen . . . The best of the Queen, really."


Queen Elizabeth II greets mourners at Princess Diana's funeral.(Photo by © Ralf-Finn Hestoft/CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images)


Charles Anson, the former press secretary to the Queen, revealed why the Queen didn't make a public speech straight away.

"It wasn't that easy for the Queen."
"They did what any decent family would do. The first thing was to gather round those boys and give them as much protection and support as possible."


Queen Elizabeth II also penned a heartfelt letter to one of her closest aides, Lady Henriette Abel Smith, revealing how much she adored Diana.


She commented on the funeral services and noticed just how much of an impact Diana's death had on the public.

"Thank you so much for your letter about Diana's tragic death. 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."
"Emotions are still so mixed up but we have all been through a very bad experience."


Queen Elizabeth II and her husband the Duke of Edinburgh arriving at Buckingham Palace in London to attend the funeral of Diana

 
(Photo credit should read JOEL SAGET/AFP/Getty Images)

Queen Elizabeth II spoke "as a monarch and a grandmother" and addressed the nation about Princess Diana's death that was broadcast by the BBC News on September 5, 1997.

"[Diana] 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."

Watch the video of the address below:


While the monarch was criticized for not returning to London after news of Diana's death, it's clear the Queen needed some time alone to process her thoughts and grieve in her own way before making a public appearance.


H/T - ibtimes, Twitter, People, MarieClaire

More from Trending

Archbishop Thomas Wenski; David and Rena Mourer visit the entrance to "Alligator Alcatraz"
Joe Raedle/Getty Images (both)

Archbishop Rips 'Alligator Alcatraz' In Powerful Statement Condemning Trump's Immigration 'Enforcement Tactics'

Historically conservative Archbishop Thomas Wenski of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Miami issued an official statement on Thursday, July 3, addressing immigration enforcement tactics employed by the administration of MAGA Republican President Donald Trump.

Posted on the Archdiocese's website, it was also shared on the Archbishop's personal X account.

Keep ReadingShow less
Gavin Newsom; Nancy Mace
David Crane/MediaNews Group/Los Angeles Daily News via Getty Images; Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

Gavin Newsom Hilariously Claps Back At Nancy Mace After Her Cringey 'Don't California My South Carolina' Debate Challenge

South Carolina Republican Representative Nancy Mace was widely mocked after she challenged California Governor Gavin Newsom to a debate—only for him to directly address her "Don't California My South Carolina' campaign with a list showing the stark differences between their two states.

Mace posted a video on X in which she extends a "FORMAL INVITATION" for Newsom to debate her "common sense policies," chiding him with the following message:

Keep ReadingShow less
office cubicles
Paymo on Unsplash

Things Toxic Coworkers Did That Made The Whole Office Go Silent

Workplaces have professional standards to maintain, or at least they should. While it's great to have fun in the office, there are some things that are appropriate during leisure time that aren't OK at work.

But some people never seem to get the memo.

Keep ReadingShow less
Donald Trump; Screenshot of Andrew Schulz
Joe Raedle/Getty Images; Flagrant Podcast

Trump-Supporting Podcaster Andrew Schulz Turns On Trump In Mind-Numbing Rant

Conservative podcaster Andrew Schulz had social media users rolling their eyes after he criticized President Donald Trump, saying Trump is "doing the exact opposite" of everything he promised during his campaign, like stopping wars and shrinking spending.

Which begs the question: why tf did Schulz believe a word Trump said during his campaign, since he is a well-known serial liar and con man?

Keep ReadingShow less
Screenshots from @brigchicago's TikTok video
@brigchicago/TikTok

Plane Passengers Floored Over Flight Attendant's Suggestion While Stuck In 130 Degree Heat

Imagine being on time for your flight, only for takeoff to be delayed while the plane sits on the tarmac, with temperatures inside the plane cabin climbing to 130 degrees Fahrenheit.

Due to sweltering heat and complications, TikToker @brigchicago and her fellow passengers waited for their flight to take off. Whie the flight attendants did what they could to keep everyone calm and patient, some found their comments to be disingenuous.

Keep ReadingShow less