When news of the Princess’s death became known in the early hours of Sunday morning, August 31, 1997 the first floral tributes started to arrive at Kensington Palace. In the days that followed people literally laid a carpet of flowers, cards and touching mementos in the gardens of the palace.

At the same time, books of condolence were opened at St. James’ Palace. London witnessed the extraordinary sight of people of all ages, class and race queuing for hours, sometimes overnight, to write their own personal tribute to a much loved Princess. Books of condolence were also opened all over the country. In hospitals, schools, homes for the elderly and town halls. These books began to pour into the Princess’s offices at Kensington Palace and at times the sheer number threatened to overwhelm the staff. Over 175,000 letters and 150,000 cards were received at Kensington Palace and 200,000 letters and tributes at St. James Palace. Each one had to be opened and recorded because many of them contained donations of money, small and large amounts, for the newly launched Memorial Fund.

In addition to the British condolence books, tributes began to pour in from all over the world. They came mostly from official governments and embassies but also from ordinary individuals, from department stores and community centers. Some were elaborately bound; others were simple exercise books with touching drawings and pictures from small children. All will be kept and treasured by the family.


Photographs © Althorp