In 1997 Britain woke to the news that Princess Diana had died, here’s how we covered a country in mourning
On Sunday, August 31, 1997, Britain woke to the news that Princess Diana had died, aged 36, along with her lover Dodi Fayed after a car crash in Paris.
That night her body was flown back to RAF Northolt for the short trip into London, where in the next few days a tearful public laid thousands of bouquets in tribute to the People’s Princess.
Two billion people worldwide watched the final farewell to the Princess, including the poignant scenes of her sons William and Harry following their mother’s coffin.
Here, and on the following pages, we relive the final days of her story through The Sun’s front pages from that historic week.
Monday
Twenty years ago today, The Sun’s front and back pages were devoted to this poignant picture showing the coffin bearing Diana’s body arriving at RAF Northolt, West London, shrouded in the Royal Standard as it is carried from the plane that brought her back from Paris.
Tuesday
Focus is on the car’s driver Henri Paul amid reports he was drunk and speeding at the time of the crash.
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Wednesday
We reveal William wants to walk behind his mother’s coffin on her final journey.
Thursday
With public anti-monarchy unrest mounting we ask the questions Britain wants answered.
Friday
The Queen decides a Palace flag will fly at half-mast and we reveal the words of Elton John’s funeral tribute song.
Saturday
On day of the funeral, William says Di would be proud of the public response to her passing.
Sunday
One week after Diana’s return home, we report on her moving funeral service at Westminster Abbey.
