Diana Inquest: The Cost Is Mounting

To date the inquest into the deaths of Diana, Princess of Wales and Dodi Fayed has amounted to: £1,308,291.26 with a extra £187,464.oo all paid for by the British taxpayer.

As much as I adore Diana, I feel that this cost is absurd, and if it runs till next Easter the cost will be over the £2 million mark. The Paget report cost enough, surely isn't that enough? We could of had the report and a smaller inquest which would of saved a lot of money.

I do hope that Mr Al Fayed and all of those American die-hard Diana fans (as seen and encountered by us on the Royalist) will all contribute to the cost, as these are the people who have endlessly gone on and on about a inquest. Alas, they wont and again the British Taxpayer loses out.

If this offended I am truly sorry. However, when I see pensioners struggling to cope on a meagre state pension being sent to prison because they can't afford their council tax, or in fact, sitting in a freezing house as they can't afford their heating bills its a bit rich seeing nearly £2 million being spent on a inquest for a woman who died ten years ago. We know the outcome will be accidental death, the Paget report said so and so will this inquest. Please, lets not waste any more money. Let the taxes go to the people who deserve and need it. What good is all this expense? How will it help Diana exactly?

HM The Queen: A Woman Of Dignity, Duty And Shyness?

Prince Andrew, speaking in a documentary about his mother says that she often leaves the room to watch her annual Christmas speech alone. According to the Duke of York the Christmas lunch is well timed to finish at 2.45pm ready for the family to gather at 3.00pm to watch the speech on television.

However, one writer in the Daily Mail has claimed the reason Her Majesty retires to a separate room is that she is genuinely shy and feels embarrassed to watch herself on television when the rest of the family are gathered.

I find this very sweet indeed. That one of the most famous - and respected - women in the world, who has served her country for well over sixty years, has made some groundbreaking speeches is too shy to watch herself on television when her family are with her.

I have a new found respect for HM. Having watched all the episodes of 'Monarchy: A Royal Family At Work, you get to see the very human side to the Queen. She smiles, laughs, is serious and, according to the programme, enjoys going through the artwork that children do for her when she comes to visit. She is a human being and a dignified one at that.

It will be a very sad day when we loose our Queen, because I, for one, have fallen in love with her since seeing her so closely on the television. And, unlike the 'grey men' who work in the palace, she is kind, generous, giving and loyal. It's really hard not to like her.

Beatrice Showing Signs Of Being A Diva?

Apparantly being a Princess is not enough for nineteen year old Princess Beatrice. Now she is, accroding to reports, turning into a bigger diva then Mariah Carey.

While spending a night in London's hottest club, Mahiki (a favourite of Prince's William and Harry and their partners) Beatrice was said to have stomped over to a young girl who was sitting at her favourite table and told her to 'move'. The lady, and her friends, were so shell shocked they just upped and left. The Princess, who is turning into quite the social butterfly, is putting 'noises out of joint' all over London as she is becoming more famous and recognisable.

Looks like that famous, down to earth parenting that both Andrew, and in particular, Fergie like to boost about has not been as successful as first thought.

A Princess she may be, but she seems to lack even basic manners, despite the money ploughed into her education and upbringing.

I think this is only going to get worse.........

Edward and Sophie Announce Name Of Their Son

Today, Edward and Sophie have released the name of their son, who up till now has been known as Viscount Severn.

The baby, born on Monday will be called James Alexander Phillip Theo Mountbatten-Windsor, but his surname will be known as simple 'Windsor'.

Both HM The Queen, Prince Phillip and Christopher Rhys-Jones were consulted in the naming of the child and all of the grandparents are said to be 'content' with the decision.

Sophie, it has been reported, though not confirmed, will be spending Christmas with the Queen at Sandringham since she is in such robust health.

Well,I wish the best of health to Edward, Sophie, Louise and baby James. I hope they all have a marvelous Christmas and a happy 2008.

The Wessex Family: Healthy, Happy and Full of Christmas Joy

In the past few months all the news seems to be about is Britney Spears's latest breakdown, Amy Winehouse's drug use and Kate Moss's acne problem.

So when Prince Edward and his wife, Sophie, Countess of Wessex were pictured leaving hospital with their newborn son, known only as Viscount Severn at the moment, it was thrilling to see a happily married couple (which in the media nowadays is very rare) full of pride with the new addition to the their family (Sophie's troubles having children were discussed in another post earlier this week).

Sophie was smiling broadly. She looked healthy, her colour was good (who can remember how pale she looked when she left hospital after Louise's traumatic birth) and she looked as though she was the happiest woman in the world, and at the moment, I'm sure that is how she feels. Edward, obviously relieved that both his wife and child came out of the labour healthily, was pictured holding his son as though his life depended on it.

Although the Windsor children grow up to be attractive adults, they don't make for pretty babies but Viscount Severn, with his cute upturned nose looks as though he breaks that trend! It seems that he takes after his mother more, while Louise could be the twin of the Queen when she was that age.

HM The Queen is extraordinarily close to Sophie. The two woman bonded from the start of Edward and Sophie's relationship, and that immediately caused Diana, Princess of Wales and Sarah Ferguson to take a instant dislike to Sophie. They teased her, snubbed her and were openly rude to her at royal events. They spoke down about her, as though she wasn't high enough in the class system to marry into the ultimate British family. But despite this, or maybe because of this, the Queen took a instant fancy to Sophie and after Louise's traumatic birth, the two women became, if it was possible, even closer. Sophie, who was recovering after the birth spend days and days with HM who, at that time, was herself recovering from a knee injury. The two now have a unbreakable bond, and HM was said to be delighted with her latest grandchild and cannot wait to meet him. Touching evidence of their bond came when, after nearly dying after losing almost all her blood after having Louise, HM dropped everything to visit her daughter-in-law. Some say the Queen was scared stiff she may lose her friend, the woman whom she refers to as 'my daughter'.

Both of Sophie's parents, Christopher and Mary Rhys-Jones were welcomed into the Windsor clan, something that Johnny Spencer was not, nor Ronald Ferguson. Christopher, a car tyre salesman long since retired was not of the nobility, like Johnny Spencer, who in fact, worked for HM The Queen as a Equerry in the 1950's. Ronald Ferguson, Prince Charles's polo manager, was seen as a lowly servant and also was not invited. Yet, when Christopher lost his wife to cancer a year or so ago, HM and Prince Phillip took the unusual step of inviting him to Sandringham for the Christmas holidays so he would not be lonely. This act alone shows how close Sophie is to her famous mother-in-law.

Almost by design, Louise, Sophie and Edwards four year old daughter resembles HM so much that when a picture was taken of her a year ago, one reporter claimed that Louise, if born the same time as HM could easily be her twin. Both Diana's boys resemble the Spencer's and Sarah Ferguson's daughter's resemble their parents.

The Wessex's have been married now for eight years, nine next June. There hasn't been a single story of marital ruckus. They seem to be protected, and I'm sure that Sophie's closeness to the Queen is partly responsible for this. It's brilliant if you think that eight years into the Wales marriage, Charles and Diana had stopped sleeping together, barely tolerated each other and were revving up for the War of the Wales's. Andrew and Sarah were already separated and heading for the divorce courts after.

So, I've never been happier for a royal couple then I am for Edward and Sophie. Their family, one can now assume is complete. I wish them well and I hope that 2008 is a happy and fulfilling year for the nice couple of the Royal Family.

Rosa Monckton and Lucia Flecha De Lima: Diana's Loyal Warriors

Was Diana pregnant when she died? Did she have contraceptive pills in her luggage? Was she planning to marry Dodi Fayed? Was it a summer fling or real love?

These are some of the questions that are being pondered on during the inquest into the death of Diana, Princess of Wales.

In the midst of this very public event, two women stand tall. In life, these women were the real 'rocks' in Diana's life. They supported her, gave her a shoulder to cry on, told her off when she was unreasonable, gave her sanctuary when the press were hounding her. Spent time with her on holidays, and gave her the real family life she has missed. In documentaries they defended her, and were her champion, speaking out and telling the truth as they saw it.

I take my hat off to Rosa Monckton and Lucia Flecha De Lima. For I believe these two women speak the truth, and I'm very appreciative of the fact that they are willing to stand up and tell the truth when Mohammed Al Fayed continues to spout vicious lies about Diana and her place in his life. When both of them say that there was no way Diana could of been pregnant, I will believe them over Fayed every time. When they say she would not of married Dodi and was just having a steamy summer fling, I believe them.

These were two women who were not afraid to stand up against Diana and all her charactericial flaws. They told her things she did not want to hear, but, their loyal, honest and dedicated friendship meant that these two women were not booted out of her circle like Sarah Ferguson and Penny Thornton before her, for Diana surely knew that her world would be terribly lonely without the two women who were like mother figures to her.

Now I see Rosa and Lucia as Diana's warriors, bravely fighting against the Fayed publicity machine to get across to the public the truth about Diana's final months on earth.

I'm sure wherever Diana is and whatever tasks she has been given, she must surely look down on Rosa and Lucia with pride, thankfulness and love. For these two women will fight and fight hard to get the truth out.

And I, for one, can only thank them.

Myriah Daniels: The Trickiest Witness At The Diana Inquest

Myriah Daniels, member of Dodi Fayed's staff has proven to be the most difficult of witnesses at the Diana inquest. The woman, employed to heal Dodi, worked on Diana during her stay on the Jonikal, and performed healing on her when Diana was menstruating and suffering from painful period cramps.

Having read her transcript from her evidence, she also admitted the Princess was suffering from constipation on board the Jonikal. Ms Daniels insisted that it was unnecessary to talk about such private and intimate details of the late Princess's life. I disagree with her. As long as Mohammed Al Fayed continues to claim that Diana was pregnant with his grandchild, then yes, these details will have to be made public, no matter how unsavoury they are.

What tickles me, though, is that Ms Daniels, an American, referred to Britain's media saying 'all of your newspapers look like tabloids'. What a snooty attitude to take. It may be wise to remember that most of the most vocal Diana fans, who have insisted she was murdered and have insisted that this inquest take place are American's. Ironically, many of these Americans, who I'm sure take the same tack as Ms Daniels, also rely heavily on the online editions of The Daily Mail, Telegraph, Observer, Mirror et al to gain their royal knowledge, and knowledge of British life and society. I don't feel she has any right at all to criticise our media. Nor, does she have any right to throw her weight around at the inquest. It's not up to her to decide what is tasteful or not. Or what is tacky or not. Her role in this was to go and answer the questions put to her and answer them truthfully. Her opinions on the British media, for instance, are not wanted.

But there is one question I'd really like to put to Ms Daniels. For as much as she plays the Ms High and Mighty role, stating that she really wanted to keep Diana's personal details, such as her menstrual cycle private, why on earth did she go on TV in the summer and talk openly about it in a documentary/drama that was shown across the world.

It seems that answering questions on Diana's menstrual cycle is tacky and disrespectful, unless of course, your offered some money and the chance to be on TV..............................

The Diana Inquest Carries On

Today is day 43 of the long, drawn out inquest into the deaths of Diana, Princess of Wales and her companion, Dodi Fayed.

So far we have learnt that Diana could not be pregant as she had had her period ten days before the accident, we have learnt that Diana needed a second marriage like a rash on her face, that Henri Paul was driving manicly and she was trying to make former lover Hasnat Khan jealous.

The Inquest makes me laugh. This will not make those who believe Diana was killed change their minds. I can't help thinking that after ten years, this inquest is several years too late. As much as I adore Diana, the sheer cost of this investigation is mind numbing. It has already cost nearly £20 million and the cost is ever rising.

But who is this inquest for? Is it for the British people in general, or for the Diana fanatics worldwide who cry out for a inquest no matter how much it will cost to Britain?

Yes, Diana, Dodi, Henri Paul and Trevor Rees-Jones deserve justice, but it does make me cross when so much money is being poured into it when the verdict is almost certainly likely to come back as accidental.

I'm hoping that after this inquest, Diana will be able to rest in peace. But I dont think that will happen. No matter how many inquests are held, to some, it will never bring them the results they want, therefore really is it all a huge waste of taxpayers money?

Congratulations to Edward and Sophie

It was annouced yesterday that Queen Elizabeth's youngest son, Edward, Earl of Wessex and his wife, Sophie, Countess of Wessex had become proud parents to their second child, a baby son.

I wish the Wessex's well and I hope that Sophie is resting well after her ceasearean section. Sophie, 42, has not had a easy time with her pregnancies. Her first pregnancy ended traumaticly after she suffered a painful and life threatening ectopic pregnancy. After a painful course of IVF the Countess then experiences agnoising pain in the eight month of her second pregnancy and had to be rushed into hospital where she gave birth to their daughter, Lady Louise, prematurely. The Countess lost so much blood she was on the cusp of losing her life.

After several painful and intrusive courses of IVF, Sophie failed to fall pregant again. As often is the case, after the accepted that they may never become parents again, Sophie fell pregnant naturally, and her pregnancy and birth went smoothly.

So often it's easy to see Royal wives sail through their pregnancies easily. To see Sophie's struggle over so many years, rewarded with two healthy children brings a lump to my throat. And, what other christmas present would bring the Royal and Rhys-Jones families so much happines?

I cannot wait to see what they name their son. With a mother like Sophie it's bound to be something tasteful, classy and regal!

I wish Edward, Sophie, Louise and new son and brother well. I also send out my congratulations to the Royal family and the Rhys-Jones family, too. I hope both families get the chance to enjoy and spoil the new baby. Whether Royal or not, each baby is a miracle. And I'm sure, after the long and rocky road in child rearing, Edward and Sophie will see their son as such.

New CCTV Footage of Diana's Last Hours Released

This week we have all seen the most eerie footage it's possible to see. The last hours of Princess Diana's life. For the first time in a decade, we have seen new, fresh and unseen moving footage of the late Princess and I found it upsetting and very sad. It made me realise what we have all been missing.

Footage of a smiling Princess in a lift with Dodi, moving from hotel to private Imperial Suite, Diana teasing Dodi by wagging her finger, Dodi and Diana cuddeling up together holding hands while they waited for the fateful limosuine to take them to Dodi's apartment, just mesmerised me.

It's hard to 'get' and hard to accept that it's been a decade since we lost Diana and this new footage made it feel as though it had only been filmed yesterday. And by god, how much do I miss her? Words can't discribe. I've not agreed with Diana's decisions on occasion, or the way she manipulated the media for her own means, but I still miss her.

So, I dont really know if this new footage is a blessing or a curse. It's good to see how happy she was in the final hours, but also sad to realise what we have missed out on. This inquest has opened up a whole new can of worms for me, and not just about how she died.

I do miss the Princess. I just hope this inquest can lay some of the gossip and innuendo to rest. Diana deserves that.

Then perhaps, we can get on and remember Diana for the wonderful, smiling woman she was.

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Princess Beatrice: Beautiful of Bugeyed

Princess Beatrice's recent photographs of her at a fashion show, with hair in curlers are simply weird.

Some pundits have said she is beautiful. I dont think so. She has weired bug eyes that look like they are coming out on stalks and they kind of freak me out. She has a constant look of surprise on her face.

I'm sure she is a nice, gentle lady. A tv interview held last year showed her to have impeccable manners. So why doesn't she, instead of going to fashion shows and parties, create a royal role for herself. I'm sure she'd be a credit to the Royal family.

Perhaps Beatrice should listen to her grandmother more often then her mother. I think Fergie is giving her wrong advice. And all followers of the Royal Family know that she isn't so hot on decision making.....

Fergie is now a executive producer!

Sarah Ferguson can now, along with freeloader and fame junky, add film producer to her long list of 'talents'.

She is producing a film called ' Young Victoria' based on her research and two books regarding the early life of Queen Victoria. Her eldest daughter, Princess Beatrice, who shares a name with Queen Victoria's granddaughter, has a non speaking role in the film.

Honestly, Fergie, who treats her daughters like they were her 'bestest friends' seems to care more about pushing Beatrice into a life of fashion (Beatrice recently modelled on the catwalk) and fame rather then following her education and perhaps forging a royal role for herself. Where is ex-husband Prince Andrew on this? Unless of course he is 100% happy with the way Fergie is bringing up their daughters.

Princess Deluded

Princess Beatrice, it's been reported, has claimed that she is becoming a style icon!

What with her high heeled shoes with ankle straps that make her look like a hooker turning tricks, dresses that are slashed to the naval showing off ample clevage, hats that look like a satelite dish cum birds nest, and clothes that are two sizes too small all I can say is...................YEAH RIGHT!

Is Prince Harry An Indication Of The New Generation Of Royals

Today's controversial stories of Prince Harry swearing and threatening reporters is, in my opinion, too far a common occurrence for my liking or comfort.

Harry is the young generation of Royals where the essence of duty, which has spurred his grandmother on through so many personal trials and tribulations and public embarrassment, is missing. It concerns me that Harry is quick to accept the privilege that his position gives him, yet will not take the responsibility that goes with such the privilege.

If you think back to the heady 'Lady Di' days, and then the sheer harassment his mother had to deal with on a day in and day out basis, particularly in the few years before her death, when she was called the most appalling names so she would cry, I do wonder why Harry has such a problem with dealing with the press interest when it's nowhere near as intrusive as what his mother had to put up with in her royal life.

Instead of swearing at reports and making it clear he could 'take them on' wouldn't it be better if he had turned a deaf ear on the remarks that were made and just ushered Chelsy to their car, got in himself and driven off. I am sure, in retrospect, he wishes that is what he had done, rather then challenge the media. If Harry is going to deal with the press interest with aggression time and time again, then he won't be a healthy or happy man.

Obviously, if the press were abusing his girlfriend verbally Harry has a right to be upset but he cannot keep playing up to the media and giving them exactly what they want. And also, Chelsy, if she intends to stay with her Prince, she will also have to get used to the media and the dirty tricks they use to get a reaction, and therefore a more interesting picture.

I don't believe Harry should become a hermit, but is there no places he could go, such as friends houses or trusted venues where he would not be followed like he was on Friday night?

To be honest, I think Diana would be horrified by Harry's reaction to reporters, and if she were alive today I'm sure she would of dragged Harry over the coals for his behaviour. He really does need to accept the media is the downside to the life he lives. What normal 23 year old has the chance to go on luxurious holidays, wears the best clothes and will never have to worry about where his next meal is coming from? Instead of playing the angry victim, Harry should appreciate that. Yes, his girlfriend was being teased by reporters but how many youngsters who are homeless, out of work or are in dire financial straits would be happy to have Harry's problems?

Harry In Trouble Again

After last weeks impressive speech at the memorial for his mother, Prince Harry moved up a thousand degrees in my estimation, and now, it's taken one single act of yobbery that has sunk him back down in the doldrums in my opinion.

His girlfriend, Chelsy Davy was spotted storming out of a flat and Harry was photographed chasing after her calling out her name. Then he turned on the paparazzi and shouted 'I'm going to punch you in the f*****g face' before trying to cause a ruckus between him and another photographer.

What on earth is wrong with this boy. Every time he steps up and shows signs of maturity and respect and decorum he does something to shoot himself down again. I'm very disappointed. The man seen yelling obscenity's on the street is a thousand miles away from the poised, dignified man standing at the pulpit in the Guards Chapel, talking of his love for his mother on August 31st this year.

Diana would of been proud of that smart man, emoting about his mother in a way that Royals' don't tend to do. She would of been less proud of the scruffy, drunk looking yob, who mouthed obscenities and threatend to pick fights with photographers.

And what with his being late to pick up Chelsy from the airport, and the fact she stormed out of a friends flat without Harry, causing him to chase after her in the street smacks of trouble in the relationship to me.

Harry ought to sort himself out. He is a young man full of potential, he and he alone could be a great support to William when he carries the heavy burden of being King. Instead he is at great risk of morphing into the sorts of young thugs and ruffians that get drunk and destroy town centres and basically shame the whole country.

Sort it out Harry. Your disappointing the very people who keep you in the style your accustomed too.

Is Mohammed Al Fayed the only person who is stopping Diana resting in peace?

During the heady and controversial days of Charles and Diana's public marital breakup, a lot of criticism, quite rightly, was levelled at Prince Charles. He was accused, again rightly, of making Diana's life a misery and causing her stress that she could not physicaly cope with or emotionaly come to terms with.

However, in her death, there is one person who is stopping her rest in peace, and that is the man who is claiming to the public that he is, in fact, keeping her memory alive.

Mohammed Al Fayed, personal friend to both Diana and her late father, Earl Spencer, and owner of Harrods among other things lost a son with Diana in the fateful car crash. Dodi Fayed, film producer, professional jet setter and drug taker, was Diana's last squeeze during the heady months of June, July and August 1997. He died instantly in the car crash that also claimed the life of driver, Henri Paul and later on that night, the life of Diana, Princess of Wales and one of the most famous women in the world.

Since that night, he has insisted that their deaths were no ordinary road accident, and that someone was behind the plot to 'murder' the couple, simply because the establishment, namely HM The Queen and Prince Phillip would not allow Diana to marry a Muslim. Day after day he has continued to campaing against the Royal Family insisting that Diana was to wed Dodi and was pregnant with his child, thus propelling the Queen and Phillip to dream up a plot to kill the pair.

Now, he is trying to bring the infamous Squidgygate tapes into the inquest. Why? I dont know as I can't find any connection between a immature, childish phone call that the Princess had with a friend, James Gilby in 1989 to the events of nearly a decade later.

It seems to me that Mr Fayed is deluded in his grief and cannot accept that his son, and the Princess, and in fact the dream of their supposed engagement has died. I do hope he finds it within himself to move on. He surely cannot be living a full live when he sees conspiracy and plots in every dark corner. I do rather pity him. It seems he is surrounded by 'yes' people who agree with every demand he makes. Where is his wife? Can't she help him figure it all out and move on with his life.

In his own way, rather then making Diana's memory live on, he is dragging it through the mud. With tacky memorials and blantant twisting of the truth he is making her and his own son a laughing stock.

Please, Mr Fayed, let your son and Diana rest in peace. Move on with your life and remember Dodi and Diana as they would of wanted to be remembered. Follow Prince Harry's sentiments as stated in his memorial speech. Remember Diana as she would of wanted. Don't sully her memory and reputation with tawdy accusations of pregnancy out of wedlock and naff memorials.

Your are not doing her memory any good. In fact, the way you speak about some of those who were in her life a lot longer then yourself, she maybe ashamed of you.

Ten Years On: Our Final Goodbye

Ten years ago, on a sunny September morning, the world said it's final goodbye to Diana, Princess of Wales.

In Westminster Abbey, the People's Princess, was given a regal farewell in a state funeral, the guests included charity workers, entertainment stars and politicians, as well as family and close friends. The world applauded Earl Spencers speech and quietly wept to Elton John's revised song, 'Candle In The Wind '97, which later went on to be marked as the worlds biggest selling single since Live Aids 'Do They Know It's Christmas'.

After the pomp and cirumstance, the Princess was laid to rest on a island in the Oval Lake at the Spencer family estate, Althorp, which lies deep in the heart of the Northamptonshire countryside. The last we saw of our Princess was when the hearse carrying her coffin slowly made it's way through the main gates and up through the estate.

It was a sad day, but a fitting funeral for a woman the world loved.

I hope Diana is now resting in peace and enjoying some happiness that was not forthcoming in her life.

The Memorial: Emotional, poignant and fitting for a Princess

Today's memorial was, in simple words, a brilliant example of what memorials should be about. Held at the Guards Chapel, in Birdcage Walk, it was a fitting memorial for Diana, Princess of Wales. It was moving, emotional and poignant, but devoid of sugar and sentimentality.

The wonderful speech by Prince Harry moved us all to tears. Speaking of his mother, he said 'she was the best mother in the world' and I can really believe that. The young Prince, speaking words he had written himself, was emotional and fought back tears, but one sensed that every word spoken was from the heart and William, who was seated in the front row, next to his grandmother, seemed emotional and lost in thought as his brother spoke about their wonderful mother.

The hymns and music, all were favourites of Diana, were both stiring and emotive. 'I Vow To Thee My Country' Diana's ultimate favourite and the hymn she personaly requested for her wedding in July 1981 brought back memories of the shy, twenty year old, who sang along behind her wedding veil. With Prince Charles seated in the front pew, I did wonder did he think back to that day in July when he stood at the alter of St Pauls Cathedral, next to Lady Diana ready to make their vows?

The congregration, scattered with showbiz personalities such as Elton John, David Frost, Bryan Adams and Cliff Richard, and also with close friends such as Julia Samuel and Rosa Monckton, did not dress in black, but it was still a rather sombre memorial for such a bright, vibrant person who was full of life.

Alot of negative press and publicity has threatened to ruin this memorial but, watching from 11am to 1.15pm, I was enchanted and at times on the verge of tears with the wonderful words spoken. It was a fitting memorial for Diana. Like her, it was modern but also traditional. I cannot say much else except, considering it was for Diana, it was apt and fitting.

Diana: The Tenth Anniversary

Today is the tenth anniversary of the sad, shocking death of Diana, Princess of Wales.

Let us put aside recent tensions as to who is going to the memorial and let us remember the life of the girl who single handidly modernised the Royal Family, who brought up two wonderful sons, and who did so much work for Britain.

She was, and always will be England's Princess. Yes, she was a superstar around the globe, but she was our Princess and something that we are truely proud of. In a age when our country is not doing so great, she is the one person who we can be proud of.

So let us remember the life of The Honourable Diana Frances Spencer, Lady Diana Spencer, H.R.H The Princess of Wales, Diana, Princess of Wales, The Peoples Princess and Englands Rose.

Rest In Peace, dearest Diana.

1st July 1961 - 31st August 1997.

'To Live In The Hearts Of Those We Leave Behind Is Not To Die'.

The Sun Visits Dodi Fayed's Flat

There are pictures today in The Sun of Dodi's London flat, and how it's been kept like a time capsule.

The apartment in London, which stood opposite the park to Diana's at Kensington Palace is kept exactly as it was when Dodi and Diana shut the door behind them when they left for their last, fatal holiday together.

The walls are covered in pictures and portraits of Diana, his magazines are still dated from June/July 1997, his US navy baseball caps still sit in their display case. Fresh flowers are put in vases every day and the fruit replaced weekly. Food in his fridge still has a sell by date of September 1997. His housekeeper, Karen is kept on solely to keep the flat clean. Each week she dusts and cleans from top to bottom and hoovers daily, just as Dodi liked it.

My first reaction to this was almost to burst into tears. Seeing that flat is like seeing what Diana saw that morning when they left to go to the South of France. Who knows if she leaved through the magazines while waiting for Dodi to finish his packing. She may well of helped herself to a coke from the fridge or a piece of fruit from a bowl.

Mohammed Al Fayed visits the flat each Friday, on the Muslim holy day. He finds is a peaceful place of reflection, and having seen the pictures I can understand why. It's a very moving place and can literally move one to tears.

Thanks to the Sun for giving us the pictures.

Camilla Pulls Out Of Diana Rememberance Service

Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall has pulled out of attending Friday's memorial service to mark the tenth anniversary of Diana, Princess of Wales death.

I, by no means, do not hate Camilla as some do but I always felt her presence was rather unwarranted. It's not like Charles met and married Camilla AFTER her divorced Diana, if that were the case her attendance would be accepted as his wife. However, with the troubled history between Charles, Diana and Camilla I always found it rather odd that she was due to attend.

I think Camilla has done the right thing. Her attandance would of only took the attention off the purpose of the day, which was remembering the late Princess, her life and her works.

I respect Camilla for this. She did the right thing.

Diana Memorial Fund in Tatters....and Sarah is to blame

Within hours of the death of Diana, Princess of Wales in August 1997 financial donations where flowing in. So much so that very quickly The Diana Memorial Fund was established. At that time it was announced that the charities that Diana supported, as well as others, would still be helped financially via the Princess's fund, so that they would not suffer now that her patronage had been lost.

Fast forward ten years and it's in a utter mess. Recently, it was published that a great deal of the money was helping immigrants settle in the UK. Although the intentions were all good, it has backfired on the fund as we are now, in the UK, reaching crisis point with the level of immigrants arriving, and staying, in the country and the issue needs to be addressed. Bad timing for the fund.

However, even as far back as 1998 the fund seemed to have lost it's way. We have had the famous lawsuit against Franklin Mint. The fund had unsuccessfully attempted to stop production of the highly desired 'Princess Diana doll' as well as other types of memorabilia. The legal cost's were sky high and a great deal of the money donated was not spent on charities but was used to pay lawyers and other fees in relation to the case. If the memorabilia that the Franklin Mint produced was tacky and rubbish one could understand this move. However, it is not, and in fact produces some of the classier items of memorabilia that one can buy.

Another scandal that occur ed in the first year was the very public sacking of Diana's 'rock' Paul Burrell. The memorial fund publicly said that his contract had come to a end and his job was to be made redundant. He says that he was sacked, and according to him, Diana's sister, Sarah, who runs the memorial fund was jealous of the attention that he, and he alone was getting. I think his departure was probably a mixture of both, although I am sure his exit was hastened after he agreed to put Diana's signature on tubs of Flora margarine and National Lottery scratch cards.

But what of Sarah? Does she rule the memorial fund with a iron fist, or is she constantly being misrepresented by the media. She has certainly come in for bad press when it was revealed that she had scraped Diana's letter that was added to her will saying that all Diana's godchildren would get a set amount from her will, and instead dropped off to each godchild a single object that came from Diana's possessions. One child even got a china rooster. How were they to remember Diana from such a item? I think as Diana's eldest sister she genuinely thought she was in best position to head the fund, but I think she has made some dreadful mistakes and it may be wise of her to step down from the fund.

But what of the fund? I think with all the hiccups, misuse of donations etc, I feel ten years is the right time to wind the fund up. With the money that is remaining, couldn't the fund agree to finally honour one of Diana's wishes? She often said that she would like to be remember by having a children's hospital named after her, and I think that would be a 'high' on which the fund could really leave on. There are many areas in the UK that are desperately short of premature baby units, and families have to travel from London from as far away as Manchester and Liverpool, so why then can't the money be used to build the Diana, Princess of Wales Premature Baby Hospital and situate it in part of the country that needs it the most. Maybe then, even the Countess of Wessex, whose own child had to go into a unit, could be responsible for raising more funds for the hospital in the future.

I cant think of a nicer way to wind up the fund. And it would be something that Diana, wherever she is, could be hugely proud of.

Germaine Greer: Diana was a Devious Moron

Feminist and perpetually aggressive idiot Germaine Greer has branded Princess Diana a 'devious moron'. One has to wonder why Ms Greer has come out with rubbish like this. Perhaps Ms Greer is in desperate need of a bit of attention and therefore has decided to launch a unwarranted attack on a woman who has been dead for ten years.

Or perhaps it's jealously. One little soundbite from Diana would be listened to by millions of ears, but who is any longer interested in Ms Greers manic rantings?

Hmm, Ms Greer, who truly is the devious moron? It's not Diana....

Duchess of Cornwall takes on new patronage

The Duchess of Cornwall has been made Royal Patron of ShelterBox, a charity that sends out aid to disaster ridden countries.

I wish the Duchess well in her new role, I know she finds the public eye difficult. I hope this may well appease some of her detractors that call her lazy!

Heather and Paul: Relationship is thawing

Some very nice happy family pictures of Paul McCartney and his estranged wife, Heather Mills are published today. The two were seen meeting in a railway station car park in New York, when Heather handed their daughter, Beatrice over to their father as part of their shared custody agreement. Body language experts say that Ms Mills was relaxed in the company of her former husband. Although he doesn't mention at all Mr McCartney's body language.

I just wonder what Heathers body language will be like next time they meet. Heather by all accords, when it comes to men, is very jealous. Now that Paul is apparently 'very close' to Christie Brinkley I wonder if it will be all smiles and happiness when Paul has to hand Beatrice back to Heather.......

Charles: Prince Charming or Prince Charmless?

As we reach the tenth anniversary of the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, old history is dragged up time and time again. The bulimia, the adultery, the marriage breakdown is rehashed over and over again, to sell books and to raise viewing figures on television.

But has Prince Charles had a bad deal over the last twenty six years? My answer is most likely no.

The major problem I have with Prince Charles is that he should never of married Diana. He should not of bent to the pressure put on him by his parents, his grandmother, the media and the public. He should of stood up and said 'No, I don't love her'. He has only ever really loved Camilla Parker-Bowles. My second problem I have with Charles is once he bent to the pressure to marry Lady Diana Spencer he did not give up Camilla. He married Diana with adultery in his heart and that was wrong. I believe that marriage is all about being faithful to your chosen spouse and he couldn't be as Camilla was the only woman in his heart.

Another issue is that he was jealous of his first wife's success with the general public and media. Instead of huffing and puffing and sulking like a baby, he should of accepted that Diana was the one who the media was interested in and gotten on with life. The Prince and Princess of Wales were a super couple, who could of took the world by storm if only Charles had put his jealously and insecurity behind him.

His ability to play the victim in most things makes me laugh at times. He cannot see how his temper tantrums, and his knack of throwing things at his staff will lead to negative media stories. I am sure if he could curb his behaviour then the press wold be much easier on him.

But he does have his good points. He cares passionately for London's skyline. I agree with him that our historical skyline is being ruined by modern skyscrapers such as the 'erotic gherkin' also known as the Swiss bank building. His work with the Prince's Trust, enabling young people to set up their own businesses and make their lives a success is something he deserves to be highly proud of. I respect him for him taking on 'unsafe' issues and issues that will make him unpopular with the press and businessmen etc. I like his sense of humour and his quips to the press make me laugh. He is a funny man.

And I think it's that sense of humour, where he happily puts himself down that makes it hard for me to stay angry with Charles for long. I will always land on Diana's side but I hope I am grown up enough to accept and understand that both Charles AND Diana made mistakes in their marriage. Both did right and both did wrong. And more importantly both did tell lies during the War of the Wales which makes it hard for any royal follower to really get to the bottom of what went on during that high profile marital breakdown.

After Andrew Morton published his book 'Diana: Her True Story' in which the late Princess threw open the doors on their marriage, causing it to crumble like chalk, Buckingham Palace planned a counter attack, labeling Diana 'mad' and 'unstable', saying the effects of her eating disorder, bulimia nervosa was sending her mad. In a act of dignity, Charles, apparantly, refused to enter into a war of words in the media, disallowing anyone to assassinate Diana's character and her mental stability. I thought highly of Charles for that one act. I just wish that some of the more ardent Diana fans would remember this and at least credit Charles with that act of kindness. Diana herself choose to leave this out and that is a act I can't forgive her for.

Now he is married to Camilla, his one true love, we see a happier Charles. A more relaxed Prince who glows in front of the camera's. I don't agree with the adulterous relationship Charles and Camilla conducted through his marriage to Diana, however, a happier Prince will make for a happier King I feel, and with Camilla by his side I am sure Charles will be the best King he can possibly be.

So is Charles a Prince Charming or a Prince Charmless? I don't think he is either. I just think he is a Prince with good characteristics and also some great f laws too. So I guess in my mind, it makes him a Prince Normal!

Kate Middleton: Future Queen or Future Ex?

I like Kate Middleton. I think she is one classy, discreet woman. I honestly can't understand the intense 'hatred' (yeah, dispite what they say on forums, they hate her!) of a woman who we don't know, and whom we havne't even heard speak.

She dresses nicely, always seems to smile to the press, and has kept her lips firmly shut, even when she was dumped by Prince William earlier this year in April. Some reports claimed she could of made millions during this period of time but decided to keep her own council. Those on the forums seem to attack Kate Middleton for keeping herself to herself and going about a daily life in London, yet their idol, Princess Diana did exactly the same. I can see no difference in the coverage of 2007 then the press coverage in 1980/1981. And yet, for some reason, Kate is seem in the same way Camilla is, someone to be ridiculed and attacked over and over again, for 'sins' such as wearing a dress that is a little short or going on another holiday in the sunny Bahama's.

I have always believed that those who have attacked her for so little are simply jealous. Of course if you voice this publicly then people will jump on you and literaly rip your throat out but why else attack a young woman? I think they are jealous she is dating and sleeping with a Prince, has no real need to work and can pretty much please herself when it comes to her schedule and spare time. I mean who wouldnt' love to be able to swan around wearing designer clothes, going to parties and socialising all the time......well to be honest it's not my type of life however you get what I mean........! I can see no other reason to 'hate' someone as those on message boards do unless there is a case of the green eyed monster there!

Whether or not she is perfect for William who knows. The relationship is said to be on and off and that does not bear well for the future. The Royal Family simply cannot afford for another relationship to fail like Williams parents marriage did. A lot is being wagered on Prince William, his ability to be King and the woman he chooses as his wife. I would not like to be in his shoes, not for all the privilige he has. Nor would I want to be in his furture wife's shoes either.

Personaly and rather selfishly, I hope that William marries Kate but only if it's for love and the right reasons. We dont want him marrying because he is being pushed into it. We dont want history to repeat itself. I like her. I think she is discreet and shows a ability to handle the press well. Although at times it must be straining for her, she doesn't show it. There are no public tears or breakdowns.

I don't know if we'll see Kate Middleton walk up the aisle of Westminster Abbey, but if it happens I'd be happy. But all we can do is wish for William and Kate to be happy, whatever path their lives take.

Diana: Ten Years On.....

I can't say it anymore clearly.......I still miss her!

Just watching SKY ONE's 'The Diana Years'. It hurts to see the footage of her, now that she is no longer with us.

How I miss her.

Diana: Tenth Anniversary

It's now been ten years since the Princess of Wales was killed in a car accident. I hardly can believe it. The whole Royal scene has changed a great deal in that time, but Diana's popularity stands as solid as stone.

When Diana arrived for her final holiday on board the Jonikal in August 1997 nobody knew how that summer would end. When pictures of her sitting alone on the Jonikal's diving board, or pictures of her snuggling with Dodi Fayed reached the front pages of newspapers such as the Mirror, I, as a Diana watcher felt uneasy at this new relationship. In fact I remember telling my mum, just days before she died that she would 'get herself into trouble with this one'. From the very first picture of Diana and Dodi together I got a uneasy feeling and it so proved correct.

I do not believe that Diana was in love with Dodi. I don't believe that she was planning to marry him or indeed, was pregnant with his child (if Diana's friends are to be believed the dates do not add up, she simply could not be pregnant). In fact, as hard as it is to admit to myself, Diana died through the age old emotion of jealousy. I believe the whole summer romance with Dodi Fayed was crafted by Diana herself to get back at the two men who she really truely loved.

In the summer of 1997 it was announced that Prince Charles would be holding a 50th birthday party for his partner, Camilla Parker-Bowles, at the old Wales marital home, Highgrove House in the countryside. I believe, as much as I admire Diana, that it was in her nature to take the media interest off the party, which was used as a base to slowly introduce Camilla into public life. And she did indeed achieve that. For the day after the party was it on the front of the papers? No. We were treated to a picture of Diana in a swimsuit, jumping into the warm mediterean sea, and her cleveage well on show, encouraging the Mirror to write a classic headline, in the form of a postcard saying 'breast wishes, from Diana'.

The second person, and I feel the more important person Diana was sending a message out to was her love of two years, Hasnat Khan. A quiet, heart surgeon, he had been seeing the Princess since 1995 and I feel she utterly loved him. But being a private man, he could not bear the thought of the public relationship and had called it off. Diana rang Hasnat from her mobile on board the Jonikal, even calling his family to reassure them that nothing was going on between her and Dodi, so sure was she that she could win Hasnat back. This however, was failing to work so I believe Dodi was a useful tool in saying 'okay, you don't want me, well this is what your missing out on'.

By saying that Diana really died through jealousy and her attempts to get back at two people is not a pleasant or popular view, but I can't help feeling it. If she was content to allow Charles and Camilla to progress their relationship publicly, and if she could of accepted that her relationship with Hasnat was over, maybe she'd still be with us today. I feel she would of made better decisions and would not of put quite so much trust in Dodi Fayed and his chaotic lifestyle.

Either way, Diana died that summer and I do still miss her, warts and all.