Precisely 25 years ago, on August 31, 1997, people around the world watched in horror as the news flooded in that Princess Diana was in hospital after being involved in a high speed crash in Paris.
Her companion Dodi Fayed, and the driver Henri Paul, were pronounced dead at the scene. After the Princess of Wales was in surgery for over two hours, doctors announced that she had passed. It’s a moment in history that’s unforgettable for those who can remember it, and a story that’s been told many times over for those who don’t.
The death of the People's Princess had a profound impact on Edinburgh locals, with thousands leaving floral tributes at the gates of Holyrood Palace, echoing scenes at Buckingham Palace and other royal residences up and down the country.
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To this day the feeling across the city is remembered, with each local resident holding their own set of memories surrounding Diana’s death. On the anniversary of the tragic day, many will be reliving the moment they found out.
We asked members of the Edinburgh Back in Time Facebook group what they recall from the shocking day 25 years ago.
Lynda Buckle recalled: “I cried for days, this lady had such a raw deal.”
Wendy Henderson agreed: “I had not long started a new job, walked in and felt a sense of something not right as everyone was quiet. Finally someone told me, so sad.”
Recalling discovering the news, Jane Wilson commented: “My friend phoned me to tell me. I think I cried all day.
“When I did go out, the streets were deserted. Such a sombre feeling.”
Sandra Morris had similar memories: “I heard the initial news at 1am, then it was confirmed at 3am that morning.
“I couldn’t sleep as I kept thinking it wasn’t real. My TV was on all day.”
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Commenting on our post, Anne Watt Cunliffe said: “I was on my way to Florida and heard the news. Very sad.”
Recalling where he was when he heard the news, George Finnie recalled: “I was working in Kinnells on Victoria Road, next door to the Brush shop. Remember it like it was yesterday.”
Seven days after her death, 31 million people across the UK tuned in to watch Princess Diana’s funeral. Here in the capital, eyes were glued to screens.
Muriel O’Gorman recalled: “It was so hard to believe. Cried a lot at the funeral, such a beautiful woman and so young.”
As we mark the 25th anniversary of her death, people across the world will be paying their respects to the Princess of Wales. Whether it’s laying a wreath or taking a moment to remember, there’s no denying that the People’s Princess is firmly ingrained in the heads of Edinburgh locals.
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