Princess Diana’s Funeral: A Look Back 20 Years Later

It has been 20 years since Princess Diana passed away in a tragic car accident in Paris.

Her death sent shockwaves around the world, leaving millions of people in mourning.

Her funeral, held on September 6, 1997, was watched by over 750 million people worldwide, making it one of the most significant televised events in history.

Despite her divorce from Prince Charles, officials knew that a send-off fit for a royal was necessary.

Mourners lined the streets between Kensington Palace and Parliament to throw flowers on her cortege and weep as her casket passed on a gun carriage pulled by the Queen's Welsh Guards on horseback.

Two thousand people attended the funeral service inside Westminster Abbey, including many of her famous personal friends whom she had met during the course of her charity work with AIDS, land mines, and cancer organizations.

Elton John, one of Diana's closest friends, played his own version of “Candle in the Wind” during the ceremony, dedicating it to her memory.

He was joined by partner David Furnias, who wore a dark suit similar to Elton's.

The late George Michael, who had been a shoulder to cry on for Diana during her divorce, also attended the funeral.

Hollywood A-listers Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise, as well as legendary film director Steven Spielberg, were among the other celebrities in attendance.

Iconic Italian tenor Luciano Pavarotti, who counted Diana among his personal friends, arrived with his companion Nicoletta Montalvani, while Cliff Richard, a friend to the royals, also came to say his final goodbye.

Other famous faces in the crowd included then-Prime Minister Tony Blair, who gave the touching eulogy, and his wife Sherry Blair, and a youthful Hillary Clinton, wife of serving American President Bill Clinton.

Queen Elizabeth, who had faced widespread criticism for her business-like demeanor in the days after Diana's death, also attended the funeral.

She stood outside the gates of Buckingham Palace as the cortege passed and, in a rare step, bowed her head in tribute.

Diana's funeral was a somber and emotional event, with mourners from all over the world paying their respects to the beloved princess.

Her legacy lives on through her sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, who continue to carry out her charitable work and keep her memory alive.

It is hard to believe that 20 years have passed since Diana's untimely death, but her impact on the world has not diminished.

Her grace, compassion, and dedication to helping others will always be remembered and celebrated.

The world lost a true icon that day, but her spirit lives on in the hearts of those who loved her.