Today in 1997, Britain and the world said farewell to Diana, Princess of Wales, at the end of an unprecedented week of mourning. A four mile procession brought her coffin to Westminster Abbey, where politicians and celebrities joined the Royal Family in a subdued congregation. Over a million people lined the route of the funeral cortege to the abbey and along her final journey to the Spencer family home in Northamptonshire.
Diana's death resulted in an outpouring of grief never before seen in the UK. It was estimated that a total of 2.5 billion people watched the princess's funeral, a testament to her global celebrity. Her image remained as iconic in death as it had been in life and within weeks of her funeral there was worldwide demand for memorabilia of the princess. The French authorities concluded their investigation into the crash two years later. It found the driver, Henri Paul, to be three times over the drink-drive limit and breaking the speed limit. The photographers chasing the car were severely criticised for their behaviour, but no criminal action was taken against them.
