Shocked and numbed along with most of the world, I felt compelled to join the thousands of people queuing up all over England, to write a few words of remembrance in books, considerately placed around the country. Mum was in hospital at that time, my sister and I went to the quiet chapel inside the hospital to write our words of remembrance and in so doing, to express our profound sadness at the loss. I was grateful to have a quiet setting so I could pay tribute to Diana and write my own personal words of reverence to an extraordinary woman.
People were pouring their hearts out, it was real, it was authentic and it was unforgettable. We lost a bright light in this world; a remarkable woman.
The Nation watched her funeral with gravity as tears of sadness flowed from a country in mourning. The world listened to the awe-inspiring song by Elton John, and the poignant words that poured from her brother’s heart.
Diana’s life ignited a spark of hope in people’s hearts; her death left people stunned, her legacy is timeless. Her kindness touched thousands of ordinary human beings.
I wrote the following story one year before Diana died:

‘Laughing fondly, I opened the newspaper to see yet another picture of Diana; her eyes were peeking over the surgical mask in a hospital operating room. She was on front-page news again – but the fact that she was totally loyal, devoted and committed to her crusade of caring for ordinary people was a detail that was disregarded and overlooked by those ravenous reporters.
She had quietly slipped out of Buckingham Palace one night – as she had done on many nights without the media ever knowing.
Ailing people were comforted by these surprise and gentle visits. Her interest in reassuring the sick was an aspiration instigated by empathy and a deep wish to bring comfort to people who were suffering. It was her own need and compassionate desire to help. And she did help.
While wishing to educate herself by being part of a surgical team, someone had cunningly taken a photo, which unsurprisingly made front-page news. Attending a surgical procedure would broaden her sense of empathy for those who had undergone major surgery. Doing exactly what she genuinely believed in – she continued to attract unwanted media attention.
Diana faced constant envy and criticism and I found it hard to understand the spiteful comments emerging from people who seemed embittered in their own life. Those with tenderness and innocence in their heart – loved Diana.
Diana didn’t always conform to conventional concepts; her intent was to care and to be concerned about the well being of ordinary people. According to stiff and outdated rules, perhaps she didn’t ‘behave as a Royal should behave’ – she hugged people! In the eyes of decent people however, Diana exemplified nobility, dignity and above all a generous spirit!
What callous person would disapprove of these actions and in so doing cause her so much pain.’

What a richer world this would have been had Diana lived to be Queen – A Queen of Hearts.

Copyright ©Charmiene Maxwell-Batten, All Rights Reserved

This is a narrative from my book:

ENGLAND – PONDERINGS AND REFLECTIONS

DIANA