SINCE last Sunday's dreadful news we have seen, throughout
           Britain and around the world, an overwhelming expression of
           sadness at Diana's death.

           We have all been trying in our different ways to cope. It is not
           easy to express a sense of loss, since the initial shock is
           often succeeded by a mixture of other feelings: disbelief,
           incomprehension, anger - and concern for those who remain. We
           have all felt those emotions in these last few days. So what I
           say to you now, as your Queen and as a grandmother, I say from
           my heart.

           First, I want to pay tribute to Diana myself. She was an
           exceptional and gifted human being. In good times and bad, she
           never lost her capacity to smile and laugh, nor to inspire
           others with her warmth and kindness. I admired and respected her
           - for her energy and commitment to others, and especially for
           her devotion to her two boys. This week at Balmoral, we have all
           been trying to help William and Harry come to terms with the
           loss that they and the rest of us have suffered.

           No one who knew Diana will ever forget her. Millions of others
           who never even met her, but felt they knew her, will remember
           her. I for one believe there are lessons to be drawn from her
           life and from the extraordinary and moving reaction to her
           death. I share in your determination to cherish her memory.

           This is also an opportunity for me, on behalf of my family, and
           especially Prince Charles and William and Harry, to thank all of
           you who have paid your respects in so many ways to a remarkable
           person. These have been a huge source of help and comfort.

           Our thoughts are also with Diana's family and the families of
           those who died with her. I know that they too have drawn
           strength from what has happened since last weekend, as they seek
           to heal their sorrow and then to face the future without a loved
           one.

           I hope that tomorrow we can all, wherever we are, join in
           expressing our grief at Diana's loss, and gratitude for her
           all-too-short life. It is a chance to show to the world the
           British nation united in grief and respect. May those who died
           rest in peace and may we, each and every one of us, thank God
           for someone who made many, many people happy.