If there is anything that is 100 percent true about the late Queen Elizabeth II, it’s that she was a stickler for following royal protocol.
The Queen Broke Royal Protocol When She Bowed To Diana’s Coffin
The Queen never broke the rules once throughout her 70-year reign, except for when she attended Princess Diana’s funeral.
Princess Diana perished in a car accident in Paris on August 31, 1997, which was 28 years ago today.
Diana was thought to have humanized the monarchy and used her global platform to bring attention to numerous charitable causes.
The late Princess of Wales’ funeral was held on September 6, 1997. The Queen bowed her head to Diana’s coffin as it passed Buckingham Palace during the funeral procession.
This one, simple and rare show of respect broke centuries of royal protocol. Traditionally, the monarch doesn’t bow to anyone. Others bow to them.
The gesture was perceived as a human act of compassion and grace, reflecting the world’s grief over the loss of Princess Diana.
In a nation that was mourning a beloved figure, Her Royal Highness was keen to honor the wishes of her heartbroken subjects.
Interestingly, Diana was perceived as someone who sought to undermine the House of Windsor. Yet, after Diana’s death, it seemed as though the Queen was more open to taking risks.
Prince William and Prince Harry got to see their mother bolstered to a high position that the public held her in.
The lowering of the Queen’s head to Diana’s funeral cortege was a compelling and meaningful moment in history.
“Goodbye England’s Rose” Was Rewritten For Diana
At Diana’s funeral, Elton John performed a reworked version of “Candle in the Wind,” which was originally inspired by Marilyn Monroe, also known as Norma Jeane Mortenson.
Instead, the lyrics were rewritten to pay tribute to Diana, “Goodbye England’s rose may you ever grow in our hearts.”
The song was released as a single in 1997, and the proceeds from the sales went to Diana’s charities. It resonated with Diana’s fans as well as the entire nation and the world.
Royal fans were emotional as they paid tribute to Diana as they gathered outside Kensington Palace today to mark the 28th anniversary of Princess Dian’s death.
There was a shrine to honor her memory outside the palace, including pictures of Diana with Harry and William.
Diana would surely be heartbroken that her two sons are estranged from each other. She would do everything she could to try to reconcile them.
The Daily Mail’s Richard Kay said he believed that Diana would have been proud of William and Kate for the way they have conducted themselves as the Prince and Princess of Wales while raising young children.
The royal expert also commented that Diana would have been “hugely jealous” of the fact that Prince Harry was able to “break away” from the Firm.
He explained,
“You’ve got to remember, Diana was a radical, she was very unhappy, she was trapped within the royal system, she did try and break away, she couldn’t quite before her death.”
He added,
“I think she would have been fiercely proud of the fact that Harry has chosen a life outside of the royal circle.”
Diana’s legacy lives on in her sons, William and Harry. She will always be remembered as “The People’s Princess.”
Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below. If you enjoyed this article, then see our other features on the Daily Soap Dish.
