Time to move on? Tributes at Sandringham say not yet
ONE by one, they felt compelled to come. Visitors from near and far, young and old, clutching a bunch of flowers or just a simple rose, some with messages, some without, some with names, some anonymous but all with the same thought: Diana, we will never forget you.
See also
- Sweep Diana into pages of history'
- West Norfolk's tribute to its 'own' princess
Some hugged each other as they came to the Norwich Gates at Sandringham House on Friday, the tenth anniversary of her death. Some cried, still touched by the overwhelming sadness of someone so prominent dying so unexpectedly at the age of just 36.
They all wanted to remember Diana in their own way, many recognising her association with West Norfolk. She was born just a stone's throw from the gates at Park House and spent her childhood enjoying the local countryside. Her education started at Silfield School, Gaywood.
Former borough mayor and civic leader, Alderman Clifford Walters, told the Lynn News the world should now move on, adding: "It is time people grew up and swept her into the pages of history."
However, the tributes disagreed.
"Princess Diana. You will always be loved and your memory will last forever" wrote one well-wisher who signed herself only as Gillian.
Another wrote: "Ten years have passed but you are still in our hearts. We will remember you always."
And a couple commented: "Dear Diana. Never out of our thoughts. Queen of our hearts. Always will be remembered."
As people gathered to attach their flowers and tributes to the gate, many had nothing but praise for her sons, Princes William and Harry, who organised a memorial service in London at which Harry referred to Diana as "the best mother in the world".
Mrs Sue Hickie (60) from Grovelands, Ingoldisthorpe, arrived to lay flowers.
"I watched the boys this morning; I was so proud of them," she said, adding of the princess: "I think she is a person not to be forgotten."
Asked whether the world should move on, she looked at the sea of flowers and added: "I can't let it go yet. You move on in a way, everybody has to move on, but this just proves that people still want to remember her, doesn't it?"
Mrs Sharon Butcher (48), from Grantham, holidaying at Sandringham, agreed. "I just adored her," she said. "She was a wonderful, compassionate person."
Nottingham couple John and Tina Lane were holidaying at Heacham. Mrs Lane (57) resoundingly disagreed with Mr Walters adding: "I don't think it is public opinion. She will never be forgotten, and there are the boys."
Another card read: "Ten years on you are still my princess. You would have been so proud of your boys today."
Another summed up much of the mood at the gates saying: "The world is missing a princess and would have been a better place with you in it."
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for King's Lynn
Sunday 27 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 9 C to 26 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: North
