AMID the hysteria surrounding the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, let us not forget one or two things. Diana openly courted the Press, suggesting that there would be a big surprise.

While this in no way excuses the actions of the paparazzi, it hardly discouraged them from following her.

At 71, our Queen now shoulders the burden, along with the Prince of Wales, of supporting the two young princes, both now and in the future.

The criticism of our Queen is intolerable. Whatever the relationship between the palace and Diana - and we were not privy to that but merely gleaned the opinions of court watchers and the Press - she is their grandmother and a stable haven when the love affairs of both their mother and father have been emblazoned on the front pages of the tabloids. How many of us would want to be coerced into broadcasting to the nation in the raw days of grief? Time was when a bereaved family withdrew behind its drawn curtains and grieved privately. Is this not what the Royal Family is doing while sparing the princes public exposure?

How do we know that the princes were forced to attend church on Sunday morning? In a seemingly Godless society, there are still those who find comfort and strength in God and they are an example to us all.

Diana's own mother left her Scottish home only on Wednesday evening for her journey to London, having first taken time to come to terms with her tragic loss quietly at home. The masses should remember that although Diana loved people, she was not an icon.

Other members of the Royal Family work just as hard but, as they are not as media attractive as Diana was, are given far less publicity. Along with Mrs Shand Kydd, let us thank God for Diana but let us also let her rest in peace.

K LIVESEY (Mrs), Pickering Fold, Blackburn.

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