Paul Johnston

The media, especially the parts owned by Rupert Murdoch, are trying to whip up a reprise of the Diana-mania they enjoyed so much 10 years ago. On the various Sky channels one can have almost non-stop wall to wall Diana programmes to commemorate the 10th anniversary of her death. One I saw even went so far as to suggest that the Alma tunnel in Paris had become a place of pilgrimage to rival Lourdes. Such crassness defies belief. The BBC is not innocent either with its interviews outside the gates of Kensington Palace and 'wondering' if the place would be decked in floral tributes etc again as 10 years ago.

Happily they also reported that sales of  anniversary memorabilia were low and their vox pop interviews suggested that, unlike the media, the British people have 'moved on'. Let's hope the media will now catch up and let the Princess and the rest of us rest in peace.

I am glad to note, by the way, that the special prayers composed for the Memorial Service by the Archbishop of Canterbury, remember to pray for the repose of her soul. Those who really care about her and cherish her memory should do just that.