All of us at the British Consulate General have been deeply touched by the response of the American people, but especially the people of Chicago and the Midwest, to the death of Diana, Princess of Wales.
The many thousands of messages of condolence, floral and other tributes that have been received, as well as the sentiments expressed by those who have come personally to the consulate to pay their respects or to sign the books of condolence, all testify to the affection in which the princess was held and the many hearts she touched.
We are grateful to Gov. Jim Edgar and Mayor Richard Daley for their personal messages to the Princess of Wales’ family. All of us here and so many others who met the princess during her 1996 Chicago visit are deeply upset at the death and remember her for her warmth and compassion. It is a great comfort to know that our grief is so widely shared.
We wish to thank the people who stood in line for up to five hours for their endless patience and good humor, the cooperation and understanding of the news media, the endless and tireless good humor of the Wrigley Building security staff and the Chicago Police Department, and the superb cooperation of Diane Allen and the Wrigley Building management.
We have witnessed a phenomenon, and we are truly grateful to all those who have played a part. Thank you.
