'Queen advised Camilla over Diana service'

Last Modified: 27 Aug 2007
Source: ITN

The Queen reportedly advised the Duchess of Cornwall to pull out of this week's memorial service for Diana, Princess of Wales.

On Friday, Prince William and Prince Harry will mark the tenth anniversary of their mother's death at a service to be held at the Guards' Chapel at Wellington Barracks.

On Sunday, Camilla announced she would not attend and some reports claimed she had received hate mail for accepting the invitation offered to her by the royal princes.

In a statement, Camilla said: "I'm very touched to have been invited by Prince William and Prince Harry to attend the thanksgiving service for their mother Diana, Princess of Wales.

"I accepted and wanted to support them. However, on reflection, I believe my attendance could divert attention from the purpose of the occasion which is to focus on the life and service of Diana.

"I'm grateful to my husband, William and Harry for supporting my decision."

An aide said: "It was never going to be an easy decision either way."

William and Harry will now join the Queen, the Prince of Wales and the Spencer family as well as celebrities including Sir Elton John, Sir Cliff Richard, Lord Attenborough and photographer Mario Testino.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown will be there, as will Tony Blair, who was the PM at the time of the tragedy.

Mr Blair's use of the words the "People's Princess" as he described Diana in the immediate aftermath struck a chord with many.

Camilla and Prince Charles are staying at Balmoral during the Queen's summer break. The Duchess is likely to remain there while the rest of the royals head to London for the service.

Charles Spencer, with Lady Sarah and Diana's other sister Lady Jane Fellowes, has personally helped William and Harry with the arrangements for the service.

His controversial eulogy at the Princess's funeral in 1997 was seen as an attack on the Royal Family.

He vowed to Diana in his speech that her "blood family" would do all they could to protect William and Harry "so that their souls are not simply immersed by duty and tradition but can sing openly as you planned".

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