by The Laird o’Thistle – September 1 2007

This month’s column presents a special dilemma. It seems impossible not to reflect on the tenth anniversary of Princess Diana’s death, but after so many words over the ensuing years – some of my own included – there seems so little left to say. I am, of course, very sorry that someone so young and beautiful died so tragically early. I am very sorry that her sons were deprived of their beloved mother at such a young and vulnerable age. But beyond that, I was never entirely sure what to make of Diana, and more particularly the Diana phenomenon when she was alive. And I still don’t. Despite all the conspiracy theories, the salient fact about her death seems to be that if she had simply worn her seat belt that night she would almost certainly have survived the accident. In the long run, I think she deserves better than to become just another Elvis or Marilyn. And that is about all I can say.

So, now can we finally let her rest in peace?

Yours Aye,

– Ken Cuthbertson