London - The British Prime Minister yesterday paid a moving tribute to the life and work of Diana, Princess of Wales, describing her as a "wonderful and warm human being". Mr Tony Blair, accompanied by his wife and three children, wore a black tie and sombre suit.
He stood outside a church in his Sedgefield constituency in the rain, his voice breaking with emotion. "I feel like everyone else in this country today. I am utterly devastated," he said.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with Princess Diana's family, particularly her two sons. Our heart goes out to them."
The Prime Minister added: "We know how difficult things were for her from time to time. I am sure we can only guess that. But people everywhere, not just here in Britain, kept faith with Princess Diana.
"They liked her, they loved her, they regarded her as one of the people.
"She was the People's Princess and that is how she will stay, how she will remain in our hearts and our memories forever."