The funeral service at Westminster Abbey tomorrow will recall Diana, Princess of Wales, as "a beacon of hope and a source of strength for so many". Details of the order of the service were announced yesterday in which the British Prime Minister, Mr Tony Blair, and the princess's brother and two sisters will read the lessons. The singer Elton John, who was a friend to the princess since her marriage to Prince Charles, will sing a specially composed version of his song, Candle in the Wind.
The new words will reflect the loss of England's "rose" and "the empty days without your smile". The song was originally composed as a tribute to Marilyn Monroe. Buckingham Palace courtiers, the Spencer family and Downing Street have met daily this week to arrange the details of the service which will reflect the status of the princess as a member of the British royal family and the "People's Princess".
When the princess's coffin comes to rest at the altar of Westminster Abbey, the Very Rev Dr Wesley Carr, Dean of Westminster, will lead the mourners in giving thanks "for the life" of Diana, Princess of Wales, and "commend her soul to almighty God, and to seek comfort for all who mourn".
"In her life, Diana profoundly influenced this nation and the world. Although a princess, she was someone for whom, from afar, we dared to feel affection, and by whom we were all intrigued. She kept company with kings and queens, with princes and presidents, but we especially remember her humane concerns and how she met individuals and made them feel significant."
Mr Blair will read a lesson from 1 Corinthians 13: "Love never faileth. . .", which discusses faith, love and knowledge. The funeral service will be led by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr George Carey. The princess's brother, Earl Spencer, will read a personal tribute to his sister. The princess's sisters, Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes, will also read specially chosen poems. The poem attributed to Lady McCorquodale is understood to begin with the line: "If I should die and leave you here awhile," written by the American poet Mary Lee Hall. The second poem, which will be read by Lady Fellowes, is entitled Time.
The four hymns chosen for the service were know to have particular significance for the princess. One of the hymns, I Vow to Thee, My Country, was sung at the princess's wedding in 1981. Another is the hymn, Make Me a Channel of Your Peace, which is thought to have been written by St Francis of Assisi.
A selection of classical music will also be played before the service by Westminster Abbey's assistant organist, Mr Stephen Le Prevost. The BBC Singers, with soprano Lynne Dawson, will sing from the Requiem by Verdi, a particular favourite of Diana, in the presence of tenor Luciano Pavarotti who will now attend the service. Earlier this week, Pavarotti said he was too grief-stricken to travel to London.
After the service, a minute of silence will be observed when the funeral procession will stop at the west end of Westminster Abbey. As the procession leaves, the half-muffled bells of the abbey will sound at one-minute intervals.