Tears welled unashamedly in the eyes of many who thronged the Cathedral Church of St Patrick in Armagh last night to remember Diana, Princess of Wales. The service of reflection, while not billed as ecumenical, proved to be a coming together of hundreds of people from both communities wanting to pay their respects.
Old and young came from far and near. Half an hour before the service was due to start, the ancient cathedral was packed and extra seating was being provided in the aisles. And still they came. By the time Church of Ireland Primate, Dr Robin Eames, and Catholic Primate, Dr Sean Brady, led the procession of clergy to the sanctuary, there was barely standing room. Joining the two church leaders in the prayers and readings were the Rev Elizabeth Whalley of the Methodist Church and the Rev Tony Davidson of the First Armagh Presbyterian Church. In the quiet period of reflective prayer, the silence was broken only by sobbing as the "People's Prin- cess" was mourned like a member of the family.
Dr Eames told the assembly that the reaction to the shattering news of the princess's death had proved she had had a very special place in the hearts and minds of the nation and across the world. "I doubt if any of us will ever see again the response of the last few days," he said, who going on to speak of Diana's young life of service, dedicated motherhood and beauty. He said a great many would be the poorer for her passing.
The archbishop said they prayed for those who would miss her most. It was impossible to imagine the feelings of the two young princes on the threshold of their lives. He prayed that those who supported them would be given guidance and strength. A second book of condolence has been opened in the cathedral for the public to sign. There is also one at the city council's headquarters in the palace demesne.
Rachel Donnelly adds from London: The GAA's London County Board has apparently been split over a dispute about the Tricolour being flown at half mast last Sunday as a mark of respect for the death of the Princess of Wales. The London-based Irish Post newspaper reported the dispute in its edition this week saying that the decision "caused controversy" with at least one official opposing the move.
The paper's editorial yesterday said the death of the princess could not fail to "find a resonance of empathy among even those who oppose the idea of monarchy and all it stands for in today's Britain".