Palace responds to Branson call

Buckingham Palace early today trebled the number of condolence books at St James's Palace after the British millionaire businessman…

Buckingham Palace early today trebled the number of condolence books at St James's Palace after the British millionaire businessman, Mr Richard Branson, expressed concern over the length of time mourners faced before being able to pass on their last message to Princess Diana.

With only five books originally set out in the palace's Lower Corridor, hundreds of grief-stricken people faced a wait overnight of up to six hours.

But at 1 a.m. a further 10 books were made available in a bid to speed up the process.

The move came after Mr Branson criticised Buckingham Palace for failing to provide enough condolence books.

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With the queues to sign the books growing throughout yesterday outside the palace, it meant by midnight hundreds of people still waiting faced the prospect of spending the whole night outside the princess's resting place. - (PA)