Princess Diana’s Funeral Part 6: Pavarotti Arrives

The celebrity guests continue to arrive at the Abbey including Dodi’s Dad Harrods and Paris Ritz owner, Mohammed Fayed, and Betty Bothroyd: the then Speaker of the House of Commons. Also seen is Diana’s close friend Richard Branson and several British politicians including then Foreign Secretary Robin Cook and former Prime Ministers Edward Heath and James Callaghan, all of whom died in 2005. Tony Blair’s Deputy Prime Minister, John Prescott, is also seen.

Former Archbishop of Canterbury Robert Runcie who married Charles and Diana in 1981, making the memorable remark “This is the stuff of which fairytales are made!” also shows up. It was later said he could tell they were ill-matched and it showed in his body language during the wedding ceremony. David Dimbleby incorrectly says he will take part in the Funeral service later. Dr Runcie sadly died himself in 2000, nine years into his retirement from the Church of England.

Towards the end of the clip, the legendary Italian tenor, Luciano Pavarotti arrives and the crowd gives a cheer as he is physically helped into the Abbey by two female companions.

Luciano Pavarotti tragically died himself today 6/9/07, exactly ten years after he pulled himself out of grieving to come to his friend’s funeral. R.I.P.

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