Key date and summary
Diana, Princess of Wales, died in the early hours of Sunday 31 August 1997 following a road crash in Paris. Her funeral took place on Saturday 6 September 1997. The service began at about 11:00 BST at Westminster Cathedral in London, with the public procession beginning around 08:45 BST. She was later buried at the family estate at Althorp on 9 September 1997 after a private committal service.
Confirmed timeline of events
Below is a concise verified timeline of the main moments surrounding Diana's funeral in London and the following days.
| Date / Time | Event | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| 31 Aug 1997 (early hours) | Diana dies in Paris car crash | Sets context for the global response and planning |
| 31 Aug–4 Sep 1997 | Lying-in-state at Westminster Hall | Allows members of the public to pay respects |
| 6 Sep 1997, ~08:45 BST | Public procession from Kensington Palace to Westminster Cathedral | Coincides with large crowds lining the route |
| 6 Sep 1997, ~11:00 BST | Funeral service at Westminster Cathedral | Key religious and ceremonial moment |
| 6 Sep 1997, after service | Committal at Kensal Green Cemetery before private burial at Althorp | Separates public service from private family interment |
| 9 Sep 1997 | Private burial at Althorp | Final resting place in the Spencer family estate |
Public procession route and timing
On Saturday 6 September 1997, the funeral cortège departed from Kensington Palace at approximately 08:45 BST, traveling via Hyde Park Corner, Constitution Hill, The Mall, and Broad Sanctuary before arriving at Westminster Cathedral. Millions lined the streets, and the procession moved slowly due to crowds and security. The service inside the cathedral began shortly after 11:00 BST and lasted about 50 minutes, after which the coffin was taken to Kensal Green Cemetery for a brief committal before the private transfer to Althorp.
Westminster Cathedral service details
The service was a traditional Church of England funeral mass, reflecting Diana's known Anglican affiliation while also including ecumenical elements. Music, readings, and a sermon aimed to balance public mourning with private grief. The ceremony was broadcast worldwide and closely followed by media, marking a televised moment of shared national sorrow.
Committal and final burial at Althorp
After Westminster Cathedral, the coffin traveled to Kensal Green Cemetery in London for a committal service with close family, then continued by road to Althorp in Northamptonshire. The private burial took place on 9 September 1997 at the Spencer family estate, where a small group gathered to mourn in private. The location was chosen for its familial significance and seclusion.