After Princess Diana's death in 1997, world leaders paid tribute to her memory:
How many times shall we remember her, in how many different ways, with the sick, the dying, with children, with the needy? When with just a look or a gesture that spoke so much more than words she would reveal to all of us the depth of her compassion and her humanity... She was the people's princess, and that is how she will stay, how she will remain, in our hearts and in our memories forever. - Tony Blair, prime minister of Great Britain
With the tragic death of Princess Diana, a beacon of light has been extinguished. Her good works brought hope to so many of those in need throughout the world. - Margaret Thatcher, former prime minister of Great Britain
She was a very great friend, in love with the poor. She was very anxious to do something for them. - Mother Teresa of Calcutta
She was a young woman of our times -- warm, full of life and generosity. Her tragic death will be deeply felt because she was a familiar figure to everyone. - Jacques Chirac, president of France
With her personal charisma, her courage, and above all her impressive engagement in an array of humanitarian causes, she won over the people in our country. - Roman Herzog, president of Germany
The princess had won the hearts of the Irish people through her commitment and work on behalf of so many charities and international causes throughout the world. - Bertie Ahern, prime minister of Ireland
The princess was a woman of grace, beauty, and charm. She represented Britain with nobility and warmth, and she captured the imagination of millions throughout the world with her dedication to her children and to innumerable worthy causes. - Benjamin Netanyahu, prime minister of Israel
Princess Diana was well-known and loved by the people of Russia. Everybody knew about her huge contribution to charity, both in Britain and outside. Many exceptional projects that touched the lives of ordinary people have been put into practice in Russia with her direct participation. - Boris Yeltsin, president of Russia
Diana, Princess of Wales touched all our lives in Scotland, as elsewhere in the country. She had so much energy and idealism. She cared for and worked tirelessly for causes where the need was great, bringing hope and encouragement to many in distress... She was a remarkable presence, and for many an inspiration. - Donald Dewar, secretary of state for Scotland
She will be sadly missed as a warm, compassionate, and caring person. - Nelson Mandela, president of South Africa
She shared the life struggles of ordinary people. She cared about them. She was not too self-absorbed to lend her hand and her heart to people in pain or in peril, especially people with AIDS and the innocent victims of land mines. - Bill Clinton, president of the United States
I knew her as a very sensitive, at times very amusing, lady who desperately wanted to make a difference in this world. - Henry Kissinger, former U.S. secretary of state
The princess made a major contribution to alleviating suffering, especially among the poor, the weak, and the sick throughout the world. The tragedy has robbed the world of a consistent and committed voice for the improvement of the lives of suffering children. - Kofi Annan, secretary-general of the United Nations
Princess Diana dancing at the White House with John Travolta in 1985. Courtesy Ronald Reagan Library.
