In its edition of September 5, 1997, under the headline ‘Princess of the People’, the Herald reported: “The death of Diana, Princess of Wales has been felt keenly and deeply in Farnham – as it has throughout Britain and the world.

“The whole town is determined to do something – no matter how small or insignificant it may seem – to pay homage to her life.” 

During the early hours of August 31, Diana, Princess of Wales, died from injuries sustained earlier that night in a fatal car crash in Paris.

The Farnham Arts and Crafts Festival, and other local events, were cancelled as a mark of respect on the day of the Princess’s funeral and books of condolence for the public to inscribe messages in memory of the Princess were placed in the St George’s Chapel at St Andrews Parish Church and in the Farnham Locality Office.

Farnham’s marathon roller skater, Cheryl Fisher and her father Ron had special links to the Princess and were due to have lunch with her only a few weeks after she died.

Many local people also travelled to London to leave flowers, candles, cards, and personal messages outside Kensington Palace for many months after the Princess’s death.

There were pilgrimages to the capital too for Diana’s funeral in Westminster Abbey on September 6.

Her sons, Princes William and Harry, walked in the funeral procession behind her coffin, along with the Prince of Wales, the Duke of Edinburgh, Diana's brother Lord Spencer, and representatives of some of her charities.

The above is part of a series of articles delving into the Herald archive to mark the 50th anniversary of the dissolution of the Farnham Urban District Council in March 1974.

Over coming weeks, Peeps into the Past will celebrate 50 events over 50 years in Farnham, the above being the seventh so far.