HISTORIC PRESS RELEASE : Proposals to Commemorate the Life and Work of Diana, Princess of Wales [June 1998]

The press release issued by HM Treasury on 24 June 1998.

The Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Committee today published its preliminary advice to HM Government as to how the life and work of Diana, Princess of Wales can best be commemorated.

The proposals are for:

• developing community children’s nursing teams  to support children with life-threatening and life- limiting illnesses and their families in their own homes;
• an award in secondary schools to celebrate and support the achievements of young people who make an outstanding contribution to the community;
• subject to public consultation, a memorial garden in Kensington Gardens.

There will also be a commemorative crown coin, which will be issued next year.

More detail of these proposals are set out in the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Committee Preliminary Advice to H M Government, published today.

Announcing the proposals, Chancellor Gordon Brown, who chairs the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Committee, said :

“The Memorial Committee received over 10,000 suggestions for memorials to Diana, Princess of Wales. We were impressed by the range and quality of these, and by how many people from all walks of life put so much time and effort into developing and presenting them. That in itself is a tribute to the regard and depth of feeling for Diana, Princess of Wales across the community.

“The proposals which we have announced today were amongst the most popular and appropriate we received, and we expect them to be widely acknowledged as a fitting tribute to her life and work.

“They recognise her concern for children and their families in times of sickness, when practical support and advice can often be as important as medical treatment.  They also encourage children and young people, whatever their own circumstances, to take an active and exemplary part in the life of their local communities, particularly in helping the more vulnerable.

“Members of the public wanting to remember Diana,Princess of Wales will continue to visit Kensington Gardens and the Memorial Committee feels that, in response to this, the gardens should be enhanced, in a sympathetic way, as a place of remembrance. A memorial walking route linking Kensington Gardens and St James’s through the Royal Parks  will provide a popular and healthy option for those wishing to visit the places closely associated with the Princess.

“It is essential and right that residents, the relevant authorities and the wider public should have an early opportunity to put forward their views on the proposal for Kensington Gardens, before any final decisions are taken. That is why Chris Smith, the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport has agreed to take forward a preliminary consultation exercise starting the week beginning 6 July 1998.

“I am pleased that Her Majesty the Queen has approved my recommendation for a commemorative crown coin with a value of £5, which will be widely available in time for the anniversary of Diana, Princess of Wales’ birthday on 1 July 1999.

” The Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Committee wish to thank everyone who has contributed to helping us in this task, both the many individuals and organisations that sent us their ideas for suitable memorials, and those bodies we have consulted and which have given us valuable practical advice on how to develop our proposals effectively and appropriately.”

The Departments for Health, Education and Employment and Culture, Media and Sport will make detailed recommendations to the Memorial Committee on how the respective proposals should be developed and implemented.