Princess Diana's Funeral Part 17: Earl Spencer's Tribute

Elton John finishes 'Candle in the Wind':
Goodbye England's rose,
from a country lost without your soul,
who'll miss the wings of your compassion
more than you'll ever know.
Diana's brother Charles then gets up and makes arguably one of the most memorable public speeches of the 1990s and possibly of the whole of the twentieth century in which he attacks the British Media and the Royal Family for the way they treated his sister.
Spontaneous applause breaks out at the end, taking many inside the Abbey, including Tom Fleming, aback.

[@Stemax1960]

Her brother said what most people were thinking. He said what needed to be said.

[@mattb6704]

This speech was Iconic. The jabs at the royal family. He did it with such class too. Diana would be proud.

[@lancer89032]

"Genuine goodness is threatening to those at the opposite end of the moral spectrum". To me that says it all!!!

[@Fatima502]

What I heard most was a lad sticking up for his big sister. It was brilliant.

[@zamm9580]

Who's still missing Princess Diana in 2020? I am! Rest in Love, Lady Diana 😭🕊👩‍👧‍👦💔 +🙏👑🌹

[@JamesCM86]

He cut them deep with his words. Still stands today

[@paulday6140]

no matter how hard Charles and camilla tried to pretend that diana would disappear into the woodwork. we never let her be forgotten. They underestimated the British public.

[@JuJuMJFan4life]

I have to say...I was home alone watching Diana's funeral crying and when Earl Spencer did his tribute I clapped after he finished cause what he said was so right.

[@gaoshengcha2983]

this Is a mic drop speech. I’m sure it made Princess Diana’s soul sing openly with pride and tears of gratitude.

[@angelacamack1699]

"Essence of compassion, of duty, of style, of beauty." That says it perfectly.

[@jares2590]

If you didn't know who Diana was, this eulogy describes her as she should be remembered.

[@lubnahassan]

i will not comment about his relationship with his sister but he said something which is very true"diana didnt need any royal title to hold her magic on people"

[@heema_9451]

I remember that moment when Charles Spencer finished his speech you could hear a pin drop inside the church but the loud applause from the people outside forced those inside to applaud too.

[@airdriver]

A lot can be said about Earl Spencer's personal life and what sort of man he is. A lot can also be said about his relationship with Diana as well. But what it all comes down to is this: He lost his sister in that car crash. Whether they got along or not, that had to hurt. This was a very powerful and moving eulogy to Diana.

[@tashkenty]

The most beautiful and heartbreakingly devastating eulogy I've ever heard. The last part was the hardest to bear but is the most hauntingly powerful, even Earl Spencer was struggling very hard not to break down into tears, as evidenced by the trembling of his voice. I was moved into tears.

[@littlecorgi]

I have never got over the incredible impression that this speech made, and the [not so] veiled jabs at the royal family that he got away with. Obviously, the applause he got showed that everyone other than HM and her family was behind him. What a brave, inspring speech! I am a monarchist but this was one time I hope the Queen cringed - and yes, I believe she learned the lesson from Diana's death, which we stil mourn. Whatever Earl Spencer's flaws, I applaud him for this most magnificent speech.

[@thomasjones2415]

Yes Me To

[@mikkim11]

"She needed no royal tittle" !!! ♥

[@thomasjones2415]

Yes Absolutely,

[@thevixmurph]

I was 7 when Diana died. I remember watching the funeral on TV with my mam who was crying her eyes out. Even my dad shed a tear. I’ve grew up watching documentaries about her and I’m in awe. I don’t think there has ever, and will ever be, a woman like Diana 🌹

[@debbiecooper1659]

This speech calmed the nation and world down. People were very angry at her loss. I remember when he finished speaking I thought...that's exactly how we all feel...it's as if the world spoke through one mouth United in grieve....

[@Gunner2991994]

He could have marched to Buckingham Palace and taken the throne of England and the crowds would have roared him on. Absolutely Unbelieveable.

[@terrybardy2923]

The Earl of Spencer nailed it completely! Bravo!!!!

[@RoomwithDinkytown]

One of the most beautiful speeches, eulogy or otherwise, I have heard.

[@terrysampson5759]

I do not think the queen would have paid tribute to Diana if it had not been Diana was so loved by the public. She was not loved by royals but she did have the queen of hearts by those not related

[@connie4937]

I still get chill bumps as Elton John sings that song. Just a few months earlier Princess Diana comforted him at the funeral of Gianni Versace

[@tru853]

Such honesty and pureness, truly felt his deep love for his sister 😔

[@jimanderson5883]

I still cannot comprehend how the Earl and Elton John managed to maintain their composure without breaking down. In itself, their ability to do so is a remarkable tribute to Diana.

[@alison3268]

One of the most memorable truthful speeches that will go down in history. She needed no royal title to prove how much she was loved and respected. Queen of our hearts.👑

[@NuanceWithNiki]

His voice didn't shake until he spoke to his nephews

[@lizpollitt8691]

I and my daughter stood up and applauded this speech, when it happened.

[@shar9631]

He spoke for all of us.

[@nivieb9]

Earl Spencer’s tribute always makes me cry. Diana is still alive in our hearts and will always be the legend no-one can ever match. Royal, yet, so relatable. Miss you so much Princess Diana! True princess of the world. Rest in eternal peace!

[@Littlelambism]

The Queen and the rest of the Royal Family did not expect the such a grand applause from the guests at the funeral and the public. I wonder what must have been going through their minds?

[@veeherreraJanecka]

The queen had to hear all of this... Beautiful and sad.

[@angierodriguez9871]

I wasn't even born when Diana the People's princess passed away but I have loved her and will love her very much and make sure she can be remembered. Diana, you have been my inspiration for becoming a better person and always to care for others, and I cry because you deserved the world but life was so unfair.

[@sezthet1]

Magnificent speech. Bold, brave, truthful, this was an incredibly determined and beautiful way to commemorate Diana’s life with all the struggles it entailed. I remember the funeral and it was like there was a lead weight over Britain that day. This speech lit up her memory for everyone.

[@Annie-fc6sx]

Heartbreaking.... he said what needed to be said! She really had no need for a royal title! Sleep well Diana🌹may you now find the peace you never really had in life

[@aropax40]

i love how Earl Spencer brought up the subject of her Royal Title here. Lame ass Royal family strips her of her royal title but offers back when she dies, how LAME !!

[@squeakal3393]

This speech has to be one of the greatest I have ever seen delivered. I am stunned today as I was 20 years ago when I first heard it. Good on you Earl Spencer. Your Sister was, and always will be the publics Princess. No matter what any one takes a title away. Or changes. She is always going to the public darling. Thanks for making such a powerful speech.

[@tashkenty]

one of the best eulogies i have ever heard. the last part of the eulogy was heartbreakingly devastating, this was the moment when earl spencer was slowly breaking/tearing apart (it can be heard through his voice), but he tried his best to control his emotions and not to break down. that moment moved me to tears.

[@DemocracyCountsx]

We all miss Diana so much. Rip

[@ratso4443]

What a moment when he ended his tribute and the throngs of people outside the abbey roared their appreciation. It was like a movie.

[@jeanninehochet]

I still remember exactly what I was doing that morning when the news broke. It's something you never forget.

[@fatimahaidara5064]

I still get chills watching this 22yrs later

[@Thetraveller411]

Her brother spoke what every person from all corners of the world wanted to say about our Beloved Princess Diana 😔😔😔❤️❤️❤️🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@fakiola9184]

This was so memorable & had a huge impact at the time. He said just enough for everyone to receive his message, he was brave in doing so & as a brother he really came through when it counted.

[@craiglee2872]

You can feel the love pouring out of his voice, such a touching tribute.

[@steph5379]

What he has or hasn't done in his personal life is nothing to do with others his speech was spot on and he only said what the hole nation was thinking. both her boys are so like her

[@pranavkurlap]

I dont care what the world has to say for her, but i would like to say that she was a most lovable person on earth, and this is the best tribute any one can give. It brings tears in my eyes till today, thinking of the horibal news.

[@normadesmond6017]

This is one of the most iconic speeches of the 20th century. And at that time I was so happy that he did gave the finger to the Windsors and you could hear the applause when he finished. She would have been proud of her little brother! And yes - I would have loved to seen the face of Charles during this speech. But that 's just me....

[@susanheins3922]

23 years ago I set my alarm so that i wouldn't miss Princess Diana's funeral. Two things I will never 4get was her children walking behind her on the way 2 the church, and her brother's eulogy. I'm grateful 2 be able 2 see it again. R.I.P. dear Princess Diana

[@locajoka22]

Totally agree -- one of THE most remarkable and moving speeches (tribute) ever. None of the royals bunched together could fill her shoes, she was loved and revered the world over.

[@Stemax1960]

He said what needed to be said! Love and Respect from Steve xXx

[@firewomannz3628]

Possibly the most authentic speech ever made.

[@andyuk7]

What ever your views on this, Charles Spencer or Diana, this has got to be one of THE speeches of the century !!

[@musicrocksmysoul96]

I love how he criticizes the media, and it was rightfully so! How they could have only questioned and put down the decisions she made out of the goodness of her heart baffles me. She was an extraordinary person, beautiful inside and out

[@vinaymittal6361]

In 2021 I am still watching this again. This states Diana you were really queen of our hearts. We miss you and love you

[@juliewilliams4894]

The love for his sister is evident and the love for his nephews prince william and harry too, when he says they will help to bring them up the way she wanted them to be brought up, long live yr memory diana, u will be forever in our hearts and minds.

[@jeaninnebardell9554]

One of the most eloquent speeches I have ever heard.

[@Sofia-di6lg]

this is the best speech I have ever heard. It is so honest and so beautiful written

[@catherinekeller4230]

Thursday july 2021..is anyone else here revisiting this profound speech!....Diana your wonderful legacy lives on through PRINCE WILLIAM...we will NEVER forget you 💗🦋💗💥

[@StuidoXXIII]

Till this day I review this video and I begin to weep. She was heaven's angel that lived among us on borrow time.

[@vibhutipatel8127]

Amazing speech! This will always be a reminder of how beautiful the “ people’s princess “ was. No amount of royalty can ever replace what people desire.. that is someone with class , dignity, compassion and empathy. Monarchy is useless if you cannot connect with the people in this day and age, Diana proved that being noble, charitable and performing duty doest require a “crown”.

[@serai711]

This is one of the most wonderful speeches of our time. Princess Diana will forever be remembered for her intended good deeds, compassion and ’true’ philanthropic endeavours. Our world would be a far better, richer and greater place if we could adopt, foster and grow societies in which we all served to enact good deeds, compassion and care for our environment, people and all living things. Present geo-political and capitalist ideals need to reconsider their ideals and value judgement such that we establish, cultivate and promote a world in which honesty, compassion and righteousness prevail over greed, corruption and sell-serving motives.

[@ellie5901]

So true Princess Diana needed no royal title. People who are on the good and kind end of the moral spectrum are already royal.

[@gloriatep]

Watching this in 2021 n feeling so many Emotions 🥺🤍😭😔 May your Sweet Soul Rest in Peace Princess Diana 🕊️

[@lucy1231]

I'm back in 1997 crying my eyes out

[@BOND007_MI5]

Me too 😭

[@NatG67]

My heart s w/ d Princess. Tears fell in my eyes almost 24 yrs ago. And still whenever I watch a video like this about her, teardrops are falling. How I love the Princess, ever!

[@mammabear6875]

I'm still so sad about Diana's whole life story💔

[@karenKristal]

This whole experience was amazing. I never thought I would see so many people stand united like they way they did. I remember being shocked at the time to see how people really made an effort to display their respects and to this day Im so impressed at how people responded. You imagine no one cares and we live in a selfish world but maybe we don't.

[@ec2356]

Loved the eulogy....breath-taking....thank you to Diana's brother. Diana was truly honoured.

[@maggieziomek8323]

Years later, I too, am in awe of his composure, under such difficult circumstances.

[@YewandeRae]

He said what we were all thinking hence the massive applause, that the royal family had to sit and endure it AND the applause for it only serves them right for being present at a funeral they had no place to be at. William and Harry were the only ones who should have been there, with their Dad to comfort them but watching the Duke of Edinburgh walk behind her with the boys sickened me, what was THAT about?

[@sudeezudee9666]

I vividly remember waking up one morning in London seeing tons of people walking in the streets with flowers. People were crying and I saw my mum crying as well. I was 6 years old then.

[@oacsparrow]

There you go, royals! Magnificent speech!

[@wendiemorell2543]

You can only hope to have a brother's tribute be half as amazing for you...such love and care he spoke about her. And made the Royal family sit and listen and the applause at the end for him or for her, they deserved to sit and stew even if it was only a moment. That moment im sure some of them have not forgotten. So jealous of her... pity....

[@MarineSeaGreen]

Here because of Harry’s memoir. Thank you, Harry.

[@Frogsmere]

Diana, Princess of Wales was England's Greatest Gift.. She was truly a English Rose. God Bless You Diana x

[@helenmcgillivray2337]

This to me is like it was yesterday I love princess diana and I always will

[@warrenpeace910]

Moments mark the end of life's chapters in various ways. This for me was one such moment in my life. Charged with emotion and filled with words we all felt, Earl Spencer created a shining example of how to craft a painful truth that holds a mirror to those who recognise their image within, and in such image they wear a guilt that fits them like an old friendly jacket.

[@riolamin4787]

We still remember Diana for ever 2022

[@user-fr5qt5rr4r]

I'm here reading Spare

[@JahnBeukesMusic]

I still don't know how he held it together.

[@veeherreraJanecka]

Jahn Beukes for her and her sons

[@TonyEnglandUK]

Another thirty seconds and he wouldn't. You can tell by his final words, he really was at the end of his line before the tears took over.

[@CuriousRose]

So much respect for Earl Spencer. RIP Princess to the world, beautiful Diana❤️

[@LadyGator1983]

Princess Diana was definitely a one of a kind!!!

[@bensflights]

I was 19 when this tragedy happened. I am now 36. I was up that night when the news came in, from a "minor crash" to "death". Thanks for uploading this important video.

[@laminage]

bensflights For me it was around 2:00 in The Morning. My Sister told me and we spent the night watching The Telecast. This and The OJ Simpson Speed Chase was one of the most shocking and memorable in TV History.

[@Johnel83]

Just like Elton John, Earl Spencer demonstrated the typical strength of Brits: complete composure under pressure. Magnificent eulogy that was well deserved!

[@petalovespongy]

Truth, compassion, and love... A beautiful and moving speech.

[@lucy1231]

Yes Earl spencer ! Dont mince ur words justice for his big sister The ultimate mic drop ...I know Diana would have been so proud of him having her back like this on a Global scale

[@yellowrose2612]

I believe Earl Spencer's speech to be heartfelt. He lost his sister, whom he loved. I also believe that his "so-called attack" on the royals was what many "commoners" were feeling at the time; Therefore, he was simply saying what most people were thinking at the time. I'm certain that what he said about raising the two young princes was genuine, but it was probably next to impossible to follow through on what he said he would do. At least he had the courage to say what he felt.

[@michellepybus8108]

What a lovely genuine speech

[@maxinemuldoon2065]

Via television and radio the days before Mobile phone and social media, a very different world now. He spoke the truth and told it like it was, admiration for him.

[@ajjt2008mhs]

Whatever people's opinion of her brother, Earl Spencer gave a lovely speech. For those who condemn him for not being there for his sister when she needed him, maybe part of the reason that the speech was so heartfelt and emotional is that he was being torn up inside with grief and guilt because he's now thinking, "What if I had helped her when she asked me? Would things have still turned out the same way?" Whatever his reasoning, one can't deny the beauty of his speech or the emotion in it.

[@hissycissy2748]

22 years later, this attribution to his sister from Charles Spencer still makes me cry, it was beautiful and so moving, but never should have happened, and it would not have, if not for Charles affair with Parker Bowles!

[@barbaramcelfresh9627]

Princess Diana, will continue to live forever.Always.

[@SuperZEntertainment]

no woman can be like Princess Diana

[@ndnhut]

BEAUTIFUL EVEN AFTER 16 YEARS YET SEEMS JUST LIKE YESTERDAY WHEN YOU LISTEN TO WONDERFUL WORDS FOR A WONDERFUL PERSON ♥

[@karenmeier5599]

Loved Princess Diana .....she was amazing

[@DOCCAREY]

Think he loved his sister and I hope he can forgive those who hurt her (as they hurt him). Nice comments about your sister and Thank You!

[@xNinchenx1991]

that was beautiful.. and he is sooo right.. i think he has shown a lot of courage here but also a lot of love for her sister..

[@karenimran3349]

Such a beautiful eulogy, I remember this like yesterday. The pain in his voice. And seeing her two boys on that day. My heart broke for them. 🇬🇧🌹