Ten years after her death, Princess Diana remains the subject of constant discussion and debate, as well as controversy and speculation, especially over what might have happened had she lived and how exactly she came to die.
In her lifetime, she was regarded as a breath of fresh air in what was seen as a hide-bound and stuffy royal family. In the wake of her death, many commentators mused about how long the royal family might endure without her, but 10 years on it appears to be as solid an institution in Britain as ever.
"TOO MUCH WEEPING"
Friday's service, which will be broadcast live on TV and shown around the world, will feature readings by William and Harry, just 15 and 12 when their mother died, as well as Diana's sister, Lady Sarah McCorquodale.
"The service is going to include both sides of the family, our mother's side and our father's side -- everyone getting together," Prince Harry said in a recent interview.
"It should be a good occasion and lots of loud hymns. It should be a very sort of simple and nice service."
Among the absentees will be Dodi's father, Egyptian-born Mohammed al-Fayed. Al-Fayed, owner of the luxury London store Harrods, accuses Britain's royal family of ordering the couple's murder to prevent them from marrying.
Despite comprehensive police inquiries ruling out foul play, many Britons share al-Fayed's suspicions that the deaths were not an accident. He has waged a decade-long battle to bring his grievances to light, but largely to no avail.
However, an official inquest into the deaths will begin on October 2, once again propelling Diana back into the headlines.
In a sign that perhaps, with hindsight, Britons feel that they may have overdone the grieving over Diana's death, a survey conducted by Sky News on Friday showed that 55 percent of people thought the mourning had been excessive.
