Near the Serpentine in Hyde Park, London, a place the
Princess was always being seen in, not far from her home in
Kensington Palace, Kensington Gardens. The water ran and
sparkled like a running summer brook through the marble stone
and in other parts of this architectural Memorial the water
was nearly still as a pond in a country village.

The Queen gave her speech, the VIP’s looked on, the press
took pictures, the TV Cameras rolled – all looked pristine
and somewhat cold in the Memorial empty of people.

The ceremony over, it opened to the public and
suddenly it became what it was meant to be.  The sun
shone, the temperature soared, the people filled the
memorial, people from all walks of life and different parts
of the world; dipping their feet and walking in the cool
water.

Princess Diana was the “People’s Princess” and this water
feature perfectly matches and catches her soul especially
when full of visitors, whether they be locals or tourists,
rich or poor. 

The perfect opening day was spoilt by a storm the next day
that not only blew some trees down but also masses of leaves
that blocked the drains and flooded the whole place.  We
have a problem in Britain with leaves! In
most autumns they land on the rails and cause chaos on the
railways and nothing ever seems to fix this problem.  It
also seems we always have problems with new constructions!
The words bridge and wobbling come to mind!

However it is a great success and it will reopen in the not
too distant future and I think: no, I’m sure Princess Diana
will be looking down and smiling on seeing the enjoyment on
the faces of the people below as they stroll and paddle about
this relaxing place on a sunny afternoon.    

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