[Alan de Robson]

Thought I'd repost my contribution to the old blue place on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of Diana's passing...

It's so hard to believe it's been twenty years since the death of Diana. I was 23 at the time. I'm now 43.

Before I go on, I'm an out and out Royalist. They have many faults but I'd rather have a Queen Elizabeth or a King Charles or King William than a President Blair, Brown, Thatcher, Major, Cameron or May.

The death of Diana was shocking. I remember my girlfriend of the time waking me up to tell me that she had died. I said that was awful. Poor Princes Wills and Harry. Losing their Mum at such a young age. Terrible. Truly horrible for them.

It wasn't that which got me up at five in the morning. My lass of the time didn't know I was a pres freak but when she said that BBC 1 was simulcasting something called BBC World, I was up like a shot.

Then, from memory, all the BBC TV channels merged and were broadcast around the world. On the hour, the BBC corporate logo appeared on screen with the announcement that "This is BBC Television from London. Normal programming has been suspended." The screen would fade to black, then Martin Lewis appeared with the news, another fade to black and then the national anthem.

It wasn't obvious straight away but our country changed in the next few days. We emoted like I've never seen, schedules were broken into more than the Gulf War Episode 1, and there was a real feeling that we could become a Republic on certain days.

I wanted to start this thread for two reasons.

First, for those of us old enough to remember, to reflect on the presentation and scheduling at the time. Also, to try to find video of the day to look back upon.

Second, for younger members of the forum, so they can see how the country and the media change when a significant member of our Royal Family dies.

Yes, this is a presentation thread about someone's death. No disrespect is intended. However, in my 43 years on the planet, this was bigger than any other media or news event before or since.

After the Queen's sad passing, our younger friends have seen how the country willingly convulses itself over the death of a Royal. I know I was a bit gutted but couldn't quite explain why.

Pres-wise, I preferred Diana because I thought BBC news pres was better at the time. We didn't have the new Powerpoint logo or font that someone purchased on Fiverrr to deal with. Interesting how they didn't use BBC Reith on the idents though - perhaps some realised what guff is actually is.

Putting that aside though, I thought the BBC coverage was brilliant. Highlights for me would either be Kirsty Young's beautiful monologue at the end of the State Funeral coverage or the Accession Committee two days after Her Majesty died.

RIP Queen Elizabeth II and thank you for everything. God Save The King!