Why Wasn't God Save the Queen Played During the Unveiling of Princess Diana’s Statue in Kensington Palace?

The recent unveiling of Princess Diana’s statue in the garden of Kensington Palace, attended by Prince William and Prince Harry, raised some interesting questions about protocol and tradition. The event was private and celebratory in nature, commemorating their mother, and not a formal state occasion where the national anthem is typically played.

Context of the Event

The Queen, who was not present, was not there as an official representative of the state. Instead, the brothers hosted the event in memory of their mother, making it a private and more intimate affair. The absence of the Queen, along with the nature of the event, likely influenced the choice of music and formalities.

It is common for a country's national anthem or equivalent to be played at state occasions or events attended by the monarch. However, this day was specifically for Diana, and thus the choice of music aligns more closely with remembering her. Many felt that Elton John's rendition of "Candle in the Wind" would be more appropriate, given its emotional and fitting nature to the occasion.

The Queen and Princess Diana

It has been widely reported that the relationship between The Queen and Diana deteriorated after the marriage fairy tale ended. Diana, who was the public face of compassion, had to navigate the surreal and challenging period following a public accident. The Queen, for reasons of protocol and reputation, maintained a facade of composure, eventually giving a speech that spoke of both liking and respecting Diana, despite the internal tensions. The private nature of the unveiling event allowed for a more nuanced and heartfelt tribute.

Protocol and Formalities

There is a clear protocol in place regarding the playing of the national anthem during events where the monarch is present. For instance, during military parades, God Save the Queen is played in full when the Queen is the reviewing officer. In other cases, the first 8 bars of the anthem are played for a Royal Salute. This suggests that the decision not to play God Save the Queen may have been due to the non-state nature of the event and the absence of the monarch.

It’s also possible that, as a private event, the event organizers chose music that resonated more with the emotional intent of the day. The selection of Elton John's version of "Candle in the Wind" would capture the sentiment and mood of the gathering, allowing attendees to reflect on the legacy and impact of Princess Diana without formalities that might not have been fitting.

Conclusion

The choice not to play God Save the Queen during the unveiling of Princess Diana's statue in Kensington Palace reflects the private and emotionally charged nature of the event. Unlike state occasions, where tradition and protocol are paramount, this private commemoration focused on personal reflection and celebration of Diana's life and memory. The choice of music, such as Elton John's "Candle in the Wind," was a fitting tribute to a woman who, as much as anyone, brought compassion and humanity to the public eye during her time as a royal figure.