British Embassy's gratitude

I would like, if I may, through your newspaper, to express my gratitude and that of all of us at the British Embassy, for the great outpouring of sympathy which we received in the aftermath of the tragic death of Diana, Princess of Wales, six weeks ago.

Many thousands of people managed to find time to come to the embassy or to the consulates in Surabaya and Medan to sign books of condolence.

All of these books are being returned to Britain, so that they will be available for Prince William, Prince Harry and other members of the two families to see. In due course, they will be housed at Althorp, the Spencer family home.

Many people in Indonesia, along with hundreds of thousands of people around the world, have sent letters of condolence and presents to the Prince of Wales, Prince William and Prince Harry at St James's Palace in London

The Prince of Wales and the young Princes have now asked me to pass on their deep appreciation of the very kind thoughts and tremendous generosity which people have shown in the many letters they have written and the gifts they have sent.

The Prince of Wales and his sons have been enormously touched by the public support shown to them all around the world, and have taken great strength from it.

The Prince of Wales and his sons would like, through me, to say thank you, and to pass on to everybody who wrote to them their heartfelt best wishes and to assure them that, although it has unfortunately not been possible to reply to every letter individually, each one has been read and gratefully received.

ROBIN CHRISTOPHER

HM Ambassador

British Embassy, Jakarta