Princess Diana's death forced major break in royal protocol - but it's not changed since

Diana, Princess of Wales' death sent shockwaves across the globe, marking one of the darkest chapters in royal history. The outpouring of nationwide grief was unprecedented, as fans around the world mourned the loss of the "People's Princess".

That grief also triggered a break in centuries-old royal protocol - a change that has remained in place ever since. At the time the tragic news broke, the royals were on their annual summer holiday at Balmoral in Scotland.

In the days that followed, the late Queen Elizabeth and then-Prince Charles chose to remain at Balmoral to protect and care for Prince William and Prince Harry, who were just 15 and 12 years old when they lost their mother.

Traditionally, the Union Flag was never flown at half-mast over Buckingham Palace. The flag represents the sovereign and is raised whenever the monarch is in residence.

According to strict convention, before Diana's death it was never lowered - not even after the passing of a king or queen. This centuries-old rule was dramatically challenged in the days that followed Diana's tragic death.

Thousands of mourners gathered outside the royal residences and layed flowers, but there was initial radio silence from the Firm.

The Queen, who was putting her family first at Balmoral, initially upheld tradition. But the growing public outcry proved impossible to ignore.

In response, the Palace announced that the Union Flag would be flown at half-mast over Buckingham Palace on the day of Diana's funeral, September 6, 1997, from the time the late Queen left to attend the funeral until midnight.

It was the first time in history that this adjustment to protocol was made, creating an indelible image that many still remember today.

And this decision set a lasting precedent, for generations to come - which is still enforced today.

Ever since, the Union Flag at Buckingham Palace and other royal residences has been lowered to half-mast to mark national mourning, including after the September 11 attacks, the death of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother in 2002, and most recently following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022.

Diana's death not only reshaped the monarchy's relationship with the public but also permanently altered the symbolic traditions of the Crown.

What began as a break in protocol has become an accepted practice - a reminder of how the People's Princess left a legacy that continues to influence the royal family and the institution today.