Royalty Overcome By Outpouring Of Grief

Buckingham Palace conceded Tuesday that it was caught off-guard by the massive and seemingly endless public display of grief for Princess Diana.

The first acknowledgment came in the early morning Tuesday, when thousands of people continued to wait in line for up to seven hours to sign five condolence books set up in the lobby of St. James’s Palace.

Before the sun rose, the queen’s staff increased the number of condolence books to 15.

By midday, about 300 people an hour were signing the 15 condolence books.