When the shocking news of the fatal car crash in France that killed Diana, Princess of Wales, was announced on August 31, 1997, it triggered a mass outpouring of grief worldwide.

Basildon conservative councillor Donald Morris was on council at the time, and he remembers it well.

He said: “I think it was a shock to all of us. All normal television programmes were taken off air to pay tribute and there was just one piece of music playing all day.

“It took everything over really, it was the topic on everyone’s mind.”

Conservative councillor Phil Turner said: “It was just shock and disbelief, an atmosphere hung over everybody for weeks.

“Everybody was looking for an answer as to why and how it could have happened.

“It was momentous, you just felt that the world wasn’t going to be the same.

“The flags were flown at half-mast and the nation mourned the people’s princess.

“I think the words of the politicians at the time were so in tune with the nation’s feelings.”

Thousand’s left floral tributes to the princess, shops were closed, shrines were erected and books of condolence were opened at most council buildings as the world mourned the death of the mother of Princes William and Harry.

Wickford conservative councillor, Malcolm Buckley, said: “One thing I can remember is that we used to hold an annual cricket match and it just so happened to fall on the Sunday. She had died on the Saturday so we were all rather glum when we arrived at Gloucester Park.

“I suppose time makes the less attractive things we remember cloudier.

“I was fortunate enough to attend a Buckingham Palace garden party in 1994 or 1995. You’re not allowed to approach them, but Diana was speaking to a group of people just behind me. The one thing I do remember is her bright blue eyes.”

If you have any memories of Diana and you would like to be featured in the paper, please email alyce.mctigue@newsquest.co.uk