Two-Minute Silence For Diana

A two-minute silence has been held at the Harrods in Knightsbridge in honour of Princess Diana and Dodi Fayed, the son of the store's owner, who were killed in a Paris car crash ten years ago today.

Elsewhere crowds have begun to gather outside the Guards' Chapel at the Wellington Barracks in Kensington ahead of the memorial service.

Her sons Princes William and Harry have organised the event and both will give readings.

The Queen, the Prince of Wales, other members of Royal Family, the Spencers and some 500 guests will gather for the commemoration, which is being televised live.

The Duchess of Cornwall will, however, be staying away, after pulling out amid criticism that it was inappropriate for her to attend.

Diana's death in a car crash in Paris in the early hours of August 31, 1997, stunned the nation.

Untimely and unexpected, the loss of the "People's Princess" led to a mass outpouring of public grief - the like of which had never been seen before.

Diana's former bodyguard Ken Wharfe told Sky News he would "spend today remembering the time I had with Diana."

He added: "They were times of great fun and laughter - she had a magic personality."

However, not everyone thinks that today's memorial is a good thing.

Former editor of the Daily Telegraph, Max Hastings, said he believed the young Princes had been forced into it by the weight of public opinion.

"I feel very uncomfortable with what's happening today," he said.

"I feel we should remember her for a moment then get on with life."

Diana and boyfriend Dodi Fayed were killed when the Mercedes they were travelling in hit a pillar in the Pont de l'Alma tunnel in Paris.

They were being pursued by the paparazzi after leaving the Ritz Hotel.

Driver Henri Paul, was also killed. Bodyguard Trevor Rees-Jones was the only survivor.

Sky News correspondent Greg Milam, who is in Paris at the Pont de l'Alma tunnel, said: "Those who hold Diana dear have been laying flowers and messages here.

"But Paris has moved on and the city is trying to distance itself from the anniversary.

"People don't want to be associated with what happened here."

At the Guards' Chapel for the official service, Sir Elton John, Sir Cliff Richard, Lord Attenborough and celebrity photographer Mario Testino - all friends of the late Princess - will be among the guests, as will Prime Minister Gordon Brown and ex-PMs Tony Blair and Sir John Major.

Members of the public have also been pinning tributes to the black iron gates of the Princess's former home, Kensington Palace.