THE people's Princess Lady Diana of Wales died 25 years ago this week.

Diana, who died on August 31, 1997, had frequently visited Cumbria and even opened one of the area’s most respected institutions.

On September 10, 1987, crowds in Ulverston came in their thousands to meet Diana as she officially opened an extension to the town’s Abbeyfield House.

On the same day, she unveiled a plaque and took time to chat with people waiting to for her on Victoria Road.

Six years later in 1993, Barrow was graced with her presence as crews, service men and workers of the shipyard saw Diana as the commissioning of Britain’s first Trident submarine took place.

Hundreds of people gathered once again to mark the occasion to see the princess.

This was another historic occasion for Barrow and Diana’s presence made the event more memorable than the town could have hoped for.

However, it was not the first time Lady Diana had played a role in an important event for Cumbria’s future.

As part of an official visit to Ulverston in 1990, Diana was there to officially open the St Mary’s Hospice on October 1.

The hospice has grown into one of the most important and respected organisations in the area, and they have been very proud of the history they share with the princess.

A spokesperson from the hospice said: “Diana, Princess of Wales, was a truly inspiring figure who did so much good in her, sadly short, life.

“She was a champion of many great causes, and a keen supporter of the Hospice movement. 

"Although we don't have staff now who were around when she visited St Mary's, in 1990, we do still hear lots of tales from that day from people who visit us as customers in the Orangery and from some of our volunteers who were around at the time.

“They all speak with real love and fondness of the visit, and of the Princess in general."

Princess Diana died in a car crash in Paris on August 31, 1997, in the Pont De I’Alma while her driver was attempting evade members of the paparazzi.

The crash also claimed the lives of her driver Henri Paul and her partner, Egyptian film producer Dodi Fayed.

The funeral was televised and was held on September 6.

It was watched by over 32 million people in Britain alone. It is one of the most viewed events in British history, as well as all around the world.