Charity chief criticises Diana memorial service

The memorial service to mark 10 years since Princess Dianas death has draw harsh criticism from the head of one of her favourite charities, Help the Aged.

London, Aug. 30 : The memorial service to mark 10 years since Princess Diana's death has draw harsh criticism from the head of one of her favourite charities, Help the Aged.

Michael Lake, who is attending tomorrow's service as director general of the charity, said on Wednesday night that rather than acting as a unifying event to mark the late Princess of Wales' life, the memorial service had re-ignited rows of the past.

He said that the event was dragging the Royal Family through further controversy.

"It has been a pity for her sons and it has dragged the royals through it again. Is now perhaps the right time to say let her rest in peace?" the Telegraph quoted Lake as saying

"I am a bit unclear as to why this event is happening - whether it comes from the Spencer family, whether it comes from her sons. I'm not sure who has generated the whole motion for having this. I am a little worried about the attitude behind it. What is next? A 15-year event? A 20-year event?" he added.

Lake further said that some of the people invited were attending only for the "thrill" of being at the one-hour service at The Guards Chapel that has been organised by Clarence House. He even questioned himself over why he was attending.

"I am there to represent the charity but I also have a horrible feeling that it is the thrill of being there and I don't think that is what it should be about," he said.

"You do wonder. There are people coming out of the woodwork claiming to be close friends of the princess and to know her well and it's more about them and their desire to be seen there than it is about Diana and remembering her for what she was," he added.

Lake said that people should focus on the praiseworthy works of Diana, and should not ponder over other insignificant matters.

"It is a great pity that now we have these people who want to glorify her as a great person and, wittingly or unwittingly, they raise the spectre of the other stuff as well," he said.

"She was a lovely person. She did great work for charity, which should be praised. She was a bloody good mother. Let's focus on those things and not drag up the other stuff. Let's forget it. Let's move it on," he added.

ANI