Bay writer pens poems for Princess Diana

When Princess Diana died 20 years ago today, local poet Yvette Lamare expressed her grief through words.

The writer remembers exactly where she was when she heard the news and put pen to paper.

"I was right here in my house ... my cousin was the one who rang me to tell me. I just immediately reverted to my poems I wrote on her. It was just so unbelievable"

The following extract is from a poem she wrote in memory of Princess Diana in 1997

'She touched everyone's hearts in a special way now what can we say? ...
Press no longer have a fairy tale Princess to chase, they have to face reality...
Princess Diana rest in peace.'

It was not the first time she had dedicated and self-published work to the "People's Princess".

She has also sent the poems to Princes William and Harry, whom Lamare believes should be proud of their "beautiful and inspiring woman" mother.

Lamare had also kept papers from 1997 reporting on Princess Diana's death as keepsakes.

The whole world felt a connection with Princess Diana as she just seemed like "she loved all people".

Lamare was a vocal anti-drink-driving advocate and felt an affinity with Diana because she was "just a beautiful princess and who would go and mingle with people at drug and alcohol centres".

She presents in schools about the importance of young people living safe and healthy lives free of dangerous substances - and was a recipient of the 2017 Kiwibank Local Hero of the Year awards for her work and her impact in the community.