I have, on the occasion of my 95th birthday today, received many messages of good wishes, which I very much appreciate. While as a family we are in a period of great sadness, it has been a comfort to us all to see and to hear the tributes paid to my husband, from those within the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and around the world.

We have all been trying in our different ways to cope [Death of Diana]. It is not easy to express a sense of loss, since the initial shock is often succeeded by a mixture of other feelings: Disbelief, incomprehension, anger, and concern for those who remain. We have all felt those emotions in these last few days.

There's no way around grief and loss: you can dodge all you want, but sooner or later you just have to go into it, through it, and, hopefully, come out the other side. The world you find there will never be the same as the world you left.

Working with Love and Death on 'Let Me Love You' was sort of a supernatural experience. I was mourning the loss of a loved one when I recorded the song.

A quiet force, a strong mother, and a devoted partner, Aline Chrétien faithfully served Quebecers and all Canadians alongside her husband, Jean. She was authentic, tenacious, and championed multiculturalism and bilingualism - and she helped bring our country closer together. Never afraid to stand up for those she loved, Aline taught us to persevere even when things get tough. Sophie and I are sending our heartfelt condolences to Jean, their entire family, and all Canadians who are mourning her passing.

There's no tragedy in life like the death of a child. Things never get back to the way they were.