Diana's mother dies

Frances Shand Kydd, Princess Diana's mother, died today at the age of 68.

A spokesman for Diana's brother Charles Spencer said: "Earl Spencer's mother passed away peacefully this morning after suffering from a long illness. Now this is a private time for the family to grieve."

Six weeks ago her three surviving children gathered at her bedside after she was taken to the Lorn and Islands District General Hospital in Oban, Argyll.

The Earl, Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes travelled the length of the British Isles after learning their mother was seriously ill.

An isolated figure for several decades, Mrs Shand Kydd had been suffering from a degenerative condition that left her struggling to speak and walk. She lived alone on the Isle of Seil.

Princess Diana was Mrs Shand Kydd's third daughter, born in 1961 when her mother was married to Johnnie Spencer, a former equerry to the Queen.

Frances later married wallpaper tycoon Peter Shand Kydd. Her health deteriorated after Diana's death in 1997.