The ancestral home of Diana, Princess of Wales, opened to the public for the first time today.

More than 2,000 people were expected to pass through Althorp Estate's gates.

It was the first time Diana's resting place had been on view to the public and many of the mourners were armed with bouquets of flowers.

Earl Spencer, dressed in a blue pinstripe suit, mingled with visitors as they made their way towards the museum.

Many shook his hand and he welcomed them to Althorp and thanked them for their good wishes.

Some visitors said the opening of the stately home was a natural progression from the Princess's funeral, claiming it was their chance "to pay their last respects".

Others said they wanted to see her home for themselves.

Organisers of the Althorp exhibition hope it will be a "unique tribute" to Diana, Princess of Wales, which charts her "all-too-brief" existence.

Visitors begin their tour at the West Gate, behind the main house, before making their way to the island in the Round Oval lake, where Diana's remains lie.

There is no public access to the island itself, but for those wishing to pay their respects, the Doric Temple at the edge of the lake has been dedicated to Diana's memory.

The Althorp museum, built in a converted stable block, charts every phase of Diana's life.

One of the centrepieces is the spectacular silk dress she wore for her wedding to the Prince of Wales at St Paul's Cathedral in 1981.Pictures have been hung around the building.

There are also jewellery displays and mannequins are dressed in some of the outfits she wore at public functions.

Visitors to the museum will see Diana's school uniform, tuck box, school reports and letters home and family films of her childhood.

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