Devoted royalist today paid their respects to Princess Diana by holding a vigil outside Kensington Palace on the anniversary of her death 19 years ago. 

The People's Princess was killed in a car crash in Paris on August 31 in 1997, and today (Wednesday) dozens of mourners laid flowers at the gates of Kensington Palace, in west London in her memory. 

One group of ten mourners have been outside the palace since 5:30am, set up a small shrine to PrincessDiana with pictures, union flags, flowers and messages. 

Diana fan, Julie Cain, 53, travelled all the way from Newcastle, said: "I arrived her last night and got here about 12.30am and then we all arrived here at about 5:30am to set up the flowers and flags. 

"I have always had an affinity with the Royal Family and Princess Diana. 

"At one point in around 1994 or 1995 I was living in homeless women's refuge and Diana came and paid a few private visits. 

"I always remember one funny incident, when we weren't allowed to smoke for two hours before her visit, so by the time she turned up we were all sitting desperate for a cigarette. 

"And when she arrived she asked what's wrong, and we said 'dying for a smoke ma'am' and she just looked and she said 'ma'am? No, my names Diana please call me Diana', and I said 'sorry ma'am'. 

"And there was a glare when she was unhappy with somebody, and I just said 'we're 'dying for a smoke', and she said 'have one' and I said 'we're not allowed on until after your visit'. 

"Then she said 'No, this is your home not mine. Could I have some ashtrays please'. It just shows down to earth she was. 

"She didn't care we were homeless at the time, we could have been anyone to her, and I think the fact she treated everybody the same regardless of their position in society, that meant so much. 

"It had a huge impact on me. You could have been a king or queen, it didn't matter to her. 

"To her, you were a person regardless of your status. She treated everybody with the same respect. 

"I made a vow 19 years ago that I would come here to at least try and keep her memory alive and if we don't do it then no-one would. 

"It think some people want it to be laid to rest, but I don't think that should happen. 

"I think her legacy can be summed up in two words and that is William and Harry. She would be so proud of the way those two boys have matured into such kind, caring, sympathetic and understanding young men. 

"She would have been and unbelievable grandmother and she really should be here to enjoy spending time with them." 

Retired chef John Loughrey, 61, also known as the Diana Superfan, has been outside the gates since 5.30am. 

He said: "I have been here every year for 19 years. 

"It means an awful lot to all of us here because of the sad circumstances of how she passed and we're here to support her sons, her wonderful grandchildren to show we really care. 

"She did so much for us when she was alive, and we want to do something for her while we're alive and keep her legacy alive. 

"I'm so glad the sun is shining down on her today. What's really nice for us is having all the tourists coming up to us and sharing there memories of Diana and remember her in their own way. 

"We all believe her memory will live on through her sons and grandchildren. When I heard the news aboutDiana's death I remember my partner and I both broke down, it was so devastating. 

"I remember from when I first saw her she had the most wonderful smile, a shining, caring smile. She gave her heart to everyone and she wasn't afraid of touching for people and she touched so many. 

"She just had a great aura about her where ever she went. I think she changed the monarchy for every and if it wasn't for her it wouldn't be as respected and loved as it is now. 

"She would so so proud of her boys now. Words can't describe how she would feel about them. They are continuing her legacy with their charity work." 

The group of Royal fans have already started planning next years anniversary which will be 20 years since the deadly car crash in Paris, hope to hold an all night vigil to Princess Diana. 

Yadi Mitchell, 67, placed a small bouquet of flowers, said: "I used to live nearby years ago and I would see her in the park with her boys. 

"She had the amazing ability to make people feel better. She was so special to so many people and had a wonderful personality. 

"I make sure I come back every year to say a little prayer for her. 

"I think she would be a very proud mother, especially to see the fine men her boys have become. I'm sure they have made her very very proud. It makes me tearful every time I see them. 

"I know she would be a hands on grandmother and she would be so happy."