Give her a break

Camilla, Duchess of Corwall, bowed out of the service marking the 10th anniversary of the death of Diana, Princess of Wales.

I loved Diana. She was like a kindred spirit. I mourned her death and subjected my family to way too much CNN in the subsequent week. I taped her funeral. Weeks later, The Girl's father did one of the most touching things of our relationship when he braved the crowds to pick up a copy of Elton John's "Candle in the Wind 1997," reworked to bid farewell to England's Rose.

In the 10 years since, Diana's boys have become adults, her ex (Prince Charles to the rest of us) married his longtime mistress, and her sons have done what numerous other youngsters across the globe do every day -- accept their father's choice for a mate, and make her part of the family.

That included inviting her to their mother's memorial service.

I know the sordid story of Diana vs. "The Rottweiler." (Tampon, anyone?) And the truth of the matter is, it's history.

Diana's dalliances seem to have been forgiven. Indications are that Diana herself forgave her former husband before her death. And truthfully, had stodgy royal convention allowed Charles to act on his feelings decades ago, he most likely would have married Camilla then and been living happily. As would Diana, in a life of probable obscurity.

But the future king of England sacrificed happiness for country and a young girl was given her fairy tale wedding. But instead of living happily ever after, the Princess was cast into a loveless marriage, suffered scandalous headlines worldwide when both were accused of and later confirmed infidelities and other problems that led to their divorce, and died in a speeding car driven by a drunken driver in a Paris tunnel.

So much for happily ever after.

Diana's sons have hit bumps along the way, but I think she'd be proud of the way they have grown up. They have memorialized their mother this summer and planned her service today, inviting their stepmother to spend that special time with them.

If Diana's boys can be gracious and accepting -- and yes, most likely love -- Camilla, why can't the rest of the world forgive her transgressions? It was, after all, at their invitation that she planned to attend the service.

Aren't their feelings the ones that should matter? Especially on the day that they mourn their mother's tragic passing?

If they wanted Camilla at their side while they honored their mother (and they obviously did), the British media and Diana's friends should shut the hell up and let them have it. It's their service, after all, for their mother. Apparently, Prince William and Prince Harry are mature beyond the tabloids and Rosa Monckton.

For that, I think, Diana would be proud.