Princess Diana's death was a tragedy that shook the world, and the royal family was no exception. At the time, the queen's reluctance to make an immediate public statement and publicly mourn was met with harsh criticism, but she also faced a profound loss, and as ABC News reported, a newly discovered letter sheds light on her grief.

The letter was written in response to a eulogy from Mrs. Henriette Abel Smith, a member of the queen's entourage. Most of the letter was typed, but a postscript was written. The letter was auctioned after Mrs. Abel Smith's death in 2005 and was acquired by the Daily Mail.

"It is indeed terribly sad and she is a great loss to the country," the Queen wrote in the typed section, and the letter may have been more of a formality. However, the public reaction to her death and the service at the Abbey seem to have united people around the world in a rather touching way." She also spoke of the strength of her grandchildren during a traumatic time: "William and Harry are very brave and I am very proud of them."

But it was the afterword, written in a decidedly casual and friendly tone, that reflected her emotional response to the horrific events. 'I think your letter was one of the first letters I opened. My feelings are still very mixed, but we have all been through something so awful," the queen wrote.

After Diana's death, the Queen and many in the royal family were criticized at the time for not showing enough emotion. However, this letter makes it clear that her grief was deeply felt inwardly.