Princess Diana’s funeral directors shed light on death during open day

The firm of funeral directors that serves the Royal Family has opened its doors to the public for the first time in 225 years.

Leverton & Sons, based in Eversholt Street, Mornington Crescent, took part in an open day yesterday as part of the Dying Matters Awareness Week - a nationwide campaign to change attitudes toward dying, death and bereavement.

Those attending were able to meet the staff, take part in discussions on death, take a ride in one its famous limousines and learn how to carry a coffin properly.

As one of the country’s longest established and most respected firms of funeral directors, Levertonss has conducted the funerals of Princess Diana, the Queen Mother and, more recently, Margaret Thatcher.

The business - run by eight generations of the same family - also has branches in Muswell Hill, Golders Green, Hampstead, Gospel Oak and Kentish Town.

Company director Andrew Leverton said: “We’re delighted to support the work of Dying Matters.

“By opening our doors to the public we hope to encourage conversation and to take some of the mystery and fear out of what we do.

“And maybe even provide a little comfort or inspiration.”