MARTHA'S VINEYARD, Mass., Aug. 31 -- President Bill Clinton was quick to pay tribute to Princess Diana after learning of her death in a car accident early this morning in Paris. He said he and his wife, Hillary, were 'profoundly saddened' by her death.
The president and his wife were attending a private party on Martha's Vineyard when they were told of Diana's death. In a statement, Clinton said, 'Hillary and I knew Princess Diana and we were very fond of her. We are profoundly saddened by this tragic event. 'Our thoughts and prayers tonight are with her family, friends, and especially her children.' The president is expected to issue a further statement later this morning. White House spokesman Joe Lockhart said, 'The president and the first lady were visibly saddened. They embraced and shortly thereafter left the function.' ---
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