That is sad news, although at 97, not unexpected.   A brave woman from a brave family who gave up so much of their young lives to live in freedom.

I have a very scratchy recording of the real Von Trapp family singers singing 'Stille Nacht' which makes me think of the 1914 Christmas truce in the trenches whenever I hear it. It is a carol that has, in its simplicity, survived the complications and intricacies of war, tyrany and despotism. I'm rather glad now that on Wednesday, in the Ritz hotel, surrounded by all that sumptuous glory and riches, reeking of empire and privilege, my choir sang it... had I known of her death then, it could not have moved me more...

LTS