The year 2018 marked the 21st year since the tragic death of the people’s princess, Princess Diana. On Aug 31, 1997, it was reported that the woman loved by so many around the world died of a horrifying car accident. Despite the shocking tragedy that occurred, she had left behind a lasting legacy, one that her children, Prince William, and Prince Harry are truly proud of. Until now, her memory lives on – her work, beauty, and smile that all served to highlight her wonderful life. Those who knew her would always be inspired by her kindness and compassion. Let’s reminisce about the life of Diana, Princess of Wales.
The Spencer Family
Diana Spencer, who would become Princess Diana or Princess of Wales, hailed from Norfolk, England. Out of the five children of the John Earl and Frances Shand Kydd, she was the youngest. The Spencer family had always maintained a good relationship with the Royal Family, in fact, they were close allies and were considered a British nobility as well. Her parents have also previously worked for the Royal family – her father was a member of the House of Lords while her mother had been a lady-in-waiting for the Queen Mother.
A Scarred Childhood
Diana didn’t exactly have what you can call a perfect childhood because, in 1969, it was marred by a rather unexpected event. At the age of eight, her parents’ relationship started to falter following an affair maintained by her mother, which eventually led to a publicized divorce. Her father, the 8th Earl of Spencer, fought for the legal custody of her and her siblings and ended up winning the battle. Years later, Spencer found himself marrying again for the second time.
Academics Wasn’t Her Strong Suit
Growing up, Diana had developed a very shy personality, however, she would still manage to pursue her interest in music and dancing. She began taking ballet classes and working as a nursery assistant in the Young England School at a very young age. Unfortunately, she didn’t do well in public school which got her parents to decide to transfer her to an all-girl boarding school. Again, she didn’t excel in the academic field but has shown a great interest in music.
The Story Behind the Title of Lady Diana Spencer & Souffle
Since she was young, Diana had always been fond of taking care of animals. Above, she is photographed with one of their pet ponies named Souffle when she visited her mother’s estate. At the age of three, Diana had also learned how to ride a horse, unfortunately, she suffered an accident which led to her fear of riding horses. In 1975, she became Lady Diana when her father inherited the title of his late father, who was the 8th Earl Spencer.
Different & Odd Jobs After School
After she got out of school, Diana worked several jobs but she started as a nanny for the child of Major Jeremy Whitaker. In 1978, when she moved back to London, she worked a series of jobs such as a dance instructor, a hostess, and pre-school assistant. Two years after, she started earning paychecks from an American family, the Robertsons, where she worked as a nanny to their son Patrick. This time around, her fate started crossing with Prince Charles, who was dating her sister Sarah at that time.
The Romance Speculation
In 1980, when rumors began that she and Prince Charles were romantically involved, professional photographers were now hungry for a photo of Diana. She instantly became a press magnet and it would often get too far. More speculations followed the two of them and there were also talks that her sister was not happy about it. As for Diana, she knew they just had to do their jobs but oftentimes, it became too much to handle.
The Big News
In 1980, it was confirmed that Prince Charles had begun dating Diana. After a couple of months, Prince Charles surprised Diana and asked for her hand in marriage in 1981. The couple tried to keep their engagement as a secret for some time until on February 24, they announced it in the Buckingham Palace. During the big news, Diana happily showed her beautiful ring which had a 12-carat oval blue Ceylon sapphire.
The Most Anticipated Royal Wedding of The Year
At the age of 20, Diana walked down the aisle of St. Paul Cathedral to marry Prince Charles on July 29, 1981. Their glamorous wedding was televised around the world and more than 750 million viewers tuned in just to witness the historical event. An estimated number of 600,000 people were all lined up outside, hoping to catch a glimpse of the newlyweds and their first kiss as a married couple. Many celebrities and prominent people were also present on their big day.
A Mediterranean Honeymoon
Just a few days after their fairytale wedding had concluded with millions who have tuned in for their wedding, this time, the couple headed off to Gibraltar for their honeymoon. They went on a 14-day trip cruise around the Mediterranean that took them to Greek islands. During their trip, they found a secret cove in the island of Crete and there, Diana enjoyed the waters while Charles bathed in the sun. According to reports, over 307 crew responded to any of their wishes during the trip.
Family of Three
A few months after their Mediterranean honeymoon, the couple told the whole world that Diana was pregnant with their first child. However, Diana had suffered from a bad fall during her pregnancy. Fortunately, nothing bad had happened and on June 21, 1982, they welcomed Prince William Arthur Philip Louis. Just a day after his birth, the newborn made his first appearance in public just outside St. Mary’s Hospital. It was a memorable day for all those in England and those watching from the news.
The Birth of Her Second Son
After two years, Princess Diana welcomed their second son, Henry Charles Albert David, now better known as Harry. Just like his older brother, he was also delivered at the St. Mary’s Hospital. However, Prince Charles was said to have been surprised that it was a boy because he was expecting a girl. Prince William was also surprised that his newborn brother had red hair and not blonde. A day after his Prince Harry’s birth, he also had his first public appearance outside the hospital.
A Visit To USA in 1985
In 1985, Princess Diana and husband Prince Charles went for a royal visit to the U.S. The couple stayed in Washington, D.C. for three days and was welcomed by U.S. President Ronald Reagan and his wife Nancy. It was a very hot media topic and a gala dinner was even held for them which featured famous movie stars, singers, and politicians. It was also during that time that she was hailed the most charismatic fashion figure after Jackie Onassis, the wife of President John F. Kennedy.
1986 Japan Royal Visit
Princess Diana and Prince Charles had another trip set for them while they were in Canada, this time, it was in Japan. During their stay in Japan, while visiting the ancient city of Kyoto, Diana wore a traditional Japanese Kimono which was another different take on her choice in clothes. Aside from that, a traditional sumo match was also a part of their itinerary which made their visit more enjoyable. According to reports, the couple was very satisfied and happy with their trip.
Welcomed by The Royal Family
Princess Diana easily won the hearts of the Royal Family members, in fact, she was well-loved especially by Queen Elizabeth II. She easily became a part of the family and right after their wedding, she was given her own set of duties as a Royal. It was the reason behind her endless tours around the world. She also used the opportunity to become involved in different charities. Most of the time, she was seen going to various locations and meeting different people to further the causes she believed in.
Land Down Under
As soon as 1988 started, Princess Diana already had a plan of traveling and going to the land down under. Princess Diana, together with her husband Prince Charles, traveled to Australia, and they were given a 35-minute tour of the Footscray culture. Footscray Park had about 3,000 people with whom the couple tried to shake hands and collected flowers before being escorted to the children’s music trailer. Princess Diana had also planted a tree in the park. Once again, she delighted many with her presence and winning smile.
Princess Diana’s Love For Her Kids
Every mother wants to give her children only the best, nurture them, and let them gain a wider experience. Prince Harry and Prince William are surely proud of their famous mom, Princess Diana. She would always bring them to some typical children places like Disney World and they would also eat in McDonald’s. Princess Diana would also bring Prince Harry and Prince Charles to work and help on some charity work for AIDS clinics and shelters for the homeless.
Another Visit to the White House
The Former First Lady, Barbara Bush, and Princess Diana had something both in common and it was their act of kindness that made them somewhat identical. They were seen at the White House in 1990; while they were having coffee, Barbara and Princess Diana faced the photographers, posed and gave a huge smile. Princess Diana also visited a facility which involved young AIDS victims – a visit that prolonged her stay in Washington D.C.
Princess Diana in Rio De Janeiro
Though many have thought that Princess Diana’s 1991 was not that exciting because she only traveled once during that year, that idea could be wrong. Diana was able to visit Rio de Janeiro to address some environmental issues and trade relations. Though her trip was private, she was seen riding an environmental Royal yacht near the northern city of Belem in the Amazon River. She might have been busy with her Royal duties but The Princess of Wales still had time to pose at the monument of Christ the Redeemer.
At the Rugby World Cup
After having an outstanding tour in Rio de Janeiro, Princess Diana had a lot of work to do and stuff to be taken care of. Not many knew that Princess Diana was also into hard physical sports. She showed her support as she stood with Prince Harry for the National Anthem of Wales vs. Australia in the rugby World cup. Princess Diana and Prince Harry were seated in front and were both seen wearing a designer suit and dress.
Princess Diana’s Visit to the Ancient Pyramids
Princess Diana was most known for her global tours and she would never fail to help people and do a wonderful act of kindness everytime she goes out. This photo was taken during her visit to Cairo, Egypt, where she had done a six-day tour. During her stay, she was seen having a wonderful time while standing some 15 kilometers from the ancient pyramids. She also visited the Al Azhar mosque where she covered her hair with a silk floral veil while walking barefoot to respect their tradition.
Attending the Cite de la Musique
As we all know, Princess Diana had an adventurous and exciting life as she had traveled all around the world to help and meet other people. In just six months after she visited Cairo, Egypt to have a closer look at the great pyramids, she was next seen in Paris attending the Cite de la Musique. She watched their rehearsal of The Nutcracker and had a little meet and greet while sporting a very gorgeous pink dress.
Disney World Adventure
The year 1993 was also the time when Princess Diana, along with a family friend Catherine Soames, her longtime friend Kate Menzies, Prince Harry, and Prince William had a vacation. They were seen having a vacation in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. The Princess reportedly rented out the whole 10th floor of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. It was on the third day of their vacation that they decided to take a ride on the Splash Mountain.
The End of Her Public Duties
Before the year 1993 ended, it was not all fun and games because, at the time, Princess Diana had a shocking announcement to the public. Apparently, The Princess of Wales shocked everyone as she made a speech about dramatically cutting herself from doing public duties and ceasing from being a political profile due to unknown reasons. At the same time, the Princess was also seen having lunch at the luxury hotel Hilton for the Headway with the National Head Injuries Association.
Pre-Easter Break
Some of you might know that the Royal family has their own traditional pre-Easter break every year. In 1994, the Royal family took another vacation in a hotel resort in Lech, Austria for another wonderful time. Diana was spotted as Princes William, Harry, and other companions were about to hit the ice and go for skiing. We’re certain that boys would grow up cherishing moments like those with their mom.
Vanity Fair Gala
We all know that Princess Diana was an ultimate Royal fashion icon in her time. Back in 1994, we happily saw Princess Diana attending the Serpentine Gallery summer party that was hosted by Vanity Fair . She was wearing a form-fitting black dress made out of silk that came from her extensive collection. Even though the Princess was having trouble in the homefront, she had kept her poise and elegance in every event that she would attend.
The Downfall of their Marriage
The Buckingham Palace revealed to the public that the Queen sent some letters to Prince Charles and Princess Diana telling them to have a divorce back in 1995. Sadly, both of them were involved in affairs which only worsened their marital problems and put their relationship in jeopardy. Without any hesitation, the Prince and Princess of Wales signed their divorce papers. However, their divorce only became finalized after almost six months, in August 1996.
National VJ Day
Before even her divorce from Prince Charles, Princess Diana had been emotionally devastated. However, she still managed to be active in the Royal family. She continued to join and show up at every occasion that included the royal family and major events. Three days after their divorce, she was seen wearing an elegant but simple white dress while wearing a hat and a pearl necklace on National VJ day. His two boys were just dapper.
Tour in Chicago
Princess Diana received and agreed to an invitation by Northwestern University President Henry Bienen, now the President of Poetry University, to visit Chicago in 1996. Her three-day visit was held in Chicago where she stayed at the Drake on a presidential suite which now became the Princess Diana suite. On her second day, the Princess shared held a symposium about breast cancer and has also visited a pediatric ward in the Cook County Hospital.
A Private Visit to Pakistan
In February 1996, Diana, The Princess of Wales, had a private visit in Pakistan. She took a ride on a private plane in order to go to Pakistan and as soon as she got there, she participated in an event. It was a fundraising event for his friend Imran Khan’s cancer hospital. Her stay in the country was not broadcast around the world because she only had two days to visit her friend, Jemima Khan.
Working with HALO Trust
Even before experiencing some difficulties in life like divorce, Princess Diana still continued to help and work with charities all over the world. She was most known for her act of bravery as she worked with HALO Trust to spread awareness about landmine tragedies. HALO Trust is known around the world for their big contribution to landmine clearing. During her visit to Angola, Princess Diana had put herself in others’ shoes as she got involved in the situation.
Dismantling a Landmine
Knowing that Princess Diana was one of the bravest and most caring Princesses, she did not let 1997 start without helping some people in Angola. She also became one of the most famous women to have ever walked on an active minefield in Angola. She has diffused a mine in front of a live audience and international reporters with the help of a mine removal expert, of course. Diana made it all possible while working with the HALO charity to raise international awareness about the problem.
Life After Divorce
Almost all her life, Princess Diana had contributed to numerous causes. She had donated and helped charities that mostly involved homelessness, cancer, HIV/AIDS, and leprosy. Despite the divorce, she was still seen on many events, and above, Princess Diana attends a Gala performance in 1997, wearing a light blue dress while happily smiling for the camera. She still resided on her double apartment in Kensington Palace and had started dating British-Pakistani heart surgeon Hasnat Khan which ended two years later.
Weeks Before The End
Before the tragic Paris car crash that claimed Diana’s life, she was able to visit Bosnia to meet some landmine victims. No one knew that it would be her final moments, and while she was in Bosnia, her acts of kindness went unseen and were not documented. However, some of the things that she did were caught on camera and here is a moment when she had spent a good chat with a 15-year-old landmine victim back in August 1997. Her perfect smile was enough to make anyone feel better!
