The People's Queen
Princess Diana is known as the "People's Princess" for good reason. She touched hearts worldwide with her compassion and relatable nature. Her legacy is one of love and empathy, transcending royal boundaries and connecting with people globally. Here are some of her best moments.
Becoming a princess
Charles and Diana's 1981 wedding was one of the largest ever, with 750 million TV viewers worldwide. Dubbed the "wedding of the century," Diana's gown has since become iconic.
Reducing the AIDS stigma
Princess Diana was among the first widely known people to be seen in a photo with an AIDS patient back in the 1980s. This gesture played a big role in reducing the stigma attached to the disease. It also shed light on the difficulties faced by people living with AIDS on an international scale.
Robtob16, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Advocating for the ban of landmines
In January 1997, Diana made a trip to Angola to highlight the risks of landmines. She bravely walked across a freshly cleared minefield, not showing any fear or hesitation. Her actions significantly contributed to the final approval of the Ottawa Treaty, a deal that outlawed the use of anti-personnel landmines.
Visiting leprosy patients in India
In 1992, Diana made a trip to a leprosy hospital in India, where she shared moments with patients, even holding their hands. Her kindness and openness to connect with marginalized communities made her beloved by millions.
Comforting the Lockerbie Bombing victims
In 1988, following the Lockerbie bombing, Princess Diana made a trip to the town and connected with the families affected by the tragedy. She gave them her sympathy and made time to talk with the victims. Her presence brought comfort and unity to the community.
John Mathew Smith, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Loving all life, including animals
Princess Diana was a strong advocate of animal welfare organizations, including the Battersea Dogs & Cats Home. She visited shelters and fought for better treatment of animals.
Raising awareness for homelessness
Diana spent time at Centrepoint, a charity that aids homeless youth. She frequently visited shelters, bringing attention to the problem of youth homelessness. Her engagement greatly contributed to increasing awareness and collecting donations for the charity.
Supporting children with cancer
Princess Diana was a big supporter of the Royal Marsden Hospital, frequently visiting young kids battling cancer there. She had a way of brightening up the kids' day whenever she visited. Her continued involvement significantly raised awareness about the hospital and the important work they're doing.
Martin Keene - PA Images, Getty Images
Giving birth at a hospital
In 1982, Prince William was the first royal family member born in a hospital, ending the tradition of home births. Diana was the one who chose not to follow the tradition.
Promoting organ donation
Princess Diana pushed for organ donation, encouraging people to consider becoming donors. Her advocacy helped show the life-saving potential of organ donation and inspired many to join the cause.
Bonding with Mother Teresa
Princess Diana and Mother Teresa became good friends after their first meeting in 1992. They both had a deep passion for supporting the poor and distraught. Later, Diana visited Mother Teresa's care center in Calcutta. There, she spent time interacting with the patients and lending a hand to the nuns.
Bringing her sons to homeless shelters
Princess Diana wished for her boys, Prince William and Prince Harry, to really undersatnd what life was like for people who had less than them. So, she brought them along on private trips to places like homeless shelters and centers that serve free food.
Princess Diana Archive, Getty Images
Refusing to say "obey" during her vows
Princess Diana broke tradition by refusing to vow obedience to Prince Charles in their wedding, instead promising to care for, support, respect, and stay with him. Princess Catherine and Meghan Markle have also followed in Diana's footsteps by altering their wedding vows.
Caring for the elderly
Princess Diana donated to charities that focused on the elderly, such as Help the Aged. She visited care homes and spent time with elderly residents, listening to their stories and simply giving them her company.
Princess Diana Archive, Getty Images
Working with the Great Ormond Street Hospital
Diana was the president of the Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children and she often took time out of her busy schedule to visit the children there. Because of her involvement, awareness about the hospital and its work grew and donations poured in.
Princess Diana Archive, Getty Images
Going on amusement park rides with her sons
Princess Diana made an effort to give her sons a normal childhood by taking them to McDonald's and ensuring they attended school with other children. This included getting soaked on rides like the log flume at Thorpe Park, which apparently embarrassed Prince William.
Traveling to Sri Lanka after a cyclone
In 1995, Diana visited Sri Lanka following a devastating cyclone. She met with survivors and visited affected areas, offering her support and bringing international attention to the disaster.
Queensland State Archives, Flickr
Opening the Landmark Children's Hospice
In 1989, Diana opened Helen House, the UK's first children's hospice in Oxford. She passionately supported palliative care and stressed the significance of kind, end-of-life care for the youth.
Comforting the Omagh Bombing victims
In 1998, another bombing incident occured; this time in Omagh, Ireland. Princess Diana visited the victims of the incident, meeting with survivors and families of the deceased. This show of compassion was greatly appreciated by the townspeople and many others around the world.
Rick, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Auctioning off her clothes for a good cause
Princess Diana took her son Prince William's advice and auctioned 79 famous dresses in 1997. Proceeds went to her beloved charities. Some dresses are now being auctioned decades later, fetching millions of dollars.
Working with the British Lung Foundation
Diana was a champion of the British Lung Foundation, which focuses on lung health and research. She attended many of their events and helped to promote the importance of lung health awareness.
Sitting in front of the Taj Mahal
In 1992, Princess Diana visited the Taj Mahal alone during a royal trip to India with Prince Charles. This moment demonstrated her independence and free spirit, despite her royal obligations. Prince Charles visited the palace on a separate occasion in Bangalore.
Advocating for mental health
Diana openly shared her battles with depression and bulimia, which played a part in reducing the taboo surrounding mental health problems. Her straightforwardness motivated others to seek help and highlighted the need for mental health care.
Provincial Archives of Alberta, Wikimedia Commons
Being the first royal to have worked a regular job
Surprisingly, Princess Diana was the first woman to marry into the Royal Family with a job. She worked as a nursery teacher's assistant and nanny before marrying Charles.
Dancing with John Travolta
During a 1985 White House event hosted by Ronald and Nancy Reagan, John Travolta requested a dance with Princess Diana. The music being played was from Travolta's two most popular films, Grease and Saturday Night Fever. This moment showcased her easy-going and fun personality.
Reagan White House Photographs, Wikimedia Commons
Working with the Red Cross
Princess Diana worked closely with the British Red Cross, backing their work to help people in need. She spent time in disaster-stricken areas and places torn apart by conflict, raising awareness to urgent causes.
DavidBassom1, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Bringing Prince William on tour
In 1983, Prince Charles and Princess Diana embarked on their first royal tour together with their newborn son, Prince William, defying royal tradition by bringing him along. This highlighted Diana's hands-on parenting style.
Spreading awareness of child bereavement
Diana was a partner of the Child Bereavement UK charity, which supports families dealing with the loss of a child. She attended events and met with families, empathizing with their situations.
Compassion for refugees
In 1997, Diana took a trip to meet Bosnian refugees in Bosnia and Herzegovina. She spent time with families who had to leave their homes because of the war, bringing attention to their hardships. Her visit helped the world to see the refugee situation there and the need for humanitarian aid.
Stefan Rousseau - PA Images, Getty Images
Supporting the arts
As a patron of the English National Ballet, Diana supported the arts. She would go to shows and interact with the performers, expressing her admiration for them.
Nick Parfjonov, Wikimedia Commons
Her friendship with Elton John
Princess Diana and Elton John became really good friends. She stood by him after he lost his friend, fashion designer Gianni Versace. In return, Elton John paid a touching tribute to Diana with a unique rendition of his hit song "Candle in the Wind" after she passed.
Supporting children with disabilities
Diana used to work with the British Deaf Association and many other groups for kids with disabilities. She even picked up sign language to communicate with deaf kids and showed up at their events.
Fulfilling a child's dying wish
In 1996, Diana made a dream come true for a kid who was terminally ill. The kid's only wish was to go to Disneyland, so she planned a trip for his family to the amusement park. This kind gesture truly showed how caring and giving Diana was.
Russ Quinlan, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Defending victims of domestic violence
Princess Diana worked with the charity Refuge, which supports victims of domestic violence. She visited shelters and spoke with survivors, bringing attention to their struggles. Her involvement helped to raise awareness and support for the cause.
Advocating for breast cancer awareness
Diana supported breast cancer charities and frequently attended events to raise funds and awareness. Her public appearances and speeches highlighted the importance of early detection and research. Diana's advocacy helped to bring more attention to breast cancer and inspired many women to prioritize their health.
Breaking royal rules for her family
Princess Diana wasn't afraid to ditch royal rules to ensure Prince William and Harry enjoyed a regular childhood. She famously joined a mother's race during Harry's sports day in 1991, even running barefoot to the delight of onlookers. Her spontaneous, playful actions reflected her devotion as a hands-on mother.
Wearing her black "revenge dress"
In 1994, when Prince Charles confessed his adultery, Princess Diana rocked a now-iconic black dress at a Vanity Fair party. Known as the "revenge dress," her outfit was a symbol of strength for all women. That night, Diana proved she wouldn't be overshadowed by her husband's mistakes.
Princess Diana Archive, Getty Images
Falling asleep at the Victoria and Albert Museum
Diana earned the nickname "sleeping beauty" at The Splendours of The Gonzagas Exhibition Gala in 1981. During the event, which was held at the Victoria and Albert Museum, she dozed off—then later announced that she was pregnant.
West Midlands Police, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Giving that bombshell interview
In 1995, Princess Diana spoke her heart out to BBC's Martin Bashir, admitting that her marriage felt crowded with three people. She shared her wish to be the "a queen of people's hearts," showing her devotion to public service. This honest interview won over millions of people and demonstrated Diana's commitments beyond her royal obligations.
Writing her own history
Published in 1992 as Diana: Her True Story, the controversial book claimed to be based on accounts from Diana's loved ones. After her death, it was revealed that she had helped write it, leading to a re-release titled Diana: Her True Story in Her Own Words in 2003.
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