Diana Frances Spencer - the People's Princess Diana was the third daughter born to Edward John Spencer and his wife Frances Ruth Burke Roche in July 1, 1961. The family has a long history of close ties with the royal family. The death of her paternal grandfather gave her father became the 8th Earl of Spencer. Her father's title gained Diana the title of "Lady'. She lived grew up as a part of a very privileged family. Diana attended school in Kent at West Heath and spent a brief period at a finishing school in Switzerland.
She did not achieve academic excellence but persevered because of her determined personality, caring ature and overall cheerfulness. She moved back to England and worked with children in The Young England Kindergarten. She lived in apartment with friends and lived her life like a normal young adult. These characteristics played heavily into the influences she would have over not only England, but the entire world. She began a fast paced romance with Prince Charles, whose eye she caught because of her family background, cheery nature and vibrancy.
The two began dating in the middle of 1980 and their engagement was announced on February 24, 1981 by Buckingham Palace. The world began their love affair with what was perceived to be a fairytale romance of the beautiful Diana and the Prince. The couple wed on July 29, 1981. Their wedding was the event of the decade with 3500 people in attendance and approximately 750 million watching the fairy tale untold on television.
The "Lady' would now be known as Princess Diana. She was Just 20 years old. Princess Diana used her high profile status and the media's love for her to bring attention to issues that were genuinely important to her.She shocked the world by being photographed comforting AIDS patients. At this time people so feared the new disease that they believed you could be infected by touch alone. She supported a move to ban the use of landmines because they were responsible for so many post conflict death and injuries.
She was photographed walking through an old landmine in Angola. This photograph, like every other photograph of her, circulated around the world. Many feel that she was crucial to the Ottawa treaty that bans the use of landmines. Princess Diana's could substantially increase the amount of money raised for a charity with her mere presence.People gravitated to her because she as a unique royal. Her charity work seemed to come from a deep personal level that touched their hearts.
People seemed to gravitate to the Princess because she seemed to be genuinely concerned about the welfare of others and appeared to a royal they could actually reach out to. Diana's greatest accomplishment was raising her two children. William Arthur Phillip Louis was born on June 21, 1982. Henry "Harry' Charles Albert David followed on September 15, 1984. Unlike most royals, she wanted to keep her children with her and was not afraid to show them love and affection.
She involved her children in her charity work. She often took her places were the homeless lived and to the hospitals to visit the sick. It was a side to their mother the boys or the world would not forget. Prince William later auctioned off her dresses to raise money for charities. Diana hid the turmoil in her life There were rumors of adultery committed by both parties and Diana was suffering from depression and bulimia.
Diana went against the wishes of the monarchy on several issues causing some discord with the Queen. The relationship of all parties involved was truly strained and very difficult for Diana.The woman whom it seemed loved everyone had quietly, yet desperately, yearned for the love of her husband. She would never receive this love.
The couple separated on December 9, 1992 and divorced on August 28, 1996. The Queen requested the divorce to end the scandals being brought upon the monarchy. The people's love for Diana never faded through all the scandals, even those she caused on her own. The world saw her as a victim of the Prince and the monarchy. Diana had finally gained her freedom although she would remain a member of the royal family and retain her title as Princess.
The Princess, although still heavily pursued by the press, seemed to enjoy her new found freedom. Sadly, one month after 36th birthday and one year after her divorce was finalized; Diana was injured in a car crash in Paris. The Princess died from her injuries Just hours later. Immediately the public began to speculate that their Princess had been assassinated. The French investigation into the crash later revealed the accident caused by a drunken chauffeur. The world followed her every move, mimicked her clothing styles and greatly admired her love for the harities and the people she came in contact with.
She had quickly become known as the People's Princess at age 19. She was the arguably the most photographed and famous person in the world. The people turned in again on September 6, 1997 when their Princess was laid to rest. The televised memorial was watched by approximately 2.
5 billion viewers. The world mourned the end of the life of the Princess who had stolen the hearts of the world, shook up the monarchy and brought awareness to many charities and left a legacy of love and hope for everyone.
