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Princess Diana Biography - Biography.com - Featured Bio
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Princess Diana

July 1, 1961 - August 31, 1997

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Princess Diana Biography

Diana Frances Spencer seemed to come out of virtual obscurity when she wed Prince Charles in 1981. Thrust onto the world stage at the young age of twenty-one and faced with the pressures of living up to the expectations and standards of Britain's Royal family, Diana endured both the adoration and painful scrutiny of the public, the media and the royal family.

Dubbed the "People's Princess" by the press and the "Queen of Hearts" by then Prime Minister of Great Britain, John Major, Diana revived a staid monarchy with her vitality, charm, and glamour and ushered in a new age for the British monarchy. She committed herself to her sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, and charity work, touching the lives of the sick, the homeless and everyday people with her warmth and humanity.

Hounded by the media and beloved by the world, Princess Diana's life played out like a fairytale, a soap opera, and ultimately a tragedy when she was killed in a car crash in 1997 while fleeing the paparazzi. Diana's legacy of compassion, grace, and kindness lives on and continues to touch and inspire people from all walks of life.

» Read Full Biography of Princess Diana
A Potrait of Lady Di

Princess Diana Quotes

  • “Helping people in need is a good and essential part of my life, a kind of destiny.”
  • “Everyone needs to be valued. Everyone has the potential to give something back.”
  • “I'd like people to think of me as someone who cares about them.”
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Born Diana Frances Spencer on July 1st in Norfolk, England.
Meets Prince Charles on a polo field.
Becomes "Lady" Diana Spencer when her father inherits the title of 8th Earl of Spencer.
Prince Charles proposes at Windsor Castle on February 6th.

Engagement is announced to the public on February 24th.

Weds Prince Charles at St. Paul's Cathedral on July 29th, becoming Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales.
Gives birth to Prince William Arthur Philip Louis on June 21st.
Gives birth to Prince Henry Charles Albert David on September 15th.
The separation of Prince Charles and Princess Diana is announced on December 9th.
In an interview with BBC's Martin Bashir Diana speaks publicly, for the first time, about her bulimia and troubles in the marriage.
Divorce is finalized on August 28th, demoting her title from Your Royal Highness to simply Diana, Princess of Wales.
Dies in a horrific car crash with boyfriend Dodi Al Fayed in Paris, France on August 31st. Diana is just 36 years old.
Prince William and Prince Harry hold a benefit concert in Wembley stadium to honor their mother's memory and her charitable spirit on July 1st.

Diana was one of the first public figures to be photographed touching an HIV-infected person.

Trivia

  • Diana, Princess of Wales, was only twenty years old when she married Charles, Prince of Wales.
  • Diana's engagement ring, which consisted of fourteen diamonds surrounding a sapphire, was modeled after her mother's.
  • Diana expanded the role of Princess of Wales beyond hospital visits and other such support by engaging in AIDS awareness and other political campaigns.
  • After Princess Diana's death an inquiry called "Operation Paget" investigated the many conspiracy theories the surfaced in the tabloid press.
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Awards & Honors

  • 1975 The Honorable Diana Frances Spencer becomes Lady Diana Spencer (when her father becomes the 8th Earl Spencer).
  • 1981 The Lady Diana Spencer becomes Her Royal Highness Diana, Princess of Wales (upon marrying Charles, Prince of Wales).
  • 1981 Diana is awarded the Royal Family Order of Queen Elizabeth II, which she wears at the state opening of parliament.
  • 1995 Diana receives the International Humanitarian of the Year Award from the United Cerebral Palsy Fund, for her work with children.
  • 1996 Diana wins a humanitarian award from the Pio Manzu Centre in Italy for her work in benefit of humanity.
  • 1999 The Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Award for Inspirational Young People is established in her honor.
  • 2004 The Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain opens in Hyde Park in London.

Patron Charities

  • English National Ballet
  • Centrepoint - A national charity working to improve the lives of socially excluded, homeless young people.
  • National Aids Trust - The UK's leading independent policy and campaigning voice on HIV and AIDS.
  • The Royal Marsden Hospital - Committed to promoting excellence in cancer research, treatment and education.
  • Great Ormond Street Hospital - Treats more than 90,000 patients each year - children who are suffering from the rarest, most complex and often life-threatening conditions.
  • The Leprosy Mission - Aiding in the physical, mental, social and spiritual needs of individuals and communities disadvantaged by leprosy.

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Final Days

The Fame and Fate of Marilyn Monroe & Princess Diana - Explore the legacies of two women who captivated the world but were in many ways held prisoner by their own celebrity.

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Final Days

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