In the Memory of People’s Princess

The Honorable Diana Frances Spencer, commonly known as “Princess Diana of

Wales” was born on 1 July 1961 in Norfolk, England, and died on 31 August 1997 in
Paris, France.  She was the descendant of Viscount Earl Spencer and Hon. Mrs. Shand-
Kydd. When her father inherited the Earldom, she was given the title of The Honorable
Diana Spencer.
Viscount Earl Spencer married Raine, Countess of Dartmouth, in 1976 after being
separated from Lady Diana’s mother in 1954. Until the death of Lady Diana’s grandfa-
ther, she together with her two sisters Sarah, Jane, and her brother Charles lived with
their father at Park House, Sandringham.
Lady Diana began her preparatory school at Riddlesworth Hall at Diss, Norfolk, and
transferred to West Health, Kent in 1974. At an early age, Lady Diana showcased her tal-
ent in dancing, playing piano, and domestic science. She also received numerous school
awards after helping the school and her fellow students. After several years, she worked
at Young England School as a kindergarten teacher.
After her marriage to the Prince of Whales, she was involved in the Royal Family’s
duties. Even though she was well-known for her distinguishable fashion style made lo-
cally by younger British designers, she became prominent for her good deed. She visited
many countries and did over 100 charitable work for the homeless, differently abled chil-
dren, and patients with HIV OR AIDS. Due to the greater extent of public exposure,
Princess Diana decided to focus more on her private life.
Unfortunately, after her divorce from The Prince of Whales, Princess Diana resigned
from almost all of her charities, patronages, and military units’ service appointments. The
Princess remained as a homeless charity advocate, ballet, Mission and National Aids
Trust, and President of the Hospital for Ill Children, Great Ormond Street, and the Royal
Marsden Hospital.
In 1995, Princes Diana still appeared with the Royal Family on various main occa-
sions such as the commemorations of Victory in Europe and Victory over Japan. Recep-
tions for the previews of the sale of dresses worn by her on official engagements to accu-
mulating funds for charity. Then, she visited various children who had had accidents and
delivered them to the emergency unit at Northwick Park Hospital, London. This is the
last official engagement she did for Great Britain and the last she spent her birthday at the
age of 36, attending the Tate Gallery’s 100th-anniversary celebrations.
In Princess Diana’s remaining years, she promoted the campaign ban on the use of
land mines. She spoke at the Royal Geographical Society in London, preceded by a visit
to the United States for the American Red Cross, wherein she met Mother Teresa.
On 31 August 1997, the tragic death of Princess Diana occurred due to a car accident.
It happened due to the Princess’ vehicle being at high speed while crossing the underpass
of Place de l'Alma in Paris, France. She underwent immediate surgery for two hours at La
Piete Salpetriere Hospital before doctors declared her dead together with her driver, Mr.
Dodi Fayed.  
 The Princess’ body inside the coffin was returned to the United Kingdom by a BAe
146 aircraft of the Royal Squadron. Upon its arrival, the coffin was delivered to a private
mortuary in London for some legal formalities. It was being transferred from Chapel
Royal in St James' Palace and was taken to Kensington Palace for the last night before
the royal funeral at Westminster Abbey on Saturday 6 September.
The majority of The Princess’ family together with her former spouse, The Prince of
Wales, and her friends paid their respects at the Chapel. England’s people and the rest of
the world were mourning the loss of their Princess by cherishing her memories and mak-
ing tributes to her contributions to humanity.
Earl Spencer, brother of Princess Diana, said that “All over the world she was a sym-
bol of selfless humanity; a standard-bearer for the rights of the truly downtrodden, and a
truly British girl who transcended nationality.” President Nelson Mandela paid homage
by saying that “I had the honor of hosting her a few months ago and was tremendously
impressed by her. She was undoubtedly one of the best ambassadors of Great Britain."
Even President Bill Clinton expressed his appreciation to the late Princess by admiring
her good deeds like the crusade against the anti-personnel landmines.
Until the funeral service occurred, wherein the coffin was taken to the family estate at
Althorp for a private interment. In recognition of Princess Diana’s contribution to her
countrymen, all the representatives from different charities she worked on were allowed
to walk behind her coffin together with her Royal family. The Princess’s coffin’s last ap-
pearance was seen before she was buried on an island in the center of an ornamental lake.
Princess Diana was an inspiration for many people as she successfully changed the
lives of needy children and patients. She used her royal authority to spread humility,
warmth, and compassion that earn recognition across the world making her coined “the
People’s Princess.”

References:

Diana, Princess of Wales | Biography, Wedding, Children, Funeral, & Death. (2022, Sep-
tember 14). Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved October 5, 2022, from https://
www.britannica.com/biography/Diana-princess-of-Wales
Goodey, E. (2016, March 14). Diana, Princess of Wales. The Royal Family. https://
www.royal.uk/diana-princess-wales
Nell, E.-M. (2000). The people`s reaction to Diana`s death. In www.grin.com. https://
www.grin.com/document/95527