Backpackers Guide to London
Diana, Pricess of Wales
Backpackers' Guide to London's Tourist Information | Backpackers' Guide to London Tourist Attractions | Backpackers' Guide to London's Historical Attractions | Backpackers' Guide to Shopping in London | Backpackers' Guide to Sport in London | Backpackers' Guide to Entertainment in London | Backpackers' Guide to Food in London | Backpackers' Guide to London Museums Because of her innate physical and charisma, further enhanced by her stature as a member of the British monarchy, Princess Diana was one of the most popular female figures in the 1990s. She was regarded as a fashion icon, looking perpetually immaculate and unruffled, whether in haute couture or casual wear; and as a role model, for her active involvement in AIDS awareness campaigns and fights to permanently eradicate landmines. Despite her highly publicized divorce with Prince Charles in 1992, subsequent reports about her scandalous love life, and tragic and premature death, the Princess remained close to the hearts of many English folk. Diana Frances Spencer was born in July 1, 1961 to Viscount and Viscountess Althorp Edward and Frances Spencer. She had quite a tumultuous childhood, thanks to her parents’ very bitter divorce, caused by her mother’s supposed dalliance with wallpaper scion Peter Shand Kydd. The court decided to award custody to Viscount Spencer, who later went on to become the 8th Earl of Spencer, thus earning Diana the title “The Lady Diana Spencer”. While Diana was described as a below average student, she was said to be a talented pianist who excelled in sports and hoped to become a prima ballerina. Then 19 years of age and working as a pre-school assistant, Lady Diana became engaged to Prince Charles on February 24, 1981. It was reported that the Prince was being pressured to find himself a suitable wife and Diana, with her royal lineage, fit the bill quite perfectly. They were proclaimed husband and wife on July 29, 1981 at the St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, in front of more than 3,000 guests. From then on, Lady Diana adopted the title “Her Royal Highness, The Princess of Wales”. The marriage also produced two sons – Princes William and Harry. However, the fairy tale soon crumbled upon reports that the couple was carrying on affairs with their respective partners—Prince Charles with erstwhile lover Camilla Parker-Bowles and Diana with riding instructor James Hewitt, among others. The couple filed for divorce on December 9, 1992 – however, it was only finalized four years later, in 1996. After her divorce from Prince Charles, Diana remained in the public eye. Despite her emotional turmoil, Diana put up a brave front in social functions, appearing both well-dressed and poised. She also became world-famous for her humanitarian acts. Diana became the first high-profile celebrity who was photographed touching a person infected with HIV virus. The photo was released in April 1987. Her visit to Angola in 1997, where she condemned the effects of landmines on children, was also highly chronicled. The media relentlessly followed Diana’s affairs after her divorce with Prince Charles. It was believed that the paparazzos drove the erstwhile Princess to her death. On the early hours of August 31, 1997, Diana figured in a car accident with boyfriend Dodi Fayed after a high-speed chase to lose nine French photographers. The car, driven by chauffeur Henri Paul, hit the wall of the underpass below the Place de l’Alma. While Diana was freed from the wreckage, she died later that morning due to serious internal injuries. Diana’s death elicited worldwide mourning, driving 3 million mourners to the street during her funeral on September 6, 1997. Her remains lie in Northamptonshire.
Introduction
Her Childhood
Her Marriage
Her Life
Her Death
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