Diana Spencer Princess of Wales

“Everyone needs to be valued. Everyone has the potential to give something back if only they had the chance.”

Diana, Princess of Wales

Somebody's "little girl"

"Mummy" to William and Harry

"The People's Princess"

Princess Diana was an iconic figure of the late 20th Century. During her life she was often said to be the most photographed person, appearing on the cover of People magazine more than anyone else. She epitomised feminine beauty and glamour. At the same time she was admired for her groundbreaking charity work, in particular her work with AIDS patients and supporting the campaign for banning landmines. Married to Prince Charles in 1981 she received the title of “Her Royal Highness Princess Diana of Wales” She is the Mother of Prince William and Prince Harry 2nd and 3rd in line to the throne respectively.

Diana did not shine as a student at school. When she met her future husband Diana was working as a part time assistant in a nursery school in London. In 1981 Diana married Prince Charles. Diana was 13 years the junior at age of just 20, Charles by contrast was 33 at the time of the wedding. The general public soon warmed to the innocence and beauty of Princess Diana and the wedding was watched by over 1 billion people world wide. During their marriage they had two sons Prince William and Prince Harry. However in the mid 1980s strains started to appear in the marriage and, under much publicity broke, up leading to a divorce in 1992.

As Princess of Wales, Diana was expected to take part in various official engagements such as opening of hospitals. This provided a natural outlet for her to become involved in various types of charitable work. Her natural sympathy and oneness with patients was much admired. In 1987 Princess Diana was one of the first well known celebrities to be photographed with a victim of AIDS. This was important in changing attitudes to the disease. At the time many thought the disease could be contacted by touch alone. Another of her high profile charities was her willingness to be a leading figure in the campaign to ban landmines. In January 1997 she visited mine fields in Angola to inspect the clearing of landmines. After her death the Ottawa treaty was signed banning the use of anti-personnel landmines. Many agree that her support and role in the campaign played an important role in influencing this decision.

Shortly before her death, June 18th Princess Diana met with Mother Teresa. Both admired each other. Mother Teresa always said “Diana is my daughter.” With utmost humility Diana said “I am a very, very small Mother Teresa. Sri Chinmoy said of Princess Diana

“Princess Diana, your heart of sympathy covers the length and breadth of the world. There shall come a time when the entire world will value you most sincerely, most lovingly and most wholeheartedly." (2)

Despite the pervasive press intrusions into her private life, Diana remained very popular because people could identify with her. Her hands on approach to charity work gave the impression of a new type of Royal who was no longer so remote.

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