The Peoples Princess: Remembering Diana on her 58th birthday

Princess Diana’s heartbreaking death shattered the hearts of millions all around the world. Her tragic passing remains one of the most shocking stories of our time because she was loved so dearly by the public.

Today marks what would have been Diana’s 58th birthday, and we’re sure her sons- Prince William and Prince Harry- are thinking of their dear mum more than ever.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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There are many things about Diana that the public adored, from her courage to break down the barriers between the public and the royal family, to her bold, yet classy style.

In honour of Diana’s birthday, we decided to take a walk down memory lane and look back at her life.

That iconic fashion moment

We are all aware of the never-ending list of rules the women of the royal family must follow, such as not being allowed remove their coats in public and wearing those garish tan tights. Meghan Markle’s style has certainly changed since she married Harry, with the former actress wearing more subtle and sophisticated outfits, however, Diana never shied away from embracing her own style. In 1994, Diana wore her most striking outfit to the Vanity Fair annual fundraising event.

Diana wore the off-the-shoulder, figure-hugging dress shortly after Prince Charles admitted he cheated on her. It is believed that it was named the ‘revenge dress’ and Diana wore to mark a new chapter of her life without the royal family holding her back. The dress was more than a fashion statement it was a sign of her strength and independence. 

Her relationship with William and Harry

William and Harry lost their mum when they were both extremely young, but it’s clear that Diana made a mammoth impact on her boy’s lives in the years they shared together. Both princes have gifted their wives with jewellery from Diana’s personal collection, ensuring that she is part of this chapter of their adult lives.

In the documentary Diana, Our Mother: Her Life and Legacy, Prince Harry said: “She was our mum. She still is our mum. And of course, as a son I would say this – she was the best mum in the world. She smothered us with love, that's for sure." Diana made sure that both of her boys had a relatively normal upbringing, with the mum often doing the school run and even giving her boys normal pocket money to ensure they stayed grounded.

Her charity work

Diana went above and beyond to help the less fortunate through her royal engagements. In the past, the royal family focused their charity efforts on children and animal charities as they weren’t controversial. Diana pushed past these traditions and excelled in her work for people with HIV/AIDS. Many say her efforts altered the public’s view of people with AIDS.

Diana visited an AIDS ward in 1987 where she was seen shaking hands with patients without wearing gloves. The image stunned the public, but more importantly, Diana normalised these people who were treated poorly and isolated for years. She also helped the public realise that love and understanding are far more beneficial than hate.

“Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you.” - Diana, Princess of Wales

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