PRINCESS DIANA

*Princess Diana – Biography

*Diana Frances Spencer*, born *1 July 1961* in *Park House, Sandringham, Norfolk*, became one of the most photographed and beloved figures of the late 20th century. Known as the *“People’s Princess,”* her grace, compassion, and groundbreaking charity work left an enduring global legacy, even after her tragic death on *31 August 1997*.

---

Early Life & Family
- Fourth child of *John Spencer, Viscount Althorp (later 8th Earl Spencer)* and *Frances, Viscountess Althorp (née Roche)*.
- Childhood at *Park House* on the Sandringham estate; family moved to *Althorp, Northamptonshire* after her father inherited the earldom in 1975.
- Educated at *Riddlesworth Hall*, *West Heath Girls’ School (Kent)*, and briefly at *Institut Alpin Videmanette (Switzerland)*.
- Struggled academically (failed O‑levels), but excelled in swimming, diving, and dance.

---

Meeting Prince Charles & Marriage
- First crossed paths with *Prince Charles* in 1977 (aged 16) while he dated her sister Sarah.
- Re‑connected in 1980 at a polo match; Charles invited her to *Balmoral* to meet the Royal Family.
- *Engagement* announced 24 February 1981; *wedding* 29 July 1981 at *St Paul’s Cathedral*, watched by an estimated *750 million* TV viewers worldwide.
- Titles: *Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales*.
- Sons: *Prince William (b. 1982)*, *Prince Harry (b. 1984)*.

---

Public Role & Charitable Work
- Quickly became a *fashion icon* and “the most photographed woman.”
- *Charities:*
- *HIV/AIDS awareness* – publicly shook hands and sat with patients (1987), helping shift public perception.
- *Landmine eradication* – visited Angola (1997) supporting the International Red Cross; her advocacy contributed to the *Ottawa Treaty (1997)* banning anti‑personnel mines.
- *Great Ormond Street Hospital*, *Barnardo’s*, *Royal Academy of Music*, *National AIDS Trust*, and many others.
- Over *191 official engagements in 1988*, rising to *397 in 1991*, showing her dedication to royal duties and humanitarian causes.

---

Marriage Breakdown & Divorce
- Relationship with Charles deteriorated due to *extramarital affairs* (Camilla Parker Bowles) and media pressure.
- Separation 1992; divorce 28 August 1996. Retained title *Princess of Wales*, lost *HRH* prefix.

---

Personal Struggles
- Battled *bulimia*, depression, and intense media scrutiny.
- Spoke openly in the *1995 BBC Panorama interview* about marital unhappiness and her wish to be “Queen of people’s hearts.”

---

Tragic Death & Legacy
- Died in a car crash in *Paris* (31 August 1997, age 36).
- Global mourning; *Tony Blair* called her the *“People’s Princess.”*
- Posthumous honors: *BBC’s 100 Greatest Britons (3rd place, 2002)*, *Time Person of the Year runner‑up (1981, 1997)*, *numerous memorials* (Althorp, Diana Memorial Fountain, etc.).
- *Mission:* Her work continues through *Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund* and the lasting impact on *charity visibility*, *HIV/AIDS stigma reduction*, and *landmine advocacy*.