Today would have been the late Lady Diana’s 59th birthday. The princess is possibly one of the British monarchy’s most well-known people, and even after her tragic death in 1997, she is still beloved by people around the world.
The “people’s princess” as she was known, only lived to be 36 but during her short life, she made a legacy as a mother, humanitarian and friend. To commemorate her birthday, here’s a look back at her life.
The Honourable Diana Frances Spencer was born in 1961 in Norfolk. Her parents actually divorced when she was just seven years old, and her childhood dream was to become a ballerina. However, she grew up to be too tall for the profession and had to give up on her dream, according to Insider.
Lady Di (which became her unofficial nickname) obtained her ladyship when her father inherited the earldom in 1975. When she met Prince Charles, he was actually dating her older sister. Lady Di was 16 and Charles was nearly 30.
Despite their 13-year age difference, their courtship moved quickly. According to Town and Country, most of their conversations were via telephone and it is said they only met about 13 times in person before tying the knot. On 29th July 1981, the then-20-year-old Lady Di married the Prince of Wales at St Paul’s Cathedral in London. Their wedding was called the “wedding of the century.”
In 1982, Princess Diana broke royal tradition and gave birth to her first-born son William, and later on Harry at the Lindo Wing at St Mary’s Hospital. She was the first royal to give birth in a hospital as it was usually custom for royal family members to give birth at the palace.
Lady Di also had quite the famous circle of friends which included Liza Minelli, Kurt Russell, Goldie Hawn, Elton John, Freddie Mercury, Christy Turlington, Naomi Campbell and Cindi Crawford. Imagine hanging out with the likes of these people!
Princess Diana was eager to meet people from all over the world when travelling to Commonwealth countries and when doing so refused to wear customary gloves. She was also known for humanitarian side, having spent time in Africa and committed herself to bettering the lives of its people.
She also suffered from bulimia and depression and in recent years, her sons have made it a point to raise awareness about mental health issues through campaigns. After years of their unhappy marriage, Charles and Diana divorced in 1996. Diana was killed a year later in a car crash: her driver was trying to get away from the paparazzi.
Princess Diana is buried at the Spencer family’s Althorp House in Northampton. Her memorial can be found on a small island across from a lake.