Princess Diana, born Diana Frances Spencer in 1961, emerged as one of the most recognizable public figures of the late 20th century. Her marriage to Prince Charles in 1981 marked her entry into the British royal family and launched a global fascination with her life, style, and humanitarian work. Though often referred to as “Princess Diana,” she was formally titled Diana, Princess of Wales—a distinction that carried ceremonial weight but not sovereign status.
Raised in an aristocratic family with close ties to the monarchy, Diana’s early life was shaped by privilege and personal upheaval, including her parents’ divorce. Her wedding to Charles was broadcast to hundreds of millions worldwide, but the fairy-tale narrative quickly unraveled. The couple’s relationship was strained by infidelity, media scrutiny, and incompatible expectations, culminating in a high-profile divorce in 1996.
Throughout and after her time as a royal, Diana cultivated a public role that extended beyond traditional duties. She became known for her advocacy on issues such as HIV/AIDS, homelessness, and landmine eradication—often challenging stigmas and protocol in the process. Her approach to charity work was tactile and personal, marked by hospital visits and direct engagement with marginalized communities.
Diana died in a car crash in Paris in August 1997, while fleeing paparazzi. The incident sparked an unprecedented wave of public mourning and raised questions about media ethics and royal privacy.
