Today being the 20th anniversary of Pricess Diana of Wales’s death, I wanted to share some of the photos that really express her and the kind of person she was. August 31st is bittersweet for me as it’s also my wedding day. Diana died on our first anniversary and I still remember exactly when and where I heard about her accident. We were at a fancy restaurant in San Francisco and people were whispering and talking to each other between tables which you don’t often see. Max knew how much I loved Diana and when I asked what was going on he lied and said nothing though he heard. When we left the restaurant it was all over the news about the accident. I just didn’t believe it. Neither did Max. It seemed too unbelievably cruel after all she had recently been through. I was crushed even about her divorce. Life seemed so dark and awful to me.
In July 1981, my mom and I had camped out with sleeping bags in front of the television to wake up at four a.m. and watch her wedding. I was a 14 year old and captivated by it all. It seemed fairly tales did come true even in the modern world.
The outpouring of grief the world over after her death made me realize I was not alone in adoring this woman who radiated love and was so relatable, real and lovable. I was comforted by the knowledge a huge part of the world was grieving with me.
Over time, I had forgotten a lot about those days and also what she went through. I saved a few of recent the Diana specials and just watched the National Geographic one. I knew it would be soul sucking so I saved it for later one evening and sat through the whole show at once. It is the one with the audio tapes she made to tell her story, which would later be put into Andrew Morton’s book. To hear it all again in her own voice really refuted any questions about what happened to her, or at least what her take of it was.
I was bawling by time I got to the end. It really was wrong that she was totally thrown into this situation as a 19 year old with no help or support. I have an almost 19 year old and it shocks me. She was so young and they took advantage of that.
Below are some of what I think are the more revealing pictures of the most photographed woman ever. The early photos are some of my favorite, especially those with her William and Harry.
With her pet guinea pig 1970.
A rarely seen photo with her hair back.
With her maternal grandmother Ruth Fermoy.
With her younger brother Charles.
Wearing one of her most famous outfits the black sheep sweater or jumper .
She endured a lot of polo matches.
In her Lady Di phase. I love the Laura Ashley top here. I splurged on a Laura Ashley outfit around the same time. Anything to have that look. The piecrust collars, pearls, flats and florals were all early trademarks of her look.
The basket as purse was quite cute.
This pink and white dress was one of her best looks ever.
Being snapped by William.
Meeting Mother Teresa.
Russia Vogue photo probably by paparazzi and avoiding them below.
Seeing this reminds me of her brother’s speech implicating the photographers in her death. No doubt those chasing them that night contributed or caused the accident.
I love the photos of her on holiday best like the first picture.
I’m so glad she told the truth. In her own way she got the story out and let the world know the sham she was held to. What if she had died not telling it? I think of that. Hopefully she had some happiness before she left this planet. She was only 36 and did a fantastic job as a parent as her two sons are her greatest legacy. They are wonderful, caring men who will no doubt bring the monarchy into the 21st century with kindness, class and charitable work -all things their mother embodied. They have been a joy to watch grow up.
Kim
Kim these pictures are lovely and really capture Princess Diana. Some of them I've never seen before. I too remember the day she died very well, I had just moved to Missouri and my older children were 2 and 4, I remember unpacking while they were running around and I heard it on the radio and I couldn't believe it. How could it have happened, it was a devastating day.
I think she'd be so proud of her sons and I feel so sorry for her and them that she couldn't see them grow up. Imagine how much she would enjoy being a grandmother too.
Thanks Kim for this lovely post xx
Kim, What a lovely tribute to the people's princess!…I have followed, loved and adored this beautiful woman since I, too, set the clock and watched her wedding…You bring out a great point in reminding us that her truth was indeed a way into the window of her existence…the real one and not the Buckingham Palace version…I will always be grateful for living at a time of Diana and for what she added to our world in compassion and caring…Thank you for a bittersweet memory…Dianne
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!
I too remember the DATE well.We had just put our boys on an airplane SOLO to go visit friends in WASHINGTON STATE.THE ITALIAN and I were building a WALL in the garden…………..I couldn't leave the TV I thought this is NOT HAPPENING she will pull through………………..XX
Dani, I know I feel so badly for William and Harry not having her there, especially in some of those rough later teen years. She would be so proud of the men they are today. I wish I could see her at this age. She was only 36 and that is so young. I've changed a ton since I was that age. I would like to think she'd be even more fun, having a fabulous life, and enjoying being a grandmother. She and we were robbed of seeing this. I'm so glad she had so much attention this week. Brought her back a bit. Thanks so much Dani. xo
Dianne, Me too! So glad she her truth, though she suffered for it. It was a good time to be young and be part of all that and I'm thankful we have William and Harry to remind us of her and see her legacy. Such a beautiful soul.
Thanks Elizabeth. I know who can forget where they were who is our generation? I just don't know how she was okay from the accident and then died of cardiac arrest. Seems like something went wrong and so awful. I just had to not think about it for a long time. Too sad, but I am glad for all the tributes to her and to remember her and all she did. xo
Hi Kim, Diana was a remarkable woman. I am not much for the monarchy, but I did admire her for humanitarian efforts. She really seemed to make people feel comfortable and special and was so classy and elegant. I feel so sorry that she had such a hard time while married to her husband, but she obviously adored her children and they her. I too am sorry that her boys did not get to spend more time with her. I think that she would take comfort in the men that they have become and that her oldest seems to have a very happy marriage. It is also makes me sad that she couldn't see her adorable grandchildren. I hope that you had a great Anniversary!
it is so hard to make the younger generation understand the star power of Diana. A teenager asked me if she was like kim kardiashin and taylor swift combined… face palm moment! I miss her too and now she is just part of my generation – i miss her too.
Breaks my heart she was unable to watch her beautiful sons grow up. She would be so proud of them. They are definitely their mothers' sons. I have no respect for what Charles and his family did to her, and will for the first time in my life will be against the Monarchy when he and Camilla become King and Queen.
Kathryn,
I agree totally. I would like to see Charles and the family admit they should have given her more support and he should admit he was pushed to marry someone innocent and was in love with another who was married. Thanks goodness her sons are wonderful people.
Naomi that is funny. They have no idea. I just wish she was here now.
Kelley thanks. I think she would be so proud of her boys. I know they are going to be amazing people and do even more great things.