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
