Princess Diana was one of the most famous women in the world. She became the People's Princess, admired by billions.
Diana was born at Park House, Sandringham, Norfolk England. She was born into an aristocratic family of royal Stuart ancestry.
Diana was the youngest daughter of Edward and Frances Spencer
Diana's siblings were: Sara, Jane, John (deceased), and Charles
Following an acrimonious divorce, Diana's father was awarded custody of Diana and her brother
Diana became Lady Diana Spencer, when Diana's father became 8th Earl of Spencer (following the death of Diana's paternal grandfather, Albert Spencer, 7th Earl Spencer)
Diana's stepmother, Raine, was the daughter of famed romance novelist, Barbara Cartland
Diana's cousins include: Oliver Platt, Audrey Hepburn, Humphrey Bogart, and Rainier III
Diana's ancestors included: Mary, Queen of Scots, Lady Catherine Grey, Mary Boleyn, and Robert I (The Bruce)
Diana became engaged to Prince Charles, February 24, 1981
Diana married Prince Charles, July 29, 1981
Diana and Charles separated, December 9, 1992
Diana's divorce from Charles was finalized, August 28, 1996
Following her divorce, Diana engaged in humanitarian work for the Red Cross and in campaigning to rid the world of land mines. She visited the sick, often arriving unannounced and instructing that her visits remain concealed from the media.
Diana helped to fight discrimination against Aids victims. She set an example by showing kindness and compassion to the afflicted, changing public perception about the disease.
Diana cultivated friendships with Gianni Versace, George Michael, Michael Barrymore, and Elton John
Diana admired strong women, from Mother Teresa to Madonna to Margaret Thatcher
Diana died August 31, 1997, following an accident in the Pont D'Alma tunnel in Paris, when the car she was traveling in crashed into the 13th pillar
Diana wasn't wearing a seatbelt
Diana's funeral was held September 6, 1997 and was watched by approximately 2.5 billion people. She was laid to rest in a long black dress, holding rosary beads given to her by Mother Teresa. Her grave is on an island in an ornamental lake (The Round Oval) in Althorp Park. Thirty-six oak trees, symbolizing each year of her life, lead to the lake. 4 black swans swim in the lake, symbolically guarding the island.
Diana's death has been questioned. In 2004, an independent inquiry was ordered. Lord Stevens, the former commissioner of the Metropolitan Police suggested that the case was complex and reported on new forensic evidence and witnesses; however, allegations of conspiracy were dismissed. A British inquest was launched Oct. 2, 2007 into the cause of Diana's death. The Jury will determine if a conspiracy and/or murder occurred.
