Diana: 20 Interesting Facts About The People’s Princess

Diana Spencer captured worldwide attention when she married into the Royal Family. In the years that followed, Diana–with all her very human trials and tribulations, and the way she surmounted them–captured the minds and hearts of fans.

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1. Diana was born at Park House, Sandringham, Norfolk England. She was born into an aristocratic family of royal Stuart ancestry.
2. Diana was the youngest daughter of Edward and Frances Spencer.
3. Diana’s siblings were: Sara, Jane, John (deceased), and Charles.
4. Following an acrimonious divorce, Diana’s father was awarded custody of Diana and her brother.
5. 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).
6. Diana’s stepmother, Raine, was the daughter of famed romance novelist, Barbara Cartland.
7. Diana’s cousins include: Oliver Platt, Audrey Hepburn, Humphrey Bogart, and Rainier III.
8. Diana’s ancestors included: Mary, Queen of Scots, Lady Catherine Grey, Mary Boleyn, and Robert I (The Bruce).
9. Diana became engaged to Prince Charles, February 24, 1981.
10. Diana married Prince Charles, July 29, 1981.

Diana and Charles With the Reagans

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Diana in Bristol, 1987

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  11. Diana and Charles separated, December 9, 1992.

  12. Diana’s divorce from Charles was finalized, August 28, 1996.

  13. 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.

  14. 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.

  15. Diana cultivated friendships with Gianni Versace, George Michael, Michael Barrymore, and Elton John.

  16. Diana admired strong women, from Mother Teresa to Madonna to Margaret Thatcher.

  17. Diana died August 31, 1997, following an car crash in the Pont D’Alma tunnel in Paris, when the car she was traveling in hit the 13th pillar.

  18. Diana wasn’t wearing a seat-belt when the car crashed.

  19. 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.

  20. 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 Princess Diana car crash. The Jury will determine if a conspiracy and/or murder occurred.

Diana–Final Moments Before the Crash

Pont D’Alma Tunnel in Paris–Site of Diana’s Death in August 1997

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Princess Diana may have left the earthly scene but she left a lasting legacy. Her gentleness and kindness, her humanitarian works, inspired global devotion. Her life, while fleeting, has placed a stamp on history.

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