“I'd like people to think of me as someone who care about them,” one of my favorite lines from Princess Diana, one of the most adored members of the British royal family.
She was born on July 1, 1961 and this would be her golden birthday today if the accident didn’t happen last August 31, 1997. She was the daughter of Edward John Spencer and Frances Ruth Burke. Although she was known for her shyness growing up, she showed interest in music and dancing. She had a great fondness for children and may be the reason why she becomes a kindergarten teacher at the Young England School after she finished her degree.
She was no stranger to the British royal family, having acquainted with Prince Andrew and Prince Edward during their childhood years when her family rented Park House, an estate owned by Queen Elizabeth II. She became reacquainted with their older brother, Prince Charles in 1977 who was 13 years her senior.
As heir to the British throne, Prince Charles had been the subject of the media attention that even his courtship to Diana was no exception. The press and the public were fascinated by this seemingly odd couple — the reserved, garden-loving prince and the shy young woman with an interest in fashion and popular culture. When the couple married on July 29, 1981, the ceremony was broadcast on television around the world, with millions of people tuning in to see what many considered to be the wedding of the century.
They were blessed with two children, on June 21, 1982, Prince William Arthur Philip Louis was born and he was joined by his brother, Prince Henry Charles Albert David on September 15, 1984. Committed to perform both her responsibilities to her family and royal duties, she was overwhelmed by the intense media coverage of every aspect of her life. She also began to develop and pursue her own interests. She supported a lot of charitable institutions and worked to help the homeless, people with HIV/AIDS and most especially children in need, either victim of abuse, poor nutrition and poverty.
Unfortunately, the fairy tale wedding of Princess Diana and Prince Charles did not lead to a happily-ever-after marriage. The two became estranged over the years, and there were reports of infidelities from both parties. During their union, Diana struggled with depression and bulimia. The couple's separation was announced in December 1992 and the divorce was finalized in 1996.
Even after the divorce, she maintained her level of popularity. She devoted her life to her sons, continued helping charitable institutions and begins the battle against the use of land mines. She even uses her popularity to increase the awareness about this issue. As she continues doing noble things, negative aspects of her fame also increases. Her romance with Dodi Al-Fayed made a great impact and created media frenzy. The car accident happen in 1997 in Paris was an escape from the paparazzi. The role of the media especially the paparazzi was scrutinized in this tragedy. She initially survived the crash but later succumbed to her injuries a few hours later.
News of her sudden, senseless death shocked the world. Thousands turned out to pay tribute to the "people's princess" during her funeral procession. The funeral was held at Westminster Abbey, which was broadcast on television. I was watching that day and I can’t help myself but cry. She’s a gem, a priceless treasure that inspired a lot of people. What she did to us is unremarkable and it will remain in our hearts. The good thing with her sons, they established after her death is a foundation – Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund, it provides grants to numerous organizations and supports initiatives to provide care to sick in Africa, help refugees, and stop the use of land mines.
I hope her story would inspire others, especially those working in the government to uplift the life of poor and sick. If Princess Diana made it, we could also do it. We should understand people’s suffering and pain more than ourselves. We should only do what our heart tells, just like Princess Diana.
To you our People Princess, Happy 50th Birthday!
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