DAZZLING DIANA

The Queen of Hearts seals her style-icon status on three memorable tours

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Princess Diana was destined to connect with Canadians. After all, she was born on July 1, Canada's birthday! Although she only managed to tour the country three times during her short life, those now-precious visits will forever be remembered.

In 1983, Diana - then 21 and a mom to toddler Prince William - had already captivated the world with her shy smile and winning style by the time she and Prince Charles made their first joint trip to Canada. Naturally, the public went wild every time the princess stepped out. Unlike her mother-in-law, Queen Elizabeth, Diana chose not to wear gloves on royal walkabouts so that she could connect more closely with those she met.

Subsequent visits revealed a more confident and fun-loving senior royal. Diana befriended AIDS patients, met homegrown entertainers like Bryan Adams and Loverboy and showed her playful side on excursions with her young sons.

Her royal wardrobe may have been the envy of women in Canada and across the globe, but what made Diana most attractive was her accessibility. She was truly the People's Princess right up until the end.

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