Remembering The People's Princess

It’s been more than two decades since she passed away but diana’s legacy lives on

- Melissa Field

Has it really been 23 years since the world lost an icon, and Prince William and Prince Harry, who were just 15 and 12, respectively, at the time, lost their adored mother? Diana, Princess of Wales perished in a tragic and senseless car accident in Paris’ Pont de l’Alma tunnel on August 31, 1997, when she was just 36. Her then beau Dodi Fayed and driver Henri Paul were also killed, while Diana’s bodyguard Trevor Rees-Jones was seriously injured.

Despite the time that has passed since the tragedy, which plunged the world into mourning, memories of Diana and her legacy remain undimmed. Her warmth, charisma, style and charitable contributions have ensured that this “very English girl” is as loved now as she was then.

“She was an exceptional and gifted human being,” the Queen said in the days after her death. “In good times and bad, she never lost her capacity to smile and laugh, nor to inspire others with her warmth and kindness.”

ROYAL ROMANCE

The then-Lady Diana Spencer first met Prince Charles when she was 16. They started dating when she was 19 – heir to the throne, Charles was 32 and under pressure to find a wife. Their engagement was announced on Feb. 24, 1981.