November 29, 2024 | Eul Basa

40 Times Princess Diana Was Completely Iconic


The People's Queen

Princess Diana is known as the "People's Princess" for good reason. She touched hearts worldwide with her compassion and relatable nature. Her legacy is one of love and empathy, transcending royal boundaries and connecting with people globally. Here are some of her best moments.

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Becoming a princess

Charles and Diana's 1981 wedding was one of the largest ever, with 750 million TV viewers worldwide.

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Dubbed the "wedding of the century," Diana's gown has since become iconic.

f Princess Diana and Prince CharlesJoe Haupt, Flickr

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Reducing the AIDS stigma

Princess Diana was among the first widely known people to be seen in a photo with an AIDS patient back in the 1980s. This gesture played a big role in reducing the stigma attached to the disease.

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It also shed light on the difficulties faced by people living with AIDS on an international scale.

Princess Diana on an official visit to the London Lighthouse Hiv/ Aids charity on 20 July 1992Robtob16, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

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Advocating for the ban of landmines

In January 1997, Diana made a trip to Angola to highlight the risks of landmines. She bravely walked across a freshly cleared minefield, not showing any fear or hesitation. Her actions significantly contributed to the final approval of the Ottawa Treaty, a deal that outlawed the use of anti-personnel landmines.

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Diana, Princess Of Wales, Visits A Minefield Being Cleared By The Charity Halo In Huambo, Angola - 1997Tim Graham, Getty Images

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Visiting leprosy patients in India

In 1992, Diana made a trip to a leprosy hospital in India, where she shared moments with patients, even holding their hands. Her kindness and openness to connect with marginalized communities made her beloved by millions.

Diana, Princess of Wales greets people with the namaste during a visit the Kalighat Home for the Dying, run by Mother Teresa's Missionaries of Charity, in Kolkata, India, 15th February 1992Tim Graham, Getty Images

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Comforting the Lockerbie Bombing victims

In 1988, following the Lockerbie bombing, Princess Diana made a trip to the town and connected with the families affected by the tragedy.

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She gave them her sympathy and made time to talk with the victims. Her presence brought comfort and unity to the community.

PRINCESS DIANA looking at sideJohn Mathew Smith, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

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Loving all life, including animals

Princess Diana was a strong advocate of animal welfare organizations, including the Battersea Dogs & Cats Home. She visited shelters and fought for better treatment of animals.

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Princess Diana and Prince Charles outside - 1981Joe Haupt, Flickr

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Raising awareness for homelessness

Diana spent time at Centrepoint, a charity that aids homeless youth. She frequently visited shelters, bringing attention to the problem of youth homelessness. Her engagement greatly contributed to increasing awareness and collecting donations for the charity.

Diana, Princess Of Wales, In Her Role As Patron Visits Centrepoint - 1997Tim Graham, Getty Images

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Supporting children with cancer

Princess Diana was a big supporter of the Royal Marsden Hospital, frequently visiting young kids battling cancer there.

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She had a way of brightening up the kids' day whenever she visited. Her continued involvement significantly raised awareness about the hospital and the important work they're doing.

Diana, Princess of Wales in the Royal Marsden Hospital - 1993Martin Keene - PA Images, Getty Images

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Giving birth at a hospital

In 1982, Prince William was the first royal family member born in a hospital, ending the tradition of home births.

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Diana was the one who chose not to follow the tradition.

Princess Diana holding Prince Harry in her armsAlberto Botella, Flickr

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Promoting organ donation

Princess Diana pushed for organ donation, encouraging people to consider becoming donors. Her advocacy helped show the life-saving potential of organ donation and inspired many to join the cause.

Princess Diana opens The Paisley Centre and pays a visit to the Accord Hospice - 1992Centpacrr, Wikimedia Commons

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Bonding with Mother Teresa

Princess Diana and Mother Teresa became good friends after their first meeting in 1992.

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They both had a deep passion for supporting the poor and distraught. Later, Diana visited Mother Teresa's care center in Calcutta. There, she spent time interacting with the patients and lending a hand to the nuns.

Diana, Princess of Wales, holds hands with Mother Teresa - 1997Anwar Hussein, Getty Images

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Bringing her sons to homeless shelters

Princess Diana wished for her boys, Prince William and Prince Harry, to really undersatnd what life was like for people who had less than them.

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So, she brought them along on private trips to places like homeless shelters and centers that serve free food.

Princess Diana (1961 - 1997) with her sons Prince William and Prince Harry at the V.E Day commemorations in Hyde Park, London, May 1995Princess Diana Archive, Getty Images

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Refusing to say "obey" during her vows

Princess Diana broke tradition by refusing to vow obedience to Prince Charles in their wedding, instead promising to care for, support, respect, and stay with him. Princess Catherine and Meghan Markle have also followed in Diana's footsteps by altering their wedding vows.

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Princess Diana's WeddingLaura Loveday, Flickr

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Caring for the elderly

Princess Diana donated to charities that focused on the elderly, such as Help the Aged. She visited care homes and spent time with elderly residents, listening to their stories and simply giving them her company.

Diana, Princess of Wales visits the headquarters of the charity Help the Aged in London, 19th January 1989Princess Diana Archive, Getty Images

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Working with the Great Ormond Street Hospital

Diana was the president of the Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children and she often took time out of her busy schedule to visit the children there.

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Because of her involvement, awareness about the hospital and its work grew and donations poured in.

The Princess of Wales visits Great Ormond Street Hospital in London, April 1987Princess Diana Archive, Getty Images

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Going on amusement park rides with her sons

Princess Diana made an effort to give her sons a normal childhood by taking them to McDonald's and ensuring they attended school with other children. This included getting soaked on rides like the log flume at Thorpe Park, which apparently embarrassed Prince William.

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Princess Diana Prince Harry and Price William at Thorpe ParkTaylorHerring, Flickr

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Traveling to Sri Lanka after a cyclone

In 1995, Diana visited Sri Lanka following a devastating cyclone. She met with survivors and visited affected areas, offering her support and bringing international attention to the disaster. 

Prince Charles factsQueensland State Archives, Flickr

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Opening the Landmark Children's Hospice

In 1989, Diana opened Helen House, the UK's first children's hospice in Oxford. She passionately supported palliative care and stressed the significance of kind, end-of-life care for the youth.

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Lady Diana Spencer, fiance of Prince Charles, in the back of a car leaving - 1981Tim Graham, Getty Images

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Comforting the Omagh Bombing victims

In 1998, another bombing incident occured; this time in Omagh, Ireland. Princess Diana visited the victims of the incident, meeting with survivors and families of the deceased. This show of compassion was greatly appreciated by the townspeople and many others around the world.

Princess Diana in Bristol - 1987Rick, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

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Auctioning off her clothes for a good cause

Princess Diana took her son Prince William's advice and auctioned 79 famous dresses in 1997.

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Proceeds went to her beloved charities. Some dresses are now being auctioned decades later, fetching millions of dollars.

Dresses are displayed at a photocall ahead of the the 'Fit For a Princess' auctionSimon Burchell, Getty Images

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Working with the British Lung Foundation

Diana was a champion of the British Lung Foundation, which focuses on lung health and research. She attended many of their events and helped to promote the importance of lung health awareness.

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The Princess Diana Is Casually Dressed In A Sweatshirt With The British Lung Foundation Logo On The Front - 1988Tim Graham, Getty Images

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Sitting in front of the Taj Mahal

In 1992, Princess Diana visited the Taj Mahal alone during a royal trip to India with Prince Charles. This moment demonstrated her independence and free spirit, despite her royal obligations. Prince Charles visited the palace on a separate occasion in Bangalore. 

Diana, Princess of Wales poses alone outside the Taj Mahal - 1992Anwar Hussein, Getty Images

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Advocating for mental health

Diana openly shared her battles with depression and bulimia, which played a part in reducing the taboo surrounding mental health problems.

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Her straightforwardness motivated others to seek help and highlighted the need for mental health care.

Royal Visit Of Prince Charles And Princess Diana To Edmonton, AlbertaProvincial Archives of Alberta, Wikimedia Commons

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Being the first royal to have worked a regular job

Surprisingly, Princess Diana was the first woman to marry into the Royal Family with a job. She worked as a nursery teacher's assistant and nanny before marrying Charles.

Lady Diana Spencer, later to become Princess Diana, Princess of Wales pictured at the kindergarten - 1980Mirrorpix, Getty Images

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Dancing with John Travolta

During a 1985 White House event hosted by Ronald and Nancy Reagan, John Travolta requested a dance with Princess Diana.

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The music being played was from Travolta's two most popular films, Grease and Saturday Night Fever. This moment showcased her easy-going and fun personality.

Princess Diana Dancing With John Travolta In Cross Hall At The White House - 1985Reagan White House Photographs, Wikimedia Commons

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Working with the Red Cross

Princess Diana worked closely with the British Red Cross, backing their work to help people in need. She spent time in disaster-stricken areas and places torn apart by conflict, raising awareness to urgent causes.

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Geoffrey Dennis (far right) attends a Red Cross meeting with Princess DianaDavidBassom1, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

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Bringing Prince William on tour

In 1983, Prince Charles and Princess Diana embarked on their first royal tour together with their newborn son, Prince William, defying royal tradition by bringing him along. This highlighted Diana's hands-on parenting style.

Princess Diana Departs Prince WilliamJoe Haupt, Flickr

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Spreading awareness of child bereavement 

Diana was a partner of the Child Bereavement UK charity, which supports families dealing with the loss of a child.

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She attended events and met with families, empathizing with their situations. 

Lady Diana Chats With Another Famous Princess, Princess Grace Of MonacoJoe Haupt, Flickr

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Compassion for refugees

In 1997, Diana took a trip to meet Bosnian refugees in Bosnia and Herzegovina. She spent time with families who had to leave their homes because of the war, bringing attention to their hardships. Her visit helped the world to see the refugee situation there and the need for humanitarian aid.

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Diana, Princess of Wales meets children in an area of Sarajevo - 1997Stefan Rousseau - PA Images, Getty Images

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Supporting the arts

As a patron of the English National Ballet, Diana supported the arts. She would go to shows and interact with the performers, expressing her admiration for them.

Diana, Princess Of Wales - smilingNick Parfjonov, Wikimedia Commons

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Her friendship with Elton John

Princess Diana and Elton John became really good friends. She stood by him after he lost his friend, fashion designer Gianni Versace.

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In return, Elton John paid a touching tribute to Diana with a unique rendition of his hit song "Candle in the Wind" after she passed.

Sir Elton John sings 'Candle in the Wind' at the funeral if Diana, Princess of Wales at Westminster Abbey on September 6, 1997 in LondonAnwar Hussein, Getty Images

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Supporting children with disabilities

Diana used to work with the British Deaf Association and many other groups for kids with disabilities. She even picked up sign language to communicate with deaf kids and showed up at their events.

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Diana, Princess Of Wales, Using Sign Language - 1990Tim Graham, Getty Images

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Fulfilling a child's dying wish

In 1996, Diana made a dream come true for a kid who was terminally ill. The kid's only wish was to go to Disneyland, so she planned a trip for his family to the amusement park. This kind gesture truly showed how caring and giving Diana was.

Princess Diana - Royal Visit to Halifax, Nova Scotia - June 1983Russ Quinlan, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

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Defending victims of domestic violence

Princess Diana worked with the charity Refuge, which supports victims of domestic violence.

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She visited shelters and spoke with survivors, bringing attention to their struggles. Her involvement helped to raise awareness and support for the cause.

The Princess Board The Royal Yacht Britannia In Gibraltar For Their Honeymoon Cruise In The Mediterranean, 1981Joe Haupt, Flickr

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Advocating for breast cancer awareness

Diana supported breast cancer charities and frequently attended events to raise funds and awareness. Her public appearances and speeches highlighted the importance of early detection and research.

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Diana's advocacy helped to bring more attention to breast cancer and inspired many women to prioritize their health.

Princess Share An Informal Moment At Balmoral After Returning From Their Honeymoon Trip, August 1981Joe Haupt, Flickr

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Breaking royal rules for her family

Princess Diana wasn't afraid to ditch royal rules to ensure Prince William and Harry enjoyed a regular childhood. She famously joined a mother's race during Harry's sports day in 1991, even running barefoot to the delight of onlookers.

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Her spontaneous, playful actions reflected her devotion as a hands-on mother.

Diana, Princess of Wales, runs barefoot as she takes part in the Mother's race during Prince Harry's school sports day in Richmond on June 11, 1991 in LondonAnwar Hussein, Getty Images

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Wearing her black "revenge dress"

In 1994, when Prince Charles confessed his adultery, Princess Diana rocked a now-iconic black dress at a Vanity Fair party. Known as the "revenge dress," her outfit was a symbol of strength for all women. That night, Diana proved she wouldn't be overshadowed by her husband's mistakes.

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British property developer Peter Palumbo and British royal Diana, Princess of Wales wearing a black Christina Stambolian dress - 1994Princess Diana Archive, Getty Images

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Falling asleep at the Victoria and Albert Museum

Diana earned the nickname "sleeping beauty" at The Splendours of The Gonzagas Exhibition Gala in 1981. During the event, which was held at the Victoria and Albert Museum, she dozed off—then later announced that she was pregnant.

The Princess of Wales with British police officials visiting the drug squad of the West Midlands Police in 1987West Midlands Police, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

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Giving that bombshell interview

In 1995, Princess Diana spoke her heart out to BBC's Martin Bashir, admitting that her marriage felt crowded with three people.

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She shared her wish to be the "a queen of people's hearts," showing her devotion to public service. This honest interview won over millions of people and demonstrated Diana's commitments beyond her royal obligations.

Martin Bashir interviews Princess Diana in Kensington PalaceTim Graham, Getty Images

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Writing her own history

Published in 1992 as Diana: Her True Story, the controversial book claimed to be based on accounts from Diana's loved ones. After her death, it was revealed that she had helped write it, leading to a re-release titled Diana: Her True Story in Her Own Words in 2003.

Diana; her true story, a book written by Andrew Morton about the late princess DianaChema Grenda, Shutterstock

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