When Princess Diana died in a tragic crash in 1997, the world wept and remembered her as the People’s Princess. (Image Source: X/@billejeanwho)
On August 31, 1997, the world woke up to heartbreaking news. Princess Diana, who was loved everywhere as the “People’s Princess,” had died in a terrible car crash in Paris. She was only 36 years old and while her sudden death shocked millions and brought tears across countries.
Princess Diana, born Diana Frances Spencer, was one of the most admired people of her time. She wasn’t just known for her beauty but also for her kindness and warmth. As the Princess of Wales, she showed a different side of royalty and she comforted patients with HIV/AIDS at a time when most people were afraid to go near them. She worked for children, the sick, and even walked through dangerous landmine fields to spread awareness. Because she connected with ordinary people in such a real way, the world called her the “People’s Princess.”
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Just after midnight, Diana’s car crashed in the Pont de l’Alma tunnel in Paris. She was with her friend Dodi Fayed and their driver Henri Paul. Paparazzi were chasing them. The car lost control and smashed inside the tunnel. Dodi and Henri died on the spot. Diana was rushed to the hospital but sadly passed away a few hours later and only her bodyguard, Trevor Rees-Jones, survived, though badly injured. The sudden news left the whole world in shock.
After the news broke, millions of people couldn’t hold back their tears. Outside Kensington Palace and Buckingham Palace, the streets filled with flowers, cards, and candles. People waited for hours just to leave messages for her. The royal family was at first criticised for staying quiet, but later Queen Elizabeth II gave a rare speech on television to pay tribute to Diana.
On September 6, 1997, the world watched Diana’s funeral. It became one of the most viewed events in television history, with about 2.5 billion people watching. The most emotional moment was when her young sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, only 15 and 12 at the time, walked silently behind her coffin. That image still breaks hearts today.
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Even after so many years, Diana’s name shines and her charity work changed how the world thought about kindness and social justice. She made royalty feel closer to ordinary people and her style, her warmth, and her courage left a permanent mark while for millions, she is still the “People’s Princess,” a symbol of love and humanity.
