A piece I wrote for The Hans India - a reputed daily in Telangana
Come August 31st, twenty years will have passed since the death of Princess Lady Diana in a car accident at Pont de l'Alma tunnel, Paris, France in 1997. Her sudden demise sent shock waves across the world. Admirers left a sea of flowers and tributes at the gates of Kensington Palace. While world dignitaries expressed their deepest condolences, her devotees held placards declaring their undying love for the princess and refused to leave the streets of London even at midnight. Her funeral, which was held on 6th September 1997 at Westminster Abbey, attracted over 32 million television viewers - a record of sorts.
Diana Frances Spencer was born on 1 July 1961, in Park House, Sandringham, Norfolk to John Spencer, Viscount Althorp and his first wife, Frances. The Spencer family has been strongly allied with the British royal family for several generations. When her father inherited the title Earl Spencer in 1975, she became Lady Diana Spencer.
Diana had several distinct facades to her personality. She was an accomplished pianist. She excelled in swimming and diving and was also adept at tap dancing and ballet dancing. Her love to become a ballerina was cut short when she realized that she grew too tall for ballet dancers. Additionally, she did an advanced cooking course; which again puts her with the best of chefs.
Princess Lady Diana’s most unforgettable moment would perhaps be her wedding at St Paul’s Cathedral, London, United Kingdom. Her strikingly beautiful visage through translucent veil held a distinct touch of royalty. Her train of robe filled the aisle. Adding further mystic regalness was Prince Charles royal attire. The ceremony was nothing less than a “fairytale wedding”. Royal families across the world, along with other dignitaries celebrated the moment with pomp and pageantry. Little wonder it was called "Wedding of the century". Diana was only 20 years when she married Prince Charles.
After the lofty and royal nuptial, their marriage coming off in a divorce was a sore sight. The princess squarely blames Charles for rekindling the fire with his former lover, Camilla Parker Bowles. Talking about Prince Charles relationship with her ex-lover, Diana says, "Our relationship was getting a little crowded".
Diana’s extra-marital relationship with Major James Hewitt didn’t go well either with the public. Further, the publication of Andrew Morton's book, "Diana: Her True Story" revealed intimate details of her life, including suicidal unhappiness which caused a major media uproar. The issue burned stronger with leaked tapes of telephone conversations of both Prince and Princess with their paramours, adding fuel to the fire. The sordid telephone transcriptions were published in The Sunday Times Hotline in 1992 and 1993 further deteriorating the relationship. The marriage eventually ended in a divorce in 1996.
It is believed that Prince William and Prince Harry are the only interesting outcome of this marriage. The two sons stand second and third in the succession of the royal British throne.
Princess Diana’s death too was embroiled in several controversies. Some say it’s due to the negligence of the drunk driver who was harassed by paparazzi. There are also allegations that she was actually murdered. But the stark truth is: she is dead.
On the occasion of her 20th Death Anniversary, for one full week, the whole England and several countries across the world are commemorating her anniversary in a huge manner. TV shows are airing Diana’s documentaries. Minute details of her life are being discussed and debated. Her weaknesses and her strengths are being analyzed and put forth to the world.
Amidst all these controversies, let’s not forget the other beautiful aspects of her life. Let’s celebrate her amicable and caring personality. Let's celebrate her decent upbringing of her kids. Let's celebrate her support for taking up numerous social causes and defending them. Well, after all, even after twenty years of her death, Princess Diana, "Queen of people's hearts", still remains a vivid and burning memory.
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