Growing up, I was mesmerised by Princess Diana’s life, her grace, and the unwavering strength she embodied. She was born on 1 July 1961 as The Honourable Diana Spencer into a noble British family with royal lineage, hailing from the picturesque town of Sandringham, England. Her story resonated with the beauty, complexity, and tragedy of a modern fairy tale.
Her wedding to Prince Charles on 29 July 1981, held at St. Paul’s Cathedral, wasn’t just a royal event—it was a global sensation, watched by over 750 million people. Tragically, her life was cut short in a car accident in Paris on 31 August 1997, at just 36 years old. Yet, even decades later, Diana’s influence and legacy remain as powerful as ever.
Unforgettable and lesser-known facts about Princess Diana
Here’s a collection of incredible facts about Diana that might surprise you and remind us all why her story continues to inspire.
1. From nanny to kindergarten teacher
Diana had a simple life before she rose to prominence as a royal icon. She cared for the child of an American couple after moving from Switzerland to England and worked as a kindergarten teacher at the Young England School in Pimlico.
2. Her guilty pleasure? Bread and butter pudding
Diana’s favourite dessert was delightfully humble—comforting, sweet, and classic, just like her.
3. Royal service ran in her blood
Her grandmother, Lady Fermoy, worked for the Queen Mother, proving that royal connections were deeply rooted in Diana’s family.
4. Diana’s sister dated Prince Charles first
Yes, you read that right! Lady Sarah, Diana’s older sister, dated Prince Charles before Diana stole his heart. Awkward family dinners, anyone?
5. A rocky childhood
After her parents’ messy divorce, custody of Diana and her brother went to their father, marking a turbulent chapter in her life that shaped her compassionate nature.
6. A star-studded family tree
Diana’s cousins included icons like Audrey Hepburn, Humphrey Bogart and even Prince Rainier III of Monaco. Talk about family of legends!
7. A funeral for the ages
Diana’s funeral on 6 September 1997 was watched by 2.5 billion people worldwide. She was laid to rest on a private island at Althorp Park, guarded by swans and lined with 36 oak trees—one for each year of her life.
8. Her role models? Strong women
From Mother Teresa to Madonna and Margaret Thatcher, Diana admired women who weren’t afraid to challenge the norm and make a difference.
9. Changing the world’s view on AIDS
Diana shattered stigma by publicly hugging AIDS patients in the ’80s, showing the world that compassion should triumph over fear.
10. Struggles behind the scenes
Diana, despite her public prominence, struggled with depression and bulimia in private, demonstrating that even celebrities are susceptible to life’s challenges.
11. Not an academic, but full of wit
Diana failed her O-levels twice and often laughed at her own academic struggles, proving that success doesn’t always come from grades.
12. Pretty in pink
Her favourite colour was pink, often seen in her iconic wardrobe choices that exuded warmth and approachability.
13. Dresses for a cause
Diana auctioned 79 of her iconic dresses, raising $5.76 million for AIDS and breast cancer charities—two causes dear to her heart.
14. A sparkling engagement ring
Diana personally chose her £30,000 engagement ring featuring a 12-carat blue Ceylon sapphire, which now graces Kate Middleton’s hand.
15. A ballerina at heart
Diana dreamed of becoming a ballerina, and while she didn’t pursue it professionally, her love for dance remained throughout her life.
16. The wedding that stopped the world
Her wedding to Prince Charles was a global event watched by 750 million people—a fairy tale day etched into history.
17. Championing over 100 charities
Diana actively supported causes from banning landmines to children’s health, leaving a legacy of kindness and advocacy.
Princess Diana wasn’t just a royal; she was a symbol of hope, humanity, and resilience. Her story reminds us to lead with compassion, embrace our imperfections, and strive to make a difference in the world.
Which of these facts surprised you the most? Let’s keep Diana’s memory alive by living with the grace and generosity she embodied.
