Women’s History Month Spotlight: Lady Diana, The People’s Princess
PRINCESS DIANA PRINCESS OF WALES 1996 WASHINGTON DC PHOTO WAS ON THE COVER OF US NEWS MAGAZINE AND WAS THE BEST SELLING ISSUE IN 70 YEARS.
By Alisa Oden
March 2, 2021
Trigger Warning: Mention of ED, Depression
Women’s History Month Spotlight #2 is Lady Diana of Wales (born Diana Frances Spencer). She was an icon. She may be known for her marriage to Prince Charles in 1981, but her elegance and passionate activism quickly made her a popular figure worldwide. Her ever changing fashion choices made her a trendsetter, and she used her celebrity status to help people. Some of her charity work includes raising funds for AIDS research, working with organizations to help people with disabilities, and so much more.
Unfortunately, being under the spotlight of the royal family put strain on both her marriage and her mental health. Diana struggled with eating disorders, postpartum depression, and other illnesses, which were worsened by the constant presence of the media, especially paparazzi. Media coverage also impacted her relationship, and eventually she and Charles divorced because of tension and unhappiness in their marriage. Despite all that, she continued her charity work, and her compassion and warmth earned her the nickname “The People’s Princess.”
Only a year after her divorce, tragedy struck. Diana was killed in a car crash while fleeing paparazzi. The crash also resulted in the deaths of her companion and her driver, Dodi Fayed and Henri Paul. Her untimely death impacted millions of people, but her kindness, perseverance, and glamour lived on. Many students at Glasgow are inspired by Lady Diana’s empathy, and her determination to do what was right for her and other people. She is a role model to everyone.
“Every one of us needs to show how much we care for each other, and in the process, care for ourselves.” -Lady Diana
Sources:
Diana, princess of Wales | Biography, Wedding, Children, Funeral, & Death
Alisa Oden (she/her) is an 8th grader at Glasgow Middle School. She was born in Memphis, Tennessee, but has lived in Virginia for most of her life. She enjoys dancing, singing, theater, and playing the violin. Some of her hobbies include sewing and baking, but one of her favorite things to do is paint. She is very passionate about engineering and STEM. This is her third year writing for the Panther Post.
