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Princess Diana

Written in: Grade 8 | Year: 2009

Diamonds and jewels, tiaras and crowns … could this possibly be a fairytale?

"Happily ever after" isn’t always what you think it is!

Good morning/afternoon Mr. Cochrane and fellow classmates. I am here today to talk about the life of Princess Diana.

Diana Frances Spencer was born on July 1, 1961 in Norfolk, England. In 1969, her parents, Edward and Francis, were divorced and her mother left her father with Diana and
her three siblings, Sarah, Jane & Charles.

Growing up, Diana attended boarding schools but did not do well academically, and left school at the age of sixteen. She went on to become a nanny, a cook and later, an assistant at a kindergarten school in Knightsbridge near London.

It was during this time; Diana was introduced to Prince Charles. They met several times and began to date in 1980. On February 6, 1981 he proposed to her with a $65,000 ring, but didn’t announce their engagement until three weeks later.

On the morning of July 29, 1981, over 750 million people around the world tuned in to watch the Royal "Fairy Tale" Wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer. As Lady Diana stepped out of her glass coach, she revealed to the world, her 25 foot long train and silk wedding gown covered in 10,000 pearls and gold embroidery. She started her 3 ½ minute walk up the aisle past her 2650 wedding guests to become the Princess of Wales.

Over the years, excitement filled the air as Prince William, heir to the throne, and Prince Harry were born. Princess Diana was a loving and devoted mother who was involved in many different charities.

As she travelled the world, she would take her boys along, whenever possible. She wanted to open their eyes and hearts to the sick and less fortunate of the world.

In 1987 Diana visited a hospital and took the time to shake hands with an AIDS patient. At that time, little was known about how you could get AIDS and she was looked upon as
being very brave for doing that. This was certainly one of the gestures which made her become known as “ The People's Princess”.

As years went on, Diana and Charles grew apart. While Princess Diana was busy raising her children and travelling for her charities, Prince Charles spent his free time with his mistress Camilla Parker Bowles. Eventually, Charles & Diana divorced in 1996.

On August 31, 1997, as Diana and a male friend were leaving a restaurant in France, paparazzi would not leave them alone. As their car sped off into the night, it was raining and as they entered a tunnel the driver lost control and ended up in a fatal crash. Only the driver survived.

Diana’s funeral was held on September 6, 1997 with the Royal family and hundreds more in attendance. It would be seen in over 60 countries with 2.5 billion viewers. All eyes were on Prince Harry and Prince William, who walked courageously beside her casket as it passed thousands of spectators along the route.

Unfortunately, Diana’s life didn’t have a happy ending but the lives that she touched and the memories she left, brought happiness to many who will never forget her. All the riches in the world could never outweigh her pure heart of gold.

Thank You.