Twenty years after her death, former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond looks at the enduring appeal of the people’s princess
Perhaps it was the way she lived – forever in the news as drama after drama unfolded. Or, perhaps it was the way she died – suddenly and tragically young.
Whatever the reason, Diana, Princess of Wales remains a source of eternal fascination. Whenever people ask me about my work as the BBC’s royal correspondent during those turbulent years, the one person they always want to know about is Diana.
Even two decades on from that fateful night in the Pont de l’Alma tunnel in Paris, her influence on how the Royal Family behave today is evident. And it is her two sons who are keeping her memory very much alive.
There’s no doubt whatsoever that Lady Diana Spencer was a one-off. From a shy, damaged young girl who married – and then lost – her Prince, she grew into the strong, determined woman I knew, who was willing to take on the establishment, including the Royal Family.
I watched her battle with her demons as bulimia took hold during the early years of her marriage. I talked with her at length as that marriage gradually unravelled and she lost her royal status. I also went with her to the minefields of Angola as she forged a new global role for herself. Diana was tougher and shrewder than she made out, and she chose her charity work carefully.
As her feelings of being isolated and alone within the Royal Family increased, she naturally reached out to people who felt similarly cast aside, for example, those who had contracted leprosy or AIDS. I watched as she tenderly touched the hands and feet of leprosy patients in a Calcutta hospital. Later she said: ‘It has always been my concern to try to show in a simple action that they are not reviled, nor are we repulsed.’ It was a powerful gesture.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der August 29, 2017-Ausgabe von WOMAN'S WEEKLY.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der August 29, 2017-Ausgabe von WOMAN'S WEEKLY.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
Patchwork PROJECTS
Easy ideas to show off English paper-piecing techniques
Night train to BERLIN
Germany's exciting and varied capital is now reachable by train from the UK
French FANCY
Raymond Blanc's right-hand man, Benoit Blin's favourite bakes
Are you missing out on BENEFITS?
Here's how to find out what you are eligible for
TRAY bien
All-in-one tray bakes, packed with flavour
We took a grown-up GAP YEAR!
Who says taking time out is just for students?
'I'm obsessed with reality TV!'
THIS WEEK'S COLUMNIST Author and presenter Louise Minchin
What to eat and do for A HEALTHIER GUT
Fix those problems and boost your wellbeing
Picture palaces
In an age of cinema complexes, we celebrate five historic and beautiful picture houses that have stood the test of time
'My diet during Bake Off is cake and alcohol!'
Dame Prue Leith on the popular baking contest