Princess Diana’s Memoir

Regardless of whether you knew her personally or through the media, Princess Diana was an inspiration that touched the hearts of others throughout her short life. It is amazing how a commoner from basic means became a symbol of hope and humanity. Diana was not above the common man but a voice for those who did not have the influence and position she held to make the important matters known. Regardless of personal difficulties around her, Princess Diana would spend the time and energy to simply hold one hand of the less fortunate or deathly ill as to give hope and strength with a simple touch.

Princess Diana was born on July 1st, 1961 in Sandringham, England to parents Edward John Spencer and Frances Ruth Burke Roche. (Biography.com, 2011) Diana's parents divorced when she was very young however she and her siblings remained in the care of their father. Early in life Diana was no stranger to the royal life since she was known to have played with Prince Andrew and Prince Edward when the family rented a house that was owned by Queen Elizabeth II.(Biography.com,2011) Diana was always noticed for her shy and quiet demeanor. In 1975 Diana's father inherited the title of Earl Spencer which gave her the title of Lady Diana Spencer. After graduating from the Institut Alpin Videmandette in Switerland, Diana followed her heart and love for children and successfully gained employment after moving to London, as a nursery school teacher at the Young England School. It was through her father and his choice of residence to raise his family, Diana met her future husband Prince Charles who at the time was thirteen years old then her.

On July 29th, 1981, Princess Diana and Prince Charles were married. Their wedding was televised and viewed by millions worldwide. (Biography.com, 2011) Shortly after the marriage Diana gave birth to her first son Princess William on June 21, 1982. Just two years later Diana gave birth to a second son Prince Harry on September 15, 1984(Wikipedia.com, 2011) Princess Diana was committed to raising her children in and outside the royal palace. After a few years coping with the intense royal pressures and demands, Princess Diana started her involvement with charities that interest her and not necessarily the royal family. After the birth of her children, Diana was not your ordinary royal mother. Diana was very devoted and involved mother as her royal schedule would allow however negotiations were made based on the boys routine and activities. (Wikipedia.com, 2011) As a royal princess, Diana was expected to make numerous public appearances at local hospitals, schools and other public locations. These royal expectation were not one Diana enjoyed however her interested began to peak when it came to serious illnesses and health related matters such as AIDS and leprosy that were not view as traditional royal commitments. In 1989, Diana became the President of Great Ormond Street Hospital (Great Ormond Hospital, 2011) for Children but was still very much a patron of the charities and organizations with those less fortunate then her. (Wikipedia.com, 2011) Those charities usually focused on ones such as the homeless, drug addicts and the elderly deemed appropriate through the royal family. It wasn't until her divorce that Princess Diana continued her work with those charities close to her heart.

After Princess Diana's divorce, she continued her work with those charities close to her heart not because of royal obligations or expectations but because of dedication and passion. Diana was very active in banning the use of humans to discover land mines. She herself walked the land mines others had been injured even against the recommendation of security officials. Even though Princess Diana was made aware of the dangerous situation, it is as if she needed the physical experience to help fuel the drive and passion for such organizations. Princess Diana was not above others but was known to have held the hands of AIDS patients as if sending a message of the true cause for the spread is not from simple contact. Even after her death in 1997, Diana's passion and work is still alive because of her sons.

In conclusion, Princess Diana was taken from this world all too soon. One could only image what would have been if she were alive today. Her motivation behind her work was not of any financial gain but of a desire, compassion and love for others. It is because of people like Princess Diana that we still hold the hopes for humanity.