The People’s Princess

The royal family didn’t like her, the aristocracy didn’t like her. She was vulnerable, she was not a perfect person, and I guess she could be difficult. But she was good. And she cared. – Dominick Dunne

Princess. Humanitarian. Kind-hearted spirit. Lover. Legend. All these words come to mind when I reflect on the life of, Princess Diana. When I was a little girl, I remember being fascinated with her and her life. It wasn’t until I became a woman that I realized why.

On the surface, Princess Diana’s life may have seemed like a fairy tale, but truthfully, reports shared she was in a loveless marriage and lonely in her role as a princess. She also struggled with insecurities, an eating disorder and loneliness on a level I couldn’t imagine anyone being able to cope well with. When she divorced, the world saw as she completely reinvented herself into an extraordinary woman who could empathize with just about anyone she encountered and touch many hearts and lives in the process. Her ability to reach people from all walks of life was incredible.

Her empathy and ability to connect with others is one of the things I believe made her such a beautiful soul. And what’s amazing, is seeing that same spirit carry on in her sons, Prince William and Prince Harry. They both embody many of the characteristics their mother had and it shows. She was also gorgeous, had incredible style and even seemed gutsy during the demise of her marriage. She wouldn't let anyone silence her. I love that she was a princess that didn’t fit the mold as far as tradition was concerned and she was even vocal about this in past interviews and different accounts written about her life. Her untimely death in August 1997 was one that shook the world, and it’s hard not to imagine what she would’ve been like to this day.

Right now I’m actually reading a great fictional novel titled Untold Story by Monica Ali. It’s inspired by the life of the late princess through the characterization of a fictional princess, and dives into what her life may have been like if she were still alive. What’s cool about the novel is that it’s being told mainly through narrative and diary entries. So far I find it fascinating and if you’re a reader, it’s definitely worth checking out.

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Making Waves