Aug. 31, 2017, marks the 20th anniversary of the death of Princess Diana, and although she was beloved by so many, others may be too young to remember her life and legacy.
Here’s everything you need to know:
Credit: Alastair Grant
Credit: Alastair Grant
Who was Princess Diana, and how did she die?
Princess Diana was the ex-wife of Prince Charles and mother to Prince Harry and Prince William. She died Aug. 31, 1997, at the age of 36 in Paris, France.
Diana was traveling in a Mercedes S-280 with her boyfriend, Dodi Fayed, and driver, Henri Paul, from the Ritz in Paris when the vehicle crashed inside the Pont de l’Alma tunnel. She later died of her injuries at the Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital. Her driver and boyfriend also died as a result of her collision but her bodyguard, Trevor Rees-Jones, survived.
In 2008, an inquest into her death concluded that Diana was unlawfully killed due to the negligent driving by Paul, who was said to be drunk and on antidepressants at the time of the accident, and his attempts to lose paparazzi who were chasing the vehicle.
Credit: Jerome Delay
Credit: Jerome Delay
When and where was Princess Diana’s funeral?
A public televised funeral was held on Sept. 6, 1997, at Westminster Abbey. Tens of thousands of people tuned in to the broadcast and many mourners left tributes at Kensington Palace. She was later buried in a private service on the island in Althorp Estate, the Spencer family home.
Credit: John Gaps III
Credit: John Gaps III
What was Princess Diana’s life like?
Diana Frances Spencer was born July 1, 1961, to Edward John Spencer, 8th Earl Spencer, and Frances Shand Kydd. She inherited her father’s title in 1975 and became Lady Diana Spencer.
The Spencer family served members of the royal family for generations before she wed Prince Charles in 1981. Her father was equerry to George VI and Queen Elizabeth II, and four of Diana’s aunts served as members of the Queen Mother’s household.
On July 29, 1981, Charles and Diana wed in a lavish ceremony at St. Paul’s Cathedral. She was then given the title of Princess of Wales as well as Duchess of Cornwall, Duchess of Rothesay and Countess of Chester.
In 1982, she gave birth to Prince William, and Prince Harry followed just two years later in 1984. In 1992, Prince Charles and Princess Diana separated and were later granted a divorce by Queen Elizabeth II in 1996. Princess Diana died just one year later.
How will people honor her memory on the 20th anniversary of Princess Diana’s death?
In the years since she died, Diana’s memory has been honored with parks, gardens and foundations named in her honor. There is a Diana Memorial Playground in Kensington Gardens and a Princess Diana Memorial Fountain in Hyde Park. Her sons announced earlier this year that they will erect a statue of their mother at the Princess Diana Memorial Garden at Kensington Palace.
A number of events will take place across London, including an exhibit of Diana's personal possessions at Buckingham Palace and several charity events held by The Diana Award charity for children. A national day of kindness has also been declared in memory of all of the charity work she did in her lifetime.
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