“Helping people in need is a good and essential part of my life, a kind of destiny.” – Princess Diana
Diana Frances Spencer, born in 1961, hailed from the prestigious Spencer family in Sandringham, England. After her father inherited the title of Earl Spencer in 1975, she became known as Lady Diana Spencer. Initially home-schooled, she later pursued formal education in England and attended finishing school in Switzerland. Her journey led her to become a preschool assistant and nursery teacher’s assistant until her marriage to Prince Charles in 1981.
In remembrance of Diana, the Princess Diana Book delves into her life and philanthropic endeavors. £5 from each book purchase supports The Diana Award, a youth legacy embracing Diana’s belief in young people’s potential to change the world.
Beyond royal duties, Diana’s personal mission aimed to bridge the monarchy with its people. Her charitable work, spanning AIDS awareness, landmine prohibition, poverty alleviation, cancer advocacy, Leprosy awareness, and mental health destigmatization, has immortalized her as “the people’s princess.”
Princess Diana, a patron to numerous charities, left an indelible mark on causes she championed. Her financial connections extended to over 100 charities, including early contributions to the Leprosy Mission. She advocated for the homeless through Centrepoint, supported cancer research at the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation, and lent her patronage to Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children. The Diana Award, a posthumous charity, instills in young minds the power to effect positive change.
Diana’s commitment extended beyond financial contributions; she dedicated time to volunteer work. In the midst of the AIDS crisis, she inaugurated the Landmark Aids Centre in London, offering support and treatment. She ventured to minefields in Bosnia and Angola to advocate for landmine clearance, working alongside the HALO Trust. Her visits to leprosy patients, homeless shelters, and child cancer patients showcased a hands-on approach to philanthropy.
A vocal advocate, Diana challenged misconceptions. She debunked the myth of HIV/AIDS transmission by shaking hands with patients and embraced a young AIDS patient in New York City. Her impactful speeches, including one on a landmines campaign in South Africa, catalyzed global initiatives like the International Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Treaty.
In an era of virtual activism, Princess Diana’s tangible efforts stand as a testament to her commitment to making the world a better place.
