In honour of Lady Diana‘s 58th birthday, New Idea takes a look at her incredible journey from Diana Spencer to Princess of Wales.
Known as a global humanitarian and the people’s princess, Lady Diana’s legacy has never been forgotten.
WATCH: Diana, A Princess Remembered
The future Princess of Wales had a rocky childhood.
Born on July 1, 1961, to Earl John Spencer and his then-wife, Frances, Diana’s early life was marred with a tragic family death.
After her brother, John, died as an infant, her mother left the family home when she was seven years old, impacting her profoundly.
Charles Spencer, Diana’s brother, told PEOPLE that their parent’s divorce “was tough on Diana,” adding that: “She used to sit on the doorstep at Park House and wait for her to come back.”
Diana married Prince Charles on July 30, 1981, and had two children, Prince William and Prince Harry.
Contrary to her own experience, the Princess of Wales was a caring and devoted mother to her two sons, having worked as a nanny prior to marrying Prince Charles.
Diana was often seen engaging in public displays of affection with Prince William and Prince Harry and was known to reorganise her royal duties in order to be able to spend longer amounts of time with her boys.
Diana’s marriage to Prince Charles was stained with rumours of his extra-marital affair with Camilla Parker Bowles.
After her messy divorce from Prince Charles, Diana became a global ambassador for human rights, advocating against the use of landmines and supporting the homeless.
Her royal status led to her rise as a fashion icon, and Diana is recognised as one of the best-dressed women in history.
She sadly passed away in a car accident on August 31, 1997.
Princess Diana was one of the most photographed people of our time, with many of her key moments recorded for the world to remember years after her death.
Here is Princess Diana’s life in pictures
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