Princess Diana passed away 25 years ago, but many believe that the impact she made on the world and its people continues to live on through her charitable work, her letters of note, the media and the accomplishments of her children.
It has been 25 years since the passing of Princess Diana. In recognition of the princess’ dedication to helping those in need, and the positive changes that resulted from her efforts, Of Lost Time has published an excerpt from a letter she penned to her butler, Paul Burrell. Below are some of her most notable letters.
A Mutual Admiration
Diana wrote about her admiration for Mother Teresa. Before meeting the princess, Mother Teresa had already recognised that Diana’s concerns for the poor were genuine, and after spending time with Mother Teresa, the princess’ desire to help others became even stronger. Princess Diana’s desire to make a difference in the lives of those in need, as well as the planet on which we live, led to her serving as the patron or president of more than 100 charities.
The People’s Princess
During a 1995 interview with Martin Bashir, as well as in her letters of note, Princess Diana addressed issues in her marriage, her struggles with bulimia, tensions within the royal family and the most notable moments in her life. Diana also spoke of the challenges she faced as a child, stating that her parents wanted a son, so they were disappointed to have another daughter. Her home life was unstable and Diana says that she felt ignored.
Due to her openness, people considered Princess Diana to be relatable, which played a role in her being referred to as the people’s princess.
A Tribute Exhibition to Honour Princess Diana
In 2022, a Las Vegas tribute exhibition to honour Princess Diana displays a letter of encouragement she wrote to a man battling bulimia.
In a Jan. 31, 1996, letter to Richard L. Saunders, the princess writes supportively that if she can conquer Bulimia, he can too.
Personal Letters of Note Sold at Auction
In September 2021, handwritten letters, notes and cards that Princess Diana sent to Roger Bramble sold at auction for £82,000 (about $113,000).
How Princess Diana Began Destigmatising HIV/AIDS and Leprosy
Opening the first HIV/AIDS unit in the UK
In 1987, Princess Diana opened London Middlesex Hospital’s HIV/AIDS unit. This was the U.K.’s first specialised unit for treating individuals with HIV/AIDS. While at this opening, the princess did not wear a glove when she shook the hand of a patient with AIDS. With this action, the princess hoped to disavow the belief that HIV could be spread through casual physical contact.
Embracing a child with HIV
In 1989, during a visit to the Harlem Hospital Centre, Princess Diana unexpectedly embraced a seven-year-old child who had the infection. Once again, the princess was trying to demonstrate that HIV cannot be passed through casual interactions.
Proving leprosy is not transmitted by touch
In 1989, Princess Diana and Prince Charles took a trip to Indonesia. While there, the princess visited a leprosy hospital. In an attempt to prove that leprosy was not transmitted during casual contact, the princess made a point to physically interact with the patients. After visiting this hospital, Princess Diana served as Patron of The Leprosy Mission. This organisation provides medication, medical treatment and other forms of support to individuals who have leprosy.
The Death of the People’s Princess
On Aug. 31, 1997, Princess Diana passed away in Paris, France. Her death resulted from injuries she sustained in a car crash.
The princess’ funeral took place on Sept. 6, 1997. As a tribute to her work, representatives from the charities Princess Diana worked with were invited to walk with her family behind the coffin as she was transferred from St. James Palace to Westminster Abbey.
Burrell’s Discovery
Paul Burrell recently found a note that Princess Diana had written to him. He says one line in this note stood out to him:
“I would look up and laugh and love and live.”
Although Princess Diana is no longer with us, she remains the people’s princess. Her acts of kindness, compassion and devotion to helping others continue to inspire people from around the globe. The princess’ letters of note give further insight into who Princess Diana was and the reasons she continues to be missed by people all over the world.