Shock reverberated globally when Princess Diana tragically lost her life in a car crash in Paris 25 years ago.
From a shy teenage teacher to a glamorous celebrity who championed causes like AIDS awareness and landmine removal, her untimely demise at 36 left the world grappling with disbelief.
Historian Ed Owens reflects on the profound shock, emphasizing Diana's status as one of the most famous women in the English-speaking world.
Her sudden and tragic death marked a turning point, challenging centuries-old royal traditions and bridging the gap with a new, multicultural era marked by the internet.
The aftermath witnessed an outpouring of popular grief, with masses gathering at Kensington Palace to mourn a woman they hadn't personally met. Diana's easy connection with people prompted the royal family to acknowledge the need for a more approachable touch.
This lesson resonated with subsequent royals, notably her sons, Princes William and Harry, who adopted a casual and relatable approach, evident in events like the Platinum Jubilee concert celebrating Queen Elizabeth's 70-year reign.
Diana's journey from a member of the aristocratic Spencer family to a royal rebel is a captivating tale. Becoming an international style icon after her wedding to Prince Charles, Diana wielded the media as a tool to draw attention to causes and alter public perception. From challenging AIDS stigma with a handshake to walking through a landmine field, Diana demonstrated the power of media in shaping public awareness.
Her impact on AIDS awareness was particularly significant when she opened the first specialist ward for AIDS patients in Britain. A decade later, Diana's media-savvy approach drew global attention to the campaign against landmines, showcasing her dedication to causes that extended beyond traditional royal duties. Even after her passing, her legacy lives on, as evidenced by the widespread international ban on landmines in 164 countries.
