Princess Diana Remembered

I've had some issues with my computer lately so this post, which I'd planned for the anniversary of the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, is quite a bit late. When August 31st came around I couldn't believe it had been twenty years since I heard about that fatal car crash in Paris. I must've watched at least a dozen TV specials about her tragic life and the conspiracy theories surrounding her untimely death. It got me thinking about the places I've been that played a role in the story of a woman still remembered around the world, and known with fondness as the "People's Princess".

Princess Diana and Dodi Al Fayed

The ill-fated fairy tale began in February of 1981 when Prince Charles proposed to Lady Diana Spencer at Windsor Castle. The happy news was announced at Buckingham Palace and, outdoors in the palace garden, Diana showed off the sapphire and diamond engagement ring now worn by her daughter-in-law, the Duchess of Cambridge.

Windsor Castle

Buckingham Palace Garden

On July 29, 1981 at only twenty years of age, Diana rode to St. Paul's Cathedral in the royal Glass Coach to marry her prince. After saying their vows the royal couple travelled up The Mall to Buckingham Palace where they shared the traditional kiss on the balcony in front of a cheering crowd. They moved into Kensington Palace where they raised their two sons, Princes William and Harry, until their marriage ended in divorce.

The Glass Coach, The Royal Mews

St. Paul's Cathedral

The Mall

Buckingham Palace

Kensington Palace

The last days of Princess Diana's life were spent in the south of France with playboy Dodi al Fayed. At the end of their holiday the couple stopped in Paris and dined at the Ritz, which was owned by Dodi's father, Mohammed Al Fayed.

The Côte d'Azur, France

Eiffel Tower, Paris

Place Vendome

Ritz Paris

Ritz Entrance

Upon leaving the Ritz they were chased by paparazzi, ending in the car crash that took Diana's life. The nation and the world mourned her loss and a royal funeral was held at Westminster Abbey.

Westminster Abbey, London

Mohammed Al Fayed established a memorial to Diana and Dodi at his London department store, Harrods. The Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain was also created in Kensington Gardens.

Harrods, London

Memorial to Diana and Dodi at Harrods

Kensington Gardens

The Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain

Kensington Palace has hosted several exhibitions featuring the wardrobe of the late fashion icon. This year, on the twentieth anniversary of the Princess's death, the exhibition is Diana: Her Fashion Story and the Sunken Garden has been transformed into the White Garden.

Kensington Palace

Sunken Garden (Spring 2010)

Sunken Garden (Summer 2016)

Fashion Rules Restyled Exhibition at Kensington Palace (2016)

Evening Dress by Catherine Walker (1993)

Evening Dress by Catherine Walker (1991)

Evening Dress by Zandra Rhodes (1985)

Evening Dress by Catherine Walker (1990)

Evening Dress by Catherine Walker (1990)

Though Princess Diana died much too young, the woman credited with modernizing the British monarchy has left an important legacy in her sons, William and Harry, who now carry on her charitable work.

Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge

The Next Generation of Royals