On Monday, July 24, HBO aired a captivating documentary about Princess Diana’s life and untimely death. This TV special dives deep into the life of the People’s Princess, answering questions like what her last name was, how old she was when she married Prince Charles, and where she's buried. If you're curious about the details of her life, scroll down to uncover everything we learned from Diana, Our Mother: Her Life and Legacy.
What Was Diana's Last Name?
Let’s start with the basics. Diana Frances Spencer was born on July 1, 1961, in Norfolk, England. The Spencer family has been intertwined with the royal family for generations. Being part of British nobility meant Diana grew up in Park House, located on the royal family’s Sandringham estate. She even played with Prince Edward when she was a young girl. When Diana married Prince Charles in July 1981, she adopted the royal family’s last name, Mountbatten-Windsor. It’s a name that carries centuries of history and tradition, and it became a significant part of her identity as a member of the royal family.
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Who Were Diana's Siblings?
Princess Diana wasn’t alone in her journey. She had a close-knit family, including four siblings: Jane Fellowes, Baroness Fellowes, Lady Sarah McCorquodale, Charles Spencer, and her late brother John Spencer. Tragically, John passed away shortly after his birth in 1960, just a year before Diana was born. Her siblings played a crucial role in her life, supporting her through thick and thin, and they continue to honor her legacy today.
Diana with Charles, William, and Harry. (Photo Credit: Getty Images)
How Old Was Diana When She Got Married?
Princess Diana was incredibly young when she walked down the aisle. She was just 20 years old when she married Prince Charles on July 29, 1981. Charles, on the other hand, was 32 at the time of their wedding, creating a significant 12-year age gap between the couple. While the marriage seemed like a fairy tale to many, this age difference reportedly put a strain on their relationship, eventually leading to their divorce in August 1996. Looking back, it’s clear that their union was far more complicated than it appeared on the surface.
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Who Were Diana's Boyfriends After Her Divorce?
After Diana and Charles officially parted ways, she embarked on a new chapter of her life. She began dating British-Pakistani heart surgeon Hasnat Khan. Their relationship lasted nearly two years, but the couple kept things private, with Diana often denying their romance to the press. Despite their efforts to stay under the radar, the media was relentless. Diana reportedly ended their relationship in July 1997. Just a month later, she started seeing Dodi Fayed. Tragically, Diana, Dodi, and their driver, Henri Paul, were killed in a devastating car crash in Paris in August 1997.
What Exactly Is a Lady-in-Waiting?
In the world of royalty, a lady-in-waiting plays a vital role. These women assist queens or princesses in their daily lives, acting as personal assistants. Between 1981 and 1997, Diana had around eight ladies-in-waiting who were by her side. One of the most famous among them was Anne Beckwith-Smith, who became synonymous with Diana's entourage. These women were not just staff; they were confidantes and friends, providing support during both the highs and lows of Diana’s life.
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Where Is Diana Buried?
Following her public funeral at London’s Westminster Abbey on September 6, 1997, Diana was laid to rest on a private island within the grounds of Althorp Park. This estate has been the Spencer family home for centuries, making it a fitting final resting place for the beloved princess. The serene setting serves as a peaceful tribute to a woman who touched so many lives.
