Princess Diana Francis Spencer of Wales (1961-1997)
The People’s Princess.
She ladled soup at homeless shelters, taking along her
She was 36.
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I was sitting on the organ bench when I heard about Diana. The first part of the service had gone well, and it was time for prayer after the sermon. Pastor prayed for her, and I hadn’t heard the news! What a shock!
Thanks for writing about her today.
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It’s like…where were you when JFK was shot. Has that same feel for me since I remember both in Technicolor.
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Yes, the same for me. I was walking across campus, going to lunch before choir when I got the news that JFK had been shot. Where were you?
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I was in the 4th grade when Mrs. O’Connor after speaking to Miss Hunnaberg, the Principal ,who had motioned her to the door, made the announcement. We were then told to go home. It was so long ago, yet I remember it like it was yesterday.
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I remember the morning when I heard of her tragic passing. So many of us were truly shocked, followed by a great sadness. Princess Diana was a generous and caring spirit. She may have been England’s princess, but America loved her.
When remembering Diana I automatically think of our prince, JFK Jr, who died two years later. The two are intertwined for me.
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I think anyone with a heart remembers her. The outpouring from all of Britain alone was amazing. Making the Queen have to show more compassion that alas, she clearly didn’t feel towards her former daughter-in-law. Doesn’t matter now, but when you think, if Charles could have just married Camila then and not be forced to marry someone who looked finer on paper, Diana would probably still be here…but it was not meant to be. sigh
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The poor thing had no idea what she was getting into. A young girl needs love. And Charles was denied his happiness by the need for royal appearances too.
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I’ve tried to hate Charles less after reading a couple of books about him. Penny Junor wrote a great one, on how he too was harmed by the coldness of his parents. That he was a very sensitive kid, and the father, who I gather was afraid he’d be gay, practically beat it out of him by sending him to a terrible school, never coming to visit. You see why Camilla became so important, because she was really the first who ever listened and loved him, outright, unconditionally. Diana was such a casualty from day one. So sad.
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I was going to say this was one of those “where were you” moments. We were at our friends’ cottage. We were sitting outside, in front of a large bonfire, enjoying the beautiful summer night (actually, it was like 3-4 in the morning). We had the radio on for music and the news came in about the accident. We were so shocked and stayed up, listening to each report, with hope for her. As we know, we hoped in vain. She was the people’s princess for sure and will forever be linked to the year we lost our son.
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I have a picture of her in my closet, framed. It’s small, and she’s no longer married to you know who so she’s looks glamorous and less tormented, which is why I chose it. I find her story tragic on so many levels. They misused her from the beginning, and then abused her for her goodness because, they’re all so cold, her innate warmth made them look bad. I’ll tell ya. Who are these people?
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She was treated horribly. Did you ever see the movie The Queen with Helen Mirrin? So good. It felt like a smidge of an apology for all they did to her.
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Great film. The Day Diana Died, by Christopher Anderson, is a stirring read. Tells you everything, and probably more than you truly want to know.
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It was. And that book is on my list, somewhere…
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I just read it again. You want to scream at her…DON’T GET IN THE LIMO…sigh
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No kidding… sigh. Such a bright light snuffed out needlessly.
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36 she was. sigh
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I know it…
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Lovely tribute, Susannah.
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I was about to read your Monday piece. You beat me. 🙂
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I tend to jump to yours first in the morning.
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It’s like having breakfast together. 🙂
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i recall the stunned feeling I had when I awakened to the news that day. My wife was shocked. Yet – whenever I see her boys – especially Harry – I think about how proud Diana would be of them for caring on her spirit of giving. …. Hi Susannah. Hope all is well … Keep smiling!
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I think she would have been proud too. You can see her in the both of them. Thanks Frank.
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In a four year window, with each tragic event separated by two years, we lost royalty, then Camelot and finally, the feeling of being safe. First Diana, then JFK Jr and finally, September 11th.
As for Lady Di, it was impossible to believe then and it’s still pretty damn impossible to believe twenty three years later. It will never make sense.
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Don’t let it be forgot / That once there was a spot / For one brief shining moment / That was known as Camelot!
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There is a grandson in the Kennedy mix who is playing coy on the subject of running for office. So perhaps there is a flicker of light.
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Oh yeah. I think he’s Joe Kennedy’s son. Been making headlines.
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Wanted to add…it was the Trifecta of Tragedies.
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Sadly, this is true.
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Which is wasn’t. One time I’d like to be wrong.
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Me too SB
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sigh
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This was a wonderful piece of writing, Susannah, and a touching tribute. I did not know know much about her back then, a teenage guy not caring much for princesses, I guess, but she was quite an amazing person. The world is poorer for her loss.
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You were too young, but as a woman I know, named Nora, likes to say…ya know it, when ya know it. 🙂
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