Friday, January 15, 2010
Introduction
While looking for a person to research for this project, we knew we wanted to choose someone who really made a difference in the lives of many people. We agreed that we wanted to do it on Princess Diana, because both of us love the beauty and the power that she represents. She was a symbol of grace and elegance in her day and for that, she was loved by many people. As we continued to research her, we learned about her charity work and the work that she did to help raise awareness for AIDs research which solidified our desire to research her. It was the qualities of motherhood she possessed, her loving attitude towards AIDs patients and the fact that she represented beauty and elegance that made her an inspiration for us which is why we chose her for the Making a Difference project.
Biography
People of all countries remember Princess Diana as being a woman of beauty and grace and a woman dedicated to helping others (“Princess Diana’s Life and Legacy”). Her marriage to Prince Charles, although it did not end well, gave Princess Diana two of her greatest joys. Princess Diana dedicated a lot of her life to raising her two sons William and Henry. Princess Diana was no stranger to the “lime-light” but she did not solely receive press because of her royalty. Much of Princess Diana’s popularity was (Figure 1)
fueled by her AIDs charity work, her movement to ban the use of landmines, the extensive amounts of time she spent working with children, and her involvement with many other charities.
Prior to becoming a princess, Diana was growing up in England. Diana Frances Spencer, more popularly known as Diana, Princess of Wales, or simply as Princess Diana was born on July 1, 1961. Her birthplace was near Sandringham, England and she was christened at the Sandringham Church in Norfolk. Before becoming a Princess, Diana was already a part of a well known family. Diana was the daughter of Edward John Spencer, Viscount Althorp and Frances Ruth Burke Roche, Viscountess Althorp. Her parents split up in 1967 and after their divorce, her father got custody of Diana, her two older sisters, and younger brother. Her mother later went on to marry Peter Shand-Kydd (“Biography for Princess Diana”). After her father became Earl Spencer in 1975, Diana became Lady Diana. She became “Lady” when her grandfather died (“Princess Diana Biography”).
Princess Diana’s education began at Riddlesworth Hall (“Diana: her True” 35). She then went to boarding school at West Health School. Growing up, Diana had been known for being shy. However, she was also known to show a strong interest in music and dance. She was not particularly strong in her academic work, however she excelled in sports. She had several sports trophies and she had said that she wanted to be a ballerina when she grew up however when she eventually grew to her final height of 5’10, those dreams were shattered (“Biography for Princess Diana”). Diana was also a self-proclaimed animal lover. She was also very personable; she got along well with others (“Diana: her True” 35). She was also warmhearted towards children. After attending more schooling at the Institut Alpin Vidermanette in Switzerland, she began working with children as a kindergarten teacher at the Young England School (“Princess Diana Biography”).
On July 29, 1981 Princess Diana and Prince Charles were married (“1981”). When she first met Prince Charles, he was dating her sister, Sarah. Diana was so excited and flustered by the thought of meeting him that she was unable to focus on her O level exams that were to take place the following week (“Biography for Princess Diana”). After her marriage, Lady Diana would be known as Diana, Princess of Wales. Within a (Figure 2) year, Diana gave birth to their first son Prince William Arthur Philip Louis on June 21, 1982. Two years after William’s birth, Diana gave birth to Prince Henry Charles Albert David, her second and final son on
Prior to becoming a princess, Diana was growing up in England. Diana Frances Spencer, more popularly known as Diana, Princess of Wales, or simply as Princess Diana was born on July 1, 1961. Her birthplace was near Sandringham, England and she was christened at the Sandringham Church in Norfolk. Before becoming a Princess, Diana was already a part of a well known family. Diana was the daughter of Edward John Spencer, Viscount Althorp and Frances Ruth Burke Roche, Viscountess Althorp. Her parents split up in 1967 and after their divorce, her father got custody of Diana, her two older sisters, and younger brother. Her mother later went on to marry Peter Shand-Kydd (“Biography for Princess Diana”). After her father became Earl Spencer in 1975, Diana became Lady Diana. She became “Lady” when her grandfather died (“Princess Diana Biography”).
Princess Diana’s education began at Riddlesworth Hall (“Diana: her True” 35). She then went to boarding school at West Health School. Growing up, Diana had been known for being shy. However, she was also known to show a strong interest in music and dance. She was not particularly strong in her academic work, however she excelled in sports. She had several sports trophies and she had said that she wanted to be a ballerina when she grew up however when she eventually grew to her final height of 5’10, those dreams were shattered (“Biography for Princess Diana”). Diana was also a self-proclaimed animal lover. She was also very personable; she got along well with others (“Diana: her True” 35). She was also warmhearted towards children. After attending more schooling at the Institut Alpin Vidermanette in Switzerland, she began working with children as a kindergarten teacher at the Young England School (“Princess Diana Biography”).
On July 29, 1981 Princess Diana and Prince Charles were married (“1981”). When she first met Prince Charles, he was dating her sister, Sarah. Diana was so excited and flustered by the thought of meeting him that she was unable to focus on her O level exams that were to take place the following week (“Biography for Princess Diana”). After her marriage, Lady Diana would be known as Diana, Princess of Wales. Within a (Figure 2) year, Diana gave birth to their first son Prince William Arthur Philip Louis on June 21, 1982. Two years after William’s birth, Diana gave birth to Prince Henry Charles Albert David, her second and final son on
September 15, 1984 (“Biography of”). It was during this time that Princess Diana began to focus her time on her two sons and charities. After the birth of Henry, Charles and Diana’s marriage started to fail. Her “fairy-tale” marriage came to an end in 1996. She then lost the privilege of being called “Her Royal Highness” after the divorce. 
Princess Diana contributed to the AIDs charity work both personally and financially. However, it was her personal interactions with AIDs patients that stood out the most to the public. It is often seen that many people show fear when coming in contact with those diagnosed with AIDs. Contrary to those people, Princess Diana showed no problem with shaking hands, embracing, or chatting with AIDs patients. Princess Diana can be seen in numerous photographs with AIDs patients. Bill Clinton said the following (Figure 3) in regards to Princess Diana’s interactions with AIDs patients.
"In 1987, when so many still believed that AIDS could be contracted
Princess Diana contributed to the AIDs charity work both personally and financially. However, it was her personal interactions with AIDs patients that stood out the most to the public. It is often seen that many people show fear when coming in contact with those diagnosed with AIDs. Contrary to those people, Princess Diana showed no problem with shaking hands, embracing, or chatting with AIDs patients. Princess Diana can be seen in numerous photographs with AIDs patients. Bill Clinton said the following (Figure 3) in regards to Princess Diana’s interactions with AIDs patients.
"In 1987, when so many still believed that AIDS could be contracted
through casual contact, Princess Diana sat on the sickbed of a man with AIDS and held his hand. She showed the world that people with AIDS deserve no isolation, but compassion and kindness. It helped change world opinion, and gave hope to people with AIDS with an outcome of saved lives of people at risk." (“Biography of”).
In addition to offering to her time to those with AIDs, Princess Diana also worked to educate people about AIDs and made efforts to promote AIDs research. Because of all of these efforts, Princess Diana can take a substantial amount of credit for placing AIDs further into the public eye (“Charity”).
Perhaps the most controversial movement that Princess Diana participated in was one associated with the prevention of the use of landmines. There is actual footage of the Princess traveling through land mine fields wearing protective outerwear. This campaign angered officials but her work began to initiate an argument against the use of landmines. Much of her reasoning for fighting the use of landmines was due (Figure 4) to her sympathy for those injured or killed by landmines, especially children (“Charity”). Princess Diana was known for involving herself in charities involving children. One of which was called The British Deaf Association. Princess Diana took the time to learn sign language in order to communicate with deaf children.
In addition to offering to her time to those with AIDs, Princess Diana also worked to educate people about AIDs and made efforts to promote AIDs research. Because of all of these efforts, Princess Diana can take a substantial amount of credit for placing AIDs further into the public eye (“Charity”).
Perhaps the most controversial movement that Princess Diana participated in was one associated with the prevention of the use of landmines. There is actual footage of the Princess traveling through land mine fields wearing protective outerwear. This campaign angered officials but her work began to initiate an argument against the use of landmines. Much of her reasoning for fighting the use of landmines was due (Figure 4) to her sympathy for those injured or killed by landmines, especially children (“Charity”). Princess Diana was known for involving herself in charities involving children. One of which was called The British Deaf Association. Princess Diana took the time to learn sign language in order to communicate with deaf children. Some of these children also invented a special sign to refer to the princess which involved using one’s hand, starting at the front of the hairline then moving to the back. This sign was a reference to the princess’ signature hairstyle (“Accomplishments”).
In addition to the previously mentioned charities, Princess Diana was involved in the other charities such as Centrepoint, The English National Ballet, The Leprosy Mission, The Royal Marsden Hospital, and The Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children (“Charity”). Princess Diana found passion in working to help others.
On August 31, 1997 a car accident in a tunnel in Paris caused Princess Diana’s tragic death. That night, she was with her boyfriend, Dodi Fayed, the man she fell in love with after the end of her marriage. The limo driver’s life was also brought to an end that night. The only one who survived the accident was Princess Diana’s bodyguard, Trevor Rhys-Jones (“Biography for Princess Diana”). There were few people around the world that were unaware of the princess’ death. Much of the cause was controversial. She is buried on an island at her ancestral home at Althorp (The Diana Chronicles 1). Nonetheless, her death was a tragedy and brought an end to a truly charitable person.
Princess Diana will always be remembered as being the “people’s Princess” and as being a savior to many people. Diana was a pioneer in erasing the fallacies of AIDs and speaking out against the use of landmines. Her work with both her children and those children who were not her own, as well as with other charities only added to her generous qualities. It was because of her giving nature that she is remembered so fondly.
In addition to the previously mentioned charities, Princess Diana was involved in the other charities such as Centrepoint, The English National Ballet, The Leprosy Mission, The Royal Marsden Hospital, and The Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children (“Charity”). Princess Diana found passion in working to help others.
On August 31, 1997 a car accident in a tunnel in Paris caused Princess Diana’s tragic death. That night, she was with her boyfriend, Dodi Fayed, the man she fell in love with after the end of her marriage. The limo driver’s life was also brought to an end that night. The only one who survived the accident was Princess Diana’s bodyguard, Trevor Rhys-Jones (“Biography for Princess Diana”). There were few people around the world that were unaware of the princess’ death. Much of the cause was controversial. She is buried on an island at her ancestral home at Althorp (The Diana Chronicles 1). Nonetheless, her death was a tragedy and brought an end to a truly charitable person.
Princess Diana will always be remembered as being the “people’s Princess” and as being a savior to many people. Diana was a pioneer in erasing the fallacies of AIDs and speaking out against the use of landmines. Her work with both her children and those children who were not her own, as well as with other charities only added to her generous qualities. It was because of her giving nature that she is remembered so fondly.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Works Cited
“1981: Charles and Diana Marry.” 29 July 1981. British Broadcasting Company. 5 January2010. http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/july/29/newsid_2494000/2494949.stm.“Accomplishments of Princess Diana. Charity Work of Princess Diana.” 2008-2009. Famous-Women-and-Beauty. 5 January 2010. http://www.famous-women-and-beauty.com/accomplishments-of-princess-diana.html.“Biography of Diana, Princess of Wales.” 6 January 2006. Biography Online. 5 January 2010. http://www.biographyonline.net/people/biography_princess_diana.html.“Biography for Princess Diana.” 2010. InternetMovieDatabase.com. 3 January 2010. http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0697740/bio.Brown, Tina. The Diana Chronicles. New York: Random House Inc. 2007.“Charity Work of Princess Diana.” December 31, 2009. lovetoknow. 5 January 2010. http://charity.lovetoknow.com/Charity_Work_of_Princess_Diana.Diana with Aids Patient. Google. [online image] 12 January 2010.<http://diana-remembered.spaces.live.com/?_c11_BlogPart_pagedir=Previous&_c11_BlogPart_handle=cns!2244878A8C9B75DA!4976&_c11_BlogPart_BlogPart=blogview&_c=BlogPart>.Morton, Andrew. Diana: her True Story in Her Own Words. New York: Simon and Schuster, 1998.Prince Charles and Princess Diana. Google. [online image] 12 January 2010. http://www.smh.com.au/news/World/No--match-for-Dianas-magic/2005/02/10/1107890351842.html.Prince Harry and Prince William. Google. [Online image] 12 January 2010. http://www.princeharry.co.uk/index.php/princeharry/princes-william-and-harry-set-up-their-own-6-figure-charitable-foundation/.Princess Diana. Google. [Online image] 12 January 2010. http://www.yorkblog.com/flipside/2007/08/.“Princess Diana Biography.” 2009. Bio. TRUE STORY. 15 December 2009. http://www.biography.com/articles/Princess-Diana-9273782?part=1.“Princess Diana’s Life and Legacy.” 29 August 2007. ABCNEWS/Nightline. 5 January 2010. http://abcnews.go.com/Nightline/story?id=3534198&page=1.
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