It’s hard to believe Diana would’ve been 64 today. A day like this brings up so many emotions, not just about her incredible legacy, but about the very real person she was.

Diana was not perfect, and she never claimed to be. But in a system that expected its members to act like gods, she remained beautifully human. That humanity is what made her unforgettable. She showed the world that compassion could exist within monarchy, and even push against it.

She used her platform in extraordinary ways. Whether it was bringing awareness to HIV/AIDS at a time when misinformation and stigma were rampant, walking through active minefields to support the campaign against landmines, or openly discussing her struggles with mental health and eating disorders, she was always ahead of her time. In doing so, she made so many people feel seen and less alone.

Her marriage was complicated, and her life was at times deeply painful. But she kept going. And more than anything, she adored her boys. No matter what is happening within the royal family now, both William and Harry lost their mother far too soon. I can’t imagine how hard this day must be for them. Sometimes, birthdays are even harder than the anniversary of a death.

Personally, I also want to say something about The Crown. I know it’s a controversial show, and many people have different opinions on it. But for me, it was a gateway. It introduced me to Diana, not just the icon, but the person. It made me curious enough to dig deeper and learn the real history. Emma Corrin did a beautiful job capturing her early years, but Elizabeth Debicki’s portrayal was, in my opinion, the best depiction of Diana ever brought to screen.

So today, I just want to say: Happy 64th birthday, Diana. Thank you for being brave, flawed, kind, and human. You are missed.❤️🪽

Posted by UKScreenDramaLeaker

9 comments

  1. 64 is still really young. Kinda puts into perspective how long she’s been gone.

  3. I was only young when she died, but Diana is someone who I still look up to —and I say that because of her genuine empathy and kindness towards others. The amount of awareness she brought to certain issues and groups of people is what makes me hold her in high esteem. A true case of using power and privilege for good

    She was a complex person but she had such inner radiance, a lovely human🤍🪽

  5. I was 10 when Diana died. I remember my Dad opening the newspaper that morning and I saw the cover “PRINCESS DEAD”. I saw my mother later that day and she was crying. We watched the funeral on tv.

    I’m still so sad about her death. Life is so unfair.

  6. Happy Birthday to the late Princess 💙 gone too soon.

  7. Those eyes look straight into your soul. She was uncommonly beautiful through and through. 💕

  8. Wow… I don’t think I’ve ever seen the 6th picture. And really makes you realize that 1997 is really not that far. . . thanks for sharing op.

    It also made me realize as I was looking through them, just how much of a resemblance William has with his mother.

  9. #11 and #19– mischievous and ethereal, respectively.

    My mother’s icon was Jackie O, mine was Diana.

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