Princess Diana

Princess Diana (royal-splendor.blogspot.com)

                       "I have discovered in life that there are ways of getting almost anywhere you want to go, if you really want to go."(Langston Hughes) Langston Hughes's quote truly embodies Princess Diana's mission and perception regarding who she was as a person and how we remember her today. Throughout her life she motivated and inspired people to reach for the stars and to believe in themselves, despite the fact that she struggled with her own lack of confidence during her childhood. Diana married Prince Charles in 1981, and became the Princess of Wales. Diana was the first British citizen to marry into the Royal family since 1659. She was born on July 1, 1961, in Norfolk, England. Diana was known as a quiet child, implying that her childhood wasn't easy. Her parents went through a bitter divorce, causing her academics to crumble. Because she didn't have an academic career she worked as a kindergarten teacher assistant and as a cleaning woman for her sister Sarah. All that changed when she married Prince Charles. The world was fascinated by her and more than millions of people watched their wedding reception at Buckingham Palace. The world watched her every move, because of that, she exploded all over tabloids and magazines. Diana did not let that affect her; she had a vision and continued to stick with it. She used her international superstardom to bring up issues to the public. She challenged the world to go with her on an adventure that changed opinions of sensitive issues and topics. Diana wasn't afraid to fight for what she believed in, and by doing that she modernized the British monarchy and when she died she left a huge footprint on the world. Princess Diana was more than just the average royal icon; she was fearless in speaking out about social issues, and was passionate towards her charity work for activism. Diana was determined when she shared her own personal struggles to better those who had the same issues she had faced, but showed the world that if you can believe in yourself and take chances you too can make a difference.

                       Princess Diana was fearless and never faltered in raising awareness for AIDS and other social issues, even when people questioned her judgment. Instead of standing by and watching people who were ill, Diana pushed the limits and went out to try to help seek comfort for the less fortunate: "She called attention to the problems of homelessness, and drug abuse, shook hands with patients at with AIDS at a Middlesex hospital, and once visited victims of an Irish Republican Army(IRA) bombing in Northern Ireland."(Encyclopedia of World Biography) Diana was brave because at that time AIDS was not a popular subject, but she made it her mission to help ease the pain of those with the disease. Diana made it her goal to help the less fortunate from when she was a child.  Her efforts in drug abuse and homelessness severely impacted people's minds and opinions. Not only did she fight criticism about AIDS but also went against traditional Royal ways: "Diana shook up the British monarchy and speeded its modernization. She helped to tear down prejudices about AIDS. She raised awareness of eating disorders. She coalesced opposition to land mines. These are hefty achievements for a woman of little education who mocked herself for being "thick as plank" (time.com) Diana truly changed the image for the royals and not only did she make it modern but sophisticated. Diana throughout her life as a royal was true to herself and never allowed people's criticism and judgments hold her back. Diana showed aggression and fearlessness in her work for AIDS when others were scared to speak about it. Diana's internal desire and stubbornness had put their mind to something, and when that happens great things come out of it.

Princess Diana shaking hands with an AIDS patient (http://princessdiana16.blogspot.com/)

                       Diana was passionate about social issues and fought for those who didn't have a voice through her charity work. Through hard work and dedication Diana pursued her goal to help people who are less fortunate than her: "In 1990, People noted Diana was a patron of 44 charities, making more than 180 visits on their behalf the previous year. "I don't just want to be a name on a letterhead," the Princess was quoted as saying in the Saturday Evening Post."(History of the Monarchs) Diana didn't just want to leave a legacy of her superstar status; Diana wanted to be remembered as somebody who really did care about the work that she had achieved, and the people that she had met. In the quote Diana said "I don't just want to be a name on a letterhead." Diana demonstrated that she won't just be a name on a letterhead, but a role model that other people could follow and look up to. After Princess Diana's tragic death her charitable causes continued on: "Continuing her charitable efforts is the Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Fund. Established after her death, the fund provides grants to numerous organizations and supports initiatives to provide care to the sick in Africa, help refugees, and stop the use of land mines."(Princess Diana. Biography) Although she is gone, Diana will always be remembered as a powerful woman that accepted challenges with pleasure. Everything that she  worked for and dreamed of is still bearing fruit for charities and people in the world today. Diana will always be thought of as a leader for her work with charities and her commitment to assist others. Diana made it obvious that she wasn't doing this just for the fame, but for the people.

Diana speaking out about eating disorders ( http://wn.com/Princess_Diana's_Speeches)

Although Diana looked strong on the outside she too faced personal problems throughout her life, and was determined to help others with the problems she once faced. When Prince Charles and Princess Diana started to drift away from each other Diana dealt with many personal struggles: "The two became estranged over the years and there were reports of infidelities from both parties. During their union, Diana struggled with depression and bulimia." (Princess Diana. Biography) The world thinks that celebrities have a perfect life but they don't. Many times lots of them have the same issues as Diana. Diana felt lost, and fell under the grip of depression and bulimia. The difference with Diana is that she would not let that stop her. Diana got up and realized she needed to make a change in her life, and decided to help others with her same issues. Although Diana struggled with her own personal problems she openly spoke out about them. Diana as a child didn't always have the royal life; she dealt with many hardships at a young age and had trouble with school: "After failing to pass two exams she left West Heath the age of sixteen. Her father then sent her to a Swiss school, but she quickly became homesick and returned to Norfolk. She hired herself out as a part-time cleaning woman for a while before finding work as a kindergarten's teacher assistant."( UXL Encyclopedia of World Biography) Diana can be related to many women and be looked as a role model because she picked herself up and made something out of herself. Diana was shy and really never finished her education, but it goes to show that with integrity and determination you can make things happen. Diana dealt with many hardships and struggles but came out of it all as a new woman with a goal. Not only did she help others but she was brave enough to speak her problems to others in order to help others with similar problems. She truly is a hero, because of the commitment she showed everyone that if you put your mind to it anything can happen.

Princess Diana ( http://wwwprincessdianafrancesspencer.blogspot.com/)

         As Diana herself once said, "Helping people in need is a good and essential part of my life, a kind of destiny."(Princess Diana) Diana displayed to the world that there are no boundaries on what you can and can't do, and if there are they shall be broken.  Through her life she struggled with issues and never once let anything tear her down. Because her efforts for charities and being patron to numerous charities she became known as a hero. Her activism and strong voice went on to inspire large numbers of people. Diana bravely voiced her concerns towards eating disorders and even displayed her own personal struggles. For those who ever met Diana they all say that she touched a place in their hearts. Diana was genuine and respectful to all. Diana is an inspiration to all, and to me. Diana inspires me to believe and trust myself, but mainly to do what I believe I need to do. Diana empowers young woman to be brave and confident no matter what people think. Even though Diana will be mainly remembered as a royal icon, others will commemorate her as a truly wonderful person whose mission was to help others, and whose work continues on today and forever into the future.

Works Cited

"Diana, Princess of Wales." UXL Encyclopedia of World Biography. Ed. Laura B. Tyle. Vol. 4. Detroit: UXL, 2003.  597-600. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Web. 26 Mar. 2012

"The Royal Household." Welcome to the Official Website of the British Monarchy. The British Monarchy. Web. 28 Mar. 2012. .

2012 A&E Television Networks. "Princess Diana Biography." Bio.com. A&E Networks Television. Web. 28 Mar.        2012. .