Princess Diana’s Life & Legacy - Celebrities Celebrities
' Shy Di' Meets Her Prince
This is the first installment in a series of photos and videos remembering Princess Diana as we approach the 20th anniversary of her shocking death, on Aug. 31, 1997. Please share your thoughts and memories of Diana in our . The world was enthralled by the pretty new love interest of Prince Charles, England’s most eligible bachelor and heir to the throne, in the summer of 1980. Lady Diana Frances Spencer, a demure-looking 19-year-old, found herself suddenly under an inconceivably bright spotlight. The press slathered her with attention, dubbing her “Shy Di” for the way she’d duck her head as their cameras flashed. The public adored her. But for all her bashful innocence, Diana was no stranger to life among the upper crust. She was “manor born,” as they say, to Viscount Althorp (Edward Spencer) and Frances Spencer, becoming Lady Diana when her father inherited the earldom in 1975. When she met her 32-year-old Prince Charming (or, at least, her Prince Charles), Diana was working as an assistant teacher in London, where she’d moved not long after dropping out of boarding school, at 16. Their well-documented courtship — paparazzi captured the future princess’s every blush — evolved over country weekends at Balmoral Castle in Scotland, polo matches and outings aboard the royal yacht Britannia. In February 1981, after receiving the blessing of the Queen, Prince Charles popped the question, a seemingly besotted Diana accepted, and romantics swooned. Their future looked so bright. of Meteoric Rise
Lady Diana Spencer was a kindergarten aide when she arrived on the global scene. Within months she was engaged to England’s most eligible bachelor, Prince Charles, the future king. of To the Manor Born
Young Lady Diana Spencer (far right) poses with her siblings — (left to right) Lady Sarah, Charles and Lady Jane — and father Earl (center), circa 1970. of The Teen Years
A 14-year-old Diana enjoys a day out in the English countryside with a pony in 1974. of Di s Love of Children
Before becoming a worldwide sensation, 19-year-old Lady Diana indulges her love of children as a nursery school assistant at the Young England Kindergarten in London. of Media Frenzy
Photographers surround Diana shortly before the announcement of her engagement to Charles, Prince of Wales. of The Bangs the Smile
Dubbed “Shy Di” by the press, Diana flashes her trademark grin as she leaves her flat in West London in November 1980. of ADVERTISEMENT of A Royal Engagement
Lady Diana Spencer displays her sapphire and diamond ring following the February 1981 announcement of her engagement to Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace. Nearly three decades later, Diana’s elder son, Prince William, proposes to now-wife Kate Middleton with the same ring. of First Official Outing
Prince Charles and Lady Diana arrive at their first official engagement together in March 1981, a charity event at Goldsmiths’ Hall, in London. of The Great Outdoors
A casual Prince Charles and Lady Diana enjoy an outing in Balmoral, Scotland, in May 1981 with their dog, Harvey. of Polo and Paparazzi
Diana attends a polo match in Windsor, England, in June, just before the July 1981 nuptials. of Off to the Races
Lady Diana takes a carriage ride with Princess Alexandra at her first Royal Ascot, in June 1981, in Berkshire, Britain. Soon she will become a princess. Coming next: .
Diana s Life & Legacy
Part 1: The Early Years and Engagement Part 2: Part 3: Part 4: Part 5: Part 6: Part 7: Part 8: Part 9: Featured AARP Member Benefits See more Entertainment offers > See more Entertainment offers > See more Entertainment offers > See more Entertainment offers > Cancel You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. The provider’s terms, conditions and policies apply. Please return to AARP.org to learn more about other benefits. Your email address is now confirmed. You'll start receiving the latest news, benefits, events, and programs related to AARP's mission to empower people to choose how they live as they age. You can also by updating your account at anytime. You will be asked to register or log in. Cancel Offer Details Disclosures
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