Princess Diana was an elegant and glamorous lady. She became part of the royal family on 29 July 1981, when she married Prince Charles in a magnificent ceremony. It marked a significant turning point for the royal family. She transformed the history of the royal family and made traditions and rules she had challenged. It led to a more pertinent and contemporary image of the royals worldwide.
Regardless of the struggle with what she saw as hidden restrictions within the royal structure, Diana was determined in her commitment to develop a different path in every aspect. She did her son’s upbringing in a way that laid the groundwork for today’s royals. This article describes the incredible ways Prince Diana revolutionized the royal family. Let’s explore!!!
Selected the Engagement Ring Herself
Prince Charles gifted Diana with what would become one of her most iconic jewelry pieces: the sapphire and diamond engagement ring. Opposite to royal tradition Princess Diana herself chose for a stunning piece available from the jeweler Garrard’s collection.
Although the ring holds its special significance, Prince William marked his mother’s memory by giving it to Kate Middleton when he proposed to her.
Spend Time With Their Sons
Before Princess Diana, spending time with children or taking them on international tours wasn’t common in royal families. However, Prince Diana spent a lot of time with their sons, prioritizing togetherness and attending to her young sons, William and Harry, during official duties abroad. She openly expressed affection in public like hugging and cuddling her children.
Openly Talked About Her Mental Condition
Diana’s most unique thing that had a remarkable impact on the royal family was her distinctive openness in the face of the public eye. She openly talks with the media about her mental health struggles, significantly sharing her experience with perinatal depression after Prince William’s birth. In an interview, Diana highlighted, “Perhaps I was the first person in this family to experience depression or openly express tears. That was challenging because if it’s unprecedented, how do you provide support?”
To continue their mother’s legacy, William and Harry have honored her by launching a campaign dedicated to normalizing discussion on mental health and overall well-being in the U.K.
Avoid Wearing Hats and Gloves
Wearing hats and gloves is a tradition in the royal family. However, Princess Diana chose not to stick to this tradition. She was very often spotted in her unique hats and wore gloves when greeting individuals at events.
Eleri Lynn, the organizer of an exhibition on Diana’s fashion, expressed that Diana disregarded the royal protocol of wearing gloves because she enjoyed holding hands or having direct contact when meeting people. Additionally, she stopped wearing hats because she believed, “You can’t cuddle a child in a hat.”
Soft Approach for Public
Princess Diana broke all traditions by supporting causes typically considered uncommon for royalty, such as AIDS research, land mine clearance, and addressing homelessness in the U.K. Particularly, she disregarded norms by behaving normally with AIDS patients. She fearlessly hugged people who were affected by HIV/AIDS at a time when misconceptions fueled fears. She also did charity work that showed her open-hearted approach.
Gave Birth in Hospital
The tradition of delivering the newborn outside the palace in the Lindo Wing of St. Mary’s Hospital began with Diana. She and Prince Charles introduced their sons to the public right outside the hospital, and William and Kate continued this approach with all three of their children, following in Diana’s footprints.
Sent Their Children to Public School
Diana set another example of simplicity by sending their children to public school rather than choosing royal tutors and homeschooling for her son. Instead, she urged Prince William to become the first successor to the British throne attending a public school.
Wear Black Dress
Diana is admired as a fashion icon and even has the simplest color choices. Contrary to Queen Elizabeth, who often wore a variety of vibrant shades for uniqueness among her royal admirers. Diana very often dressed up in bold shades but also recognized the all-time beauty of a little black dress or simple neutrals.
Workout in a Local Gym
Diana Maintained a consistent routine to stay fit. She did swimming at Buckingham Palace’s pool and took cardio and strength training at the Chelsea Harbor Club, London’s local gym center, from 1990 until her passing in 1997. It was an unusual practice within the royal family.
During her comparatively brief tenure with the royals, Princess Diana left an unforgettable mark on the royal family. Her tragic passing in 1997 left everyone in sorrow but her legacy didn’t diminish what she established in her 15 years in the public eye.
