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July 27, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
A quiet encyclopedia with a personal desk
Kept by Bryan McAllister — short guides, clear facts, and the Canadian angle when it matters.
People File • Royalty

Princess Diana

Princess Diana was the commonly used name of Diana, Princess of Wales (born Diana Frances Spencer), a member of the British royal family and one of the world’s most prominent public figures of the late 20th century.

Updated July 27, 20261 min readCited sources

Princess Diana, born Diana Frances Spencer, was a member of the British royal family and one of the most photographed people of the 20th century. She became known for her humanitarian work and her tumultuous marriage to Prince Charles.

Early life and marriage

Diana Frances Spencer was born on 1 July 1961 in Sandringham, England. She married Charles, Prince of Wales, in 1981, becoming Diana, Princess of Wales. The couple had two sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, before divorcing in 1996.

Charity work and public image

Diana was widely noted for her charitable and humanitarian work, using her fame to draw attention to causes such as landmine removal, HIV/AIDS awareness, and children's health. Her public profile and media engagement set her apart from traditional royal protocol.

Death and legacy

Diana died on 31 August 1997 from injuries sustained in a car crash in the Pont de l'Alma tunnel in Paris. Her death prompted widespread public mourning, extensive media coverage, and official investigations. She remains a lasting cultural figure.

In short

  • Died in a car crash in Paris at age 36.
  • Married to Prince Charles from 1981 to 1996.
  • Known globally for charity and humanitarian work.
  • Mother of Princes William and Harry.
Canadian angle

Princess Diana was a major international figure whose death received extensive coverage in Canadian media, including CBC, and remains well known to Canadian readers.[6]

Quick questions

How did Princess Diana die?
She died from injuries sustained in a car crash in the Pont de l'Alma tunnel in Paris on 31 August 1997.
How old was Princess Diana when she died?
She was 36 years old.
Who was Princess Diana married to?
She was married to Charles, Prince of Wales, later King Charles III, from 1981 until their divorce in 1996.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_of_Diana,_Princess_of_Wales
    Supports: Death date, car crash in Paris, and cause of death.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diana,_Princess_of_Wales
    Supports: Birth name, death date, age at death, marriage, and general biography details.
  3. HISTORY — https://www.history.com/topics/european-history/princess-dianas-death
    Supports: Death in a car accident, age at death, and charitable reputation.
  4. BBC News — https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/special/politics97/diana/accident.html
    Supports: Circumstances of the crash, death in Paris, and age at death.
  5. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Diana-princess-of-Wales
    Supports: Full name, birth and death dates, marriage to Charles, and biographical overview.
  6. CBC News — https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/paparazzi-chauffeur-caused-diana-s-death-jury-rules-1.771778
    Supports: Canadian coverage of the inquest and findings about the circumstances of her death.
  7. NPR — https://www.npr.org/2022/08/31/1120223493/princess-diana-death-25th-anniversary
    Supports: Death at age 36, crash in Paris, and public legacy.
  8. People — https://people.com/princess-diana-death-everything-to-know-11927927
    Supports: Boyfriend reference to Dodi Fayed and death in Paris.