London, Aug 31 (V7N) – Today marks the 28th death anniversary of Diana Frances Spencer, the beloved Princess of Wales, whose tragic passing in a 1997 Paris car crash at just 36 years old stunned the entire world.

Known not merely as a royal bride but as a global icon, Diana’s warmth, compassion, charm, and sense of style made her one of the most admired women in modern history. Even nearly three decades after her death, she remains a fashion inspiration and a symbol of empathy across generations.

Her 1981 marriage to Prince Charles was one of the most-watched royal weddings in history, instantly turning her into a figure under constant global media attention. Yet Diana redefined the role of royalty, breaking age-old traditions to embrace ordinary people, children, and the sick with her unreserved kindness.

From her signature pageboy-inspired bob hairstyle—often dubbed the “Diana cut”—to her elegant yet approachable wardrobe, she became a style icon whose influence continues today. Kate Middleton, now Princess of Wales, has often drawn comparisons to her late mother-in-law by echoing Diana’s fashion choices.

Despite her glamorous royal life, Diana endured personal struggles, including a troubled marriage that ended in divorce in 1996. “Everyone in the world loves me except the one I love,” she once said, reflecting her heartbreak.

Her sudden death on August 31, 1997, alongside Dodi Al Fayed in Paris’s Pont de l’Alma tunnel, plunged Britain into mourning. Then-Prime Minister Tony Blair coined the term “People’s Princess” to honor her extraordinary bond with ordinary citizens.

Her legacy remains powerful: documentaries, films such as Spencer, Netflix’s The Crown, and numerous biographies continue to revisit her life. Memorials such as the Diana Memorial Fountain in London’s Hyde Park ensure her presence remains eternal.

Analysts say Diana’s legacy has deeply shaped the modern British monarchy, from Prince William and Kate’s more open engagement with the public to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s independent choices.

For millions worldwide, Diana is not just a memory but an everlasting presence—remembered for her beauty, compassion, and the radiant smile that once lit up the world.

END/SMA/AJ