- By Shivangi Sharma
- Sun, 31 Aug 2025 11:57 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Exactly 28 years ago, the world paused in shock. Front pages were rewritten frantically, and every major television channel went live as news of Princess Diana’s death spread. Leaders across the globe, including presidents, prime ministers, and the Pope, paid tribute, while millions of people in Britain made pilgrimages to central London to honour the beloved royal. At 12:23 am on August 31, 1997, Diana, Princess of Wales, was in a black Mercedes with her boyfriend Dodi Al-Fayed, bodyguard Trevor Rees-Jones, and driver Henri Paul, fleeing from the paparazzi after dining at The Ritz in Paris.
The car crashed into the 13th pillar of the Pont de l’Alma tunnel at high speed. Dodi Al-Fayed and Henri Paul died instantly, while Rees-Jones survived with serious injuries. Diana was conscious immediately after the crash but gravely injured, reportedly whispering, “Oh my God… leave me alone.” Despite emergency surgery at Pitie-Salpetriere Hospital, she passed away at 4 am, aged 36.
Diana’s Last Hours
The night had begun at The Ritz, owned by Dodi’s father, Mohamed Al-Fayed. As photographers crowded the main entrance, Diana and Dodi slipped out the back, unaware that tragedy awaited them just minutes later. Witnesses described a violent impact followed by eerie silence. Off-duty doctor Frederic Mailliez rushed to assist, finding Diana conscious but critically injured.
Early Life And Royal Journey
Diana Frances Spencer was born on July 1, 1961, into British nobility and grew up close to the royal family at Park House on the Sandringham estate. She first met Charles, Prince of Wales, in 1977, and their relationship progressed until his proposal in February 1981. Their wedding at St Paul’s Cathedral that July transformed her into the Princess of Wales. The couple had two sons, William and Harry, who were second and third in line to the throne at the time.
Marriage, Divorce, And Public Life
Diana’s marriage to Charles suffered due to incompatibility and extramarital affairs, leading to a separation in 1992 and a divorce in 1996. Despite personal challenges, she undertook royal duties with grace, representing the Queen across Commonwealth nations. Diana became renowned for her unconventional charity work, including campaigns for AIDS awareness and the removal of landmines, as well as advocacy for cancer patients and mental health.
Enduring Legacy
Diana was a global icon of compassion, beauty, and style. Her charisma endeared her to millions, and she became a symbol of empathy and humanitarian work. Following her death, public mourning was immense, and an inquest later returned a verdict of unlawful killing due to gross negligence by the driver and the pursuing paparazzi. Her legacy continues to influence the royal family and broader society, inspiring charitable work and public engagement.
Even decades after her untimely death, Princess Diana remains a beloved figure worldwide, remembered not only for her royal status but for her humanity, grace, and enduring impact on society.