If you're like me and too young to have actually lived during Princess Diana's short lifetime, then you probably view her as a real-life Disney Princess. Poised, but powerful. Beautiful, yet cunning. Princess Diana was these things, but unlike most Disney Princesses, she was real. Princess Diana was a real human being with real heartbreak, emotions, and trauma. From a young age, Diana had to be independent. At six, her parents divorced and a young Diana was sent way to school, separated from the rest of her family. The independence forced upon her at such a young age would produce a shy and quiet child, qualities that followed her into young adulthood. Something many people, including myself find admirable about, then, Lady Diana, was her ability to get along well with children, must like the Disney's Belle, who enjoyed teaching young girls to read. She worked as a nanny and an assistant teacher preceding her engagement to Prince Charles. While working these jobs, Diana grew in her love for children and knew she would one day become a mother- and she did, to William, the future Prince of Cambridge, and Harry, the future Duke Of Sussex.
Diana met Charles in 1979, and they were married less than two years later in 1981. Though the marriage may seemed rushed to us, the Royal Family was eager to get the world's most eligible bachelor married, so an heir may be produced. Diana quietly accepted her new role in classic Disney Princess fashion- elegantly and respectfully. Although Diana claimed to be happy with the life she had chosen, it was fairly obvious that trouble was brewing. Charles' affair with Camilla Parker-Bowels was not a well kept secret, but, much like Auroura, from "Sleeping Beauty", Diana took an unfavorable circumstance and exuded nothing but optimism and kindness to those around her. Diana was "the People's Princess", and was always giving back to the people who loved and admired her so much.
The inevitable happened in the mid-90's, and Charles and Diana divorced. This divorce did not stop Diana from pursing her philanthropic work, as she continued to fight for AIDS research and the ban of landmines. Similar to Mulan taking it upon herself to fight for her country, Diana took it upon herself to speak up for those who did not have a voice. She so humbly and kindly worked hard to bring awareness to her causes, despite no longer being formally affiliated with the Royal Family.
Princess Diana of Wales will forever be remembered by world as the "People's Princess", and her legacy will continue well past the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, as well as her own children. Like a Disney Princess, Diana was kind, generous, thoughtful, and rebellious- and she will will always be remembered that way in our hearts.
