Today's memorial was, in simple words, a brilliant example of what memorials should be about. Held at the Guards Chapel, in Birdcage Walk, it was a fitting memorial for Diana, Princess of Wales. It was moving, emotional and poignant, but devoid of sugar and sentimentality.
The wonderful speech by Prince Harry moved us all to tears. Speaking of his mother, he said 'she was the best mother in the world' and I can really believe that. The young Prince, speaking words he had written himself, was emotional and fought back tears, but one sensed that every word spoken was from the heart and William, who was seated in the front row, next to his grandmother, seemed emotional and lost in thought as his brother spoke about their wonderful mother.
The hymns and music, all were favourites of Diana, were both stiring and emotive. 'I Vow To Thee My Country' Diana's ultimate favourite and the hymn she personaly requested for her wedding in July 1981 brought back memories of the shy, twenty year old, who sang along behind her wedding veil. With Prince Charles seated in the front pew, I did wonder did he think back to that day in July when he stood at the alter of St Pauls Cathedral, next to Lady Diana ready to make their vows?
The congregration, scattered with showbiz personalities such as Elton John, David Frost, Bryan Adams and Cliff Richard, and also with close friends such as Julia Samuel and Rosa Monckton, did not dress in black, but it was still a rather sombre memorial for such a bright, vibrant person who was full of life.
Alot of negative press and publicity has threatened to ruin this memorial but, watching from 11am to 1.15pm, I was enchanted and at times on the verge of tears with the wonderful words spoken. It was a fitting memorial for Diana. Like her, it was modern but also traditional. I cannot say much else except, considering it was for Diana, it was apt and fitting.
Friday 31 August 2007
Thursday 30 August 2007
Diana: The Tenth Anniversary
Today is the tenth anniversary of the sad, shocking death of Diana, Princess of Wales.
Let us put aside recent tensions as to who is going to the memorial and let us remember the life of the girl who single handidly modernised the Royal Family, who brought up two wonderful sons, and who did so much work for Britain.
She was, and always will be England's Princess. Yes, she was a superstar around the globe, but she was our Princess and something that we are truely proud of. In a age when our country is not doing so great, she is the one person who we can be proud of.
So let us remember the life of The Honourable Diana Frances Spencer, Lady Diana Spencer, H.R.H The Princess of Wales, Diana, Princess of Wales, The Peoples Princess and Englands Rose.
Rest In Peace, dearest Diana.
1st July 1961 - 31st August 1997.
'To Live In The Hearts Of Those We Leave Behind Is Not To Die'.
Let us put aside recent tensions as to who is going to the memorial and let us remember the life of the girl who single handidly modernised the Royal Family, who brought up two wonderful sons, and who did so much work for Britain.
She was, and always will be England's Princess. Yes, she was a superstar around the globe, but she was our Princess and something that we are truely proud of. In a age when our country is not doing so great, she is the one person who we can be proud of.
So let us remember the life of The Honourable Diana Frances Spencer, Lady Diana Spencer, H.R.H The Princess of Wales, Diana, Princess of Wales, The Peoples Princess and Englands Rose.
Rest In Peace, dearest Diana.
1st July 1961 - 31st August 1997.
'To Live In The Hearts Of Those We Leave Behind Is Not To Die'.
Wednesday 29 August 2007
The Sun Visits Dodi Fayed's Flat
There are pictures today in The Sun of Dodi's London flat, and how it's been kept like a time capsule.
The apartment in London, which stood opposite the park to Diana's at Kensington Palace is kept exactly as it was when Dodi and Diana shut the door behind them when they left for their last, fatal holiday together.
The walls are covered in pictures and portraits of Diana, his magazines are still dated from June/July 1997, his US navy baseball caps still sit in their display case. Fresh flowers are put in vases every day and the fruit replaced weekly. Food in his fridge still has a sell by date of September 1997. His housekeeper, Karen is kept on solely to keep the flat clean. Each week she dusts and cleans from top to bottom and hoovers daily, just as Dodi liked it.
My first reaction to this was almost to burst into tears. Seeing that flat is like seeing what Diana saw that morning when they left to go to the South of France. Who knows if she leaved through the magazines while waiting for Dodi to finish his packing. She may well of helped herself to a coke from the fridge or a piece of fruit from a bowl.
Mohammed Al Fayed visits the flat each Friday, on the Muslim holy day. He finds is a peaceful place of reflection, and having seen the pictures I can understand why. It's a very moving place and can literally move one to tears.
Thanks to the Sun for giving us the pictures.
The apartment in London, which stood opposite the park to Diana's at Kensington Palace is kept exactly as it was when Dodi and Diana shut the door behind them when they left for their last, fatal holiday together.
The walls are covered in pictures and portraits of Diana, his magazines are still dated from June/July 1997, his US navy baseball caps still sit in their display case. Fresh flowers are put in vases every day and the fruit replaced weekly. Food in his fridge still has a sell by date of September 1997. His housekeeper, Karen is kept on solely to keep the flat clean. Each week she dusts and cleans from top to bottom and hoovers daily, just as Dodi liked it.
My first reaction to this was almost to burst into tears. Seeing that flat is like seeing what Diana saw that morning when they left to go to the South of France. Who knows if she leaved through the magazines while waiting for Dodi to finish his packing. She may well of helped herself to a coke from the fridge or a piece of fruit from a bowl.
Mohammed Al Fayed visits the flat each Friday, on the Muslim holy day. He finds is a peaceful place of reflection, and having seen the pictures I can understand why. It's a very moving place and can literally move one to tears.
Thanks to the Sun for giving us the pictures.
Sunday 26 August 2007
Camilla Pulls Out Of Diana Rememberance Service
Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall has pulled out of attending Friday's memorial service to mark the tenth anniversary of Diana, Princess of Wales death.
I, by no means, do not hate Camilla as some do but I always felt her presence was rather unwarranted. It's not like Charles met and married Camilla AFTER her divorced Diana, if that were the case her attendance would be accepted as his wife. However, with the troubled history between Charles, Diana and Camilla I always found it rather odd that she was due to attend.
I think Camilla has done the right thing. Her attandance would of only took the attention off the purpose of the day, which was remembering the late Princess, her life and her works.
I respect Camilla for this. She did the right thing.
I, by no means, do not hate Camilla as some do but I always felt her presence was rather unwarranted. It's not like Charles met and married Camilla AFTER her divorced Diana, if that were the case her attendance would be accepted as his wife. However, with the troubled history between Charles, Diana and Camilla I always found it rather odd that she was due to attend.
I think Camilla has done the right thing. Her attandance would of only took the attention off the purpose of the day, which was remembering the late Princess, her life and her works.
I respect Camilla for this. She did the right thing.
Wednesday 22 August 2007
Diana Memorial Fund in Tatters....and Sarah is to blame
Within hours of the death of Diana, Princess of Wales in August 1997 financial donations where flowing in. So much so that very quickly The Diana Memorial Fund was established. At that time it was announced that the charities that Diana supported, as well as others, would still be helped financially via the Princess's fund, so that they would not suffer now that her patronage had been lost.
Fast forward ten years and it's in a utter mess. Recently, it was published that a great deal of the money was helping immigrants settle in the UK. Although the intentions were all good, it has backfired on the fund as we are now, in the UK, reaching crisis point with the level of immigrants arriving, and staying, in the country and the issue needs to be addressed. Bad timing for the fund.
However, even as far back as 1998 the fund seemed to have lost it's way. We have had the famous lawsuit against Franklin Mint. The fund had unsuccessfully attempted to stop production of the highly desired 'Princess Diana doll' as well as other types of memorabilia. The legal cost's were sky high and a great deal of the money donated was not spent on charities but was used to pay lawyers and other fees in relation to the case. If the memorabilia that the Franklin Mint produced was tacky and rubbish one could understand this move. However, it is not, and in fact produces some of the classier items of memorabilia that one can buy.
Another scandal that occur ed in the first year was the very public sacking of Diana's 'rock' Paul Burrell. The memorial fund publicly said that his contract had come to a end and his job was to be made redundant. He says that he was sacked, and according to him, Diana's sister, Sarah, who runs the memorial fund was jealous of the attention that he, and he alone was getting. I think his departure was probably a mixture of both, although I am sure his exit was hastened after he agreed to put Diana's signature on tubs of Flora margarine and National Lottery scratch cards.
But what of Sarah? Does she rule the memorial fund with a iron fist, or is she constantly being misrepresented by the media. She has certainly come in for bad press when it was revealed that she had scraped Diana's letter that was added to her will saying that all Diana's godchildren would get a set amount from her will, and instead dropped off to each godchild a single object that came from Diana's possessions. One child even got a china rooster. How were they to remember Diana from such a item? I think as Diana's eldest sister she genuinely thought she was in best position to head the fund, but I think she has made some dreadful mistakes and it may be wise of her to step down from the fund.
But what of the fund? I think with all the hiccups, misuse of donations etc, I feel ten years is the right time to wind the fund up. With the money that is remaining, couldn't the fund agree to finally honour one of Diana's wishes? She often said that she would like to be remember by having a children's hospital named after her, and I think that would be a 'high' on which the fund could really leave on. There are many areas in the UK that are desperately short of premature baby units, and families have to travel from London from as far away as Manchester and Liverpool, so why then can't the money be used to build the Diana, Princess of Wales Premature Baby Hospital and situate it in part of the country that needs it the most. Maybe then, even the Countess of Wessex, whose own child had to go into a unit, could be responsible for raising more funds for the hospital in the future.
I cant think of a nicer way to wind up the fund. And it would be something that Diana, wherever she is, could be hugely proud of.
Fast forward ten years and it's in a utter mess. Recently, it was published that a great deal of the money was helping immigrants settle in the UK. Although the intentions were all good, it has backfired on the fund as we are now, in the UK, reaching crisis point with the level of immigrants arriving, and staying, in the country and the issue needs to be addressed. Bad timing for the fund.
However, even as far back as 1998 the fund seemed to have lost it's way. We have had the famous lawsuit against Franklin Mint. The fund had unsuccessfully attempted to stop production of the highly desired 'Princess Diana doll' as well as other types of memorabilia. The legal cost's were sky high and a great deal of the money donated was not spent on charities but was used to pay lawyers and other fees in relation to the case. If the memorabilia that the Franklin Mint produced was tacky and rubbish one could understand this move. However, it is not, and in fact produces some of the classier items of memorabilia that one can buy.
Another scandal that occur ed in the first year was the very public sacking of Diana's 'rock' Paul Burrell. The memorial fund publicly said that his contract had come to a end and his job was to be made redundant. He says that he was sacked, and according to him, Diana's sister, Sarah, who runs the memorial fund was jealous of the attention that he, and he alone was getting. I think his departure was probably a mixture of both, although I am sure his exit was hastened after he agreed to put Diana's signature on tubs of Flora margarine and National Lottery scratch cards.
But what of Sarah? Does she rule the memorial fund with a iron fist, or is she constantly being misrepresented by the media. She has certainly come in for bad press when it was revealed that she had scraped Diana's letter that was added to her will saying that all Diana's godchildren would get a set amount from her will, and instead dropped off to each godchild a single object that came from Diana's possessions. One child even got a china rooster. How were they to remember Diana from such a item? I think as Diana's eldest sister she genuinely thought she was in best position to head the fund, but I think she has made some dreadful mistakes and it may be wise of her to step down from the fund.
But what of the fund? I think with all the hiccups, misuse of donations etc, I feel ten years is the right time to wind the fund up. With the money that is remaining, couldn't the fund agree to finally honour one of Diana's wishes? She often said that she would like to be remember by having a children's hospital named after her, and I think that would be a 'high' on which the fund could really leave on. There are many areas in the UK that are desperately short of premature baby units, and families have to travel from London from as far away as Manchester and Liverpool, so why then can't the money be used to build the Diana, Princess of Wales Premature Baby Hospital and situate it in part of the country that needs it the most. Maybe then, even the Countess of Wessex, whose own child had to go into a unit, could be responsible for raising more funds for the hospital in the future.
I cant think of a nicer way to wind up the fund. And it would be something that Diana, wherever she is, could be hugely proud of.
Monday 20 August 2007
Germaine Greer: Diana was a Devious Moron
Feminist and perpetually aggressive idiot Germaine Greer has branded Princess Diana a 'devious moron'. One has to wonder why Ms Greer has come out with rubbish like this. Perhaps Ms Greer is in desperate need of a bit of attention and therefore has decided to launch a unwarranted attack on a woman who has been dead for ten years.
Or perhaps it's jealously. One little soundbite from Diana would be listened to by millions of ears, but who is any longer interested in Ms Greers manic rantings?
Hmm, Ms Greer, who truly is the devious moron? It's not Diana....
Or perhaps it's jealously. One little soundbite from Diana would be listened to by millions of ears, but who is any longer interested in Ms Greers manic rantings?
Hmm, Ms Greer, who truly is the devious moron? It's not Diana....
Duchess of Cornwall takes on new patronage
The Duchess of Cornwall has been made Royal Patron of ShelterBox, a charity that sends out aid to disaster ridden countries.
I wish the Duchess well in her new role, I know she finds the public eye difficult. I hope this may well appease some of her detractors that call her lazy!
I wish the Duchess well in her new role, I know she finds the public eye difficult. I hope this may well appease some of her detractors that call her lazy!
Heather and Paul: Relationship is thawing
Some very nice happy family pictures of Paul McCartney and his estranged wife, Heather Mills are published today. The two were seen meeting in a railway station car park in New York, when Heather handed their daughter, Beatrice over to their father as part of their shared custody agreement. Body language experts say that Ms Mills was relaxed in the company of her former husband. Although he doesn't mention at all Mr McCartney's body language.
I just wonder what Heathers body language will be like next time they meet. Heather by all accords, when it comes to men, is very jealous. Now that Paul is apparently 'very close' to Christie Brinkley I wonder if it will be all smiles and happiness when Paul has to hand Beatrice back to Heather.......
I just wonder what Heathers body language will be like next time they meet. Heather by all accords, when it comes to men, is very jealous. Now that Paul is apparently 'very close' to Christie Brinkley I wonder if it will be all smiles and happiness when Paul has to hand Beatrice back to Heather.......
Charles: Prince Charming or Prince Charmless?
As we reach the tenth anniversary of the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, old history is dragged up time and time again. The bulimia, the adultery, the marriage breakdown is rehashed over and over again, to sell books and to raise viewing figures on television.
But has Prince Charles had a bad deal over the last twenty six years? My answer is most likely no.
The major problem I have with Prince Charles is that he should never of married Diana. He should not of bent to the pressure put on him by his parents, his grandmother, the media and the public. He should of stood up and said 'No, I don't love her'. He has only ever really loved Camilla Parker-Bowles. My second problem I have with Charles is once he bent to the pressure to marry Lady Diana Spencer he did not give up Camilla. He married Diana with adultery in his heart and that was wrong. I believe that marriage is all about being faithful to your chosen spouse and he couldn't be as Camilla was the only woman in his heart.
Another issue is that he was jealous of his first wife's success with the general public and media. Instead of huffing and puffing and sulking like a baby, he should of accepted that Diana was the one who the media was interested in and gotten on with life. The Prince and Princess of Wales were a super couple, who could of took the world by storm if only Charles had put his jealously and insecurity behind him.
His ability to play the victim in most things makes me laugh at times. He cannot see how his temper tantrums, and his knack of throwing things at his staff will lead to negative media stories. I am sure if he could curb his behaviour then the press wold be much easier on him.
But he does have his good points. He cares passionately for London's skyline. I agree with him that our historical skyline is being ruined by modern skyscrapers such as the 'erotic gherkin' also known as the Swiss bank building. His work with the Prince's Trust, enabling young people to set up their own businesses and make their lives a success is something he deserves to be highly proud of. I respect him for him taking on 'unsafe' issues and issues that will make him unpopular with the press and businessmen etc. I like his sense of humour and his quips to the press make me laugh. He is a funny man.
And I think it's that sense of humour, where he happily puts himself down that makes it hard for me to stay angry with Charles for long. I will always land on Diana's side but I hope I am grown up enough to accept and understand that both Charles AND Diana made mistakes in their marriage. Both did right and both did wrong. And more importantly both did tell lies during the War of the Wales which makes it hard for any royal follower to really get to the bottom of what went on during that high profile marital breakdown.
After Andrew Morton published his book 'Diana: Her True Story' in which the late Princess threw open the doors on their marriage, causing it to crumble like chalk, Buckingham Palace planned a counter attack, labeling Diana 'mad' and 'unstable', saying the effects of her eating disorder, bulimia nervosa was sending her mad. In a act of dignity, Charles, apparantly, refused to enter into a war of words in the media, disallowing anyone to assassinate Diana's character and her mental stability. I thought highly of Charles for that one act. I just wish that some of the more ardent Diana fans would remember this and at least credit Charles with that act of kindness. Diana herself choose to leave this out and that is a act I can't forgive her for.
Now he is married to Camilla, his one true love, we see a happier Charles. A more relaxed Prince who glows in front of the camera's. I don't agree with the adulterous relationship Charles and Camilla conducted through his marriage to Diana, however, a happier Prince will make for a happier King I feel, and with Camilla by his side I am sure Charles will be the best King he can possibly be.
So is Charles a Prince Charming or a Prince Charmless? I don't think he is either. I just think he is a Prince with good characteristics and also some great f laws too. So I guess in my mind, it makes him a Prince Normal!
But has Prince Charles had a bad deal over the last twenty six years? My answer is most likely no.
The major problem I have with Prince Charles is that he should never of married Diana. He should not of bent to the pressure put on him by his parents, his grandmother, the media and the public. He should of stood up and said 'No, I don't love her'. He has only ever really loved Camilla Parker-Bowles. My second problem I have with Charles is once he bent to the pressure to marry Lady Diana Spencer he did not give up Camilla. He married Diana with adultery in his heart and that was wrong. I believe that marriage is all about being faithful to your chosen spouse and he couldn't be as Camilla was the only woman in his heart.
Another issue is that he was jealous of his first wife's success with the general public and media. Instead of huffing and puffing and sulking like a baby, he should of accepted that Diana was the one who the media was interested in and gotten on with life. The Prince and Princess of Wales were a super couple, who could of took the world by storm if only Charles had put his jealously and insecurity behind him.
His ability to play the victim in most things makes me laugh at times. He cannot see how his temper tantrums, and his knack of throwing things at his staff will lead to negative media stories. I am sure if he could curb his behaviour then the press wold be much easier on him.
But he does have his good points. He cares passionately for London's skyline. I agree with him that our historical skyline is being ruined by modern skyscrapers such as the 'erotic gherkin' also known as the Swiss bank building. His work with the Prince's Trust, enabling young people to set up their own businesses and make their lives a success is something he deserves to be highly proud of. I respect him for him taking on 'unsafe' issues and issues that will make him unpopular with the press and businessmen etc. I like his sense of humour and his quips to the press make me laugh. He is a funny man.
And I think it's that sense of humour, where he happily puts himself down that makes it hard for me to stay angry with Charles for long. I will always land on Diana's side but I hope I am grown up enough to accept and understand that both Charles AND Diana made mistakes in their marriage. Both did right and both did wrong. And more importantly both did tell lies during the War of the Wales which makes it hard for any royal follower to really get to the bottom of what went on during that high profile marital breakdown.
After Andrew Morton published his book 'Diana: Her True Story' in which the late Princess threw open the doors on their marriage, causing it to crumble like chalk, Buckingham Palace planned a counter attack, labeling Diana 'mad' and 'unstable', saying the effects of her eating disorder, bulimia nervosa was sending her mad. In a act of dignity, Charles, apparantly, refused to enter into a war of words in the media, disallowing anyone to assassinate Diana's character and her mental stability. I thought highly of Charles for that one act. I just wish that some of the more ardent Diana fans would remember this and at least credit Charles with that act of kindness. Diana herself choose to leave this out and that is a act I can't forgive her for.
Now he is married to Camilla, his one true love, we see a happier Charles. A more relaxed Prince who glows in front of the camera's. I don't agree with the adulterous relationship Charles and Camilla conducted through his marriage to Diana, however, a happier Prince will make for a happier King I feel, and with Camilla by his side I am sure Charles will be the best King he can possibly be.
So is Charles a Prince Charming or a Prince Charmless? I don't think he is either. I just think he is a Prince with good characteristics and also some great f laws too. So I guess in my mind, it makes him a Prince Normal!
Sunday 19 August 2007
Kate Middleton: Future Queen or Future Ex?
I like Kate Middleton. I think she is one classy, discreet woman. I honestly can't understand the intense 'hatred' (yeah, dispite what they say on forums, they hate her!) of a woman who we don't know, and whom we havne't even heard speak.
She dresses nicely, always seems to smile to the press, and has kept her lips firmly shut, even when she was dumped by Prince William earlier this year in April. Some reports claimed she could of made millions during this period of time but decided to keep her own council. Those on the forums seem to attack Kate Middleton for keeping herself to herself and going about a daily life in London, yet their idol, Princess Diana did exactly the same. I can see no difference in the coverage of 2007 then the press coverage in 1980/1981. And yet, for some reason, Kate is seem in the same way Camilla is, someone to be ridiculed and attacked over and over again, for 'sins' such as wearing a dress that is a little short or going on another holiday in the sunny Bahama's.
I have always believed that those who have attacked her for so little are simply jealous. Of course if you voice this publicly then people will jump on you and literaly rip your throat out but why else attack a young woman? I think they are jealous she is dating and sleeping with a Prince, has no real need to work and can pretty much please herself when it comes to her schedule and spare time. I mean who wouldnt' love to be able to swan around wearing designer clothes, going to parties and socialising all the time......well to be honest it's not my type of life however you get what I mean........! I can see no other reason to 'hate' someone as those on message boards do unless there is a case of the green eyed monster there!
Whether or not she is perfect for William who knows. The relationship is said to be on and off and that does not bear well for the future. The Royal Family simply cannot afford for another relationship to fail like Williams parents marriage did. A lot is being wagered on Prince William, his ability to be King and the woman he chooses as his wife. I would not like to be in his shoes, not for all the privilige he has. Nor would I want to be in his furture wife's shoes either.
Personaly and rather selfishly, I hope that William marries Kate but only if it's for love and the right reasons. We dont want him marrying because he is being pushed into it. We dont want history to repeat itself. I like her. I think she is discreet and shows a ability to handle the press well. Although at times it must be straining for her, she doesn't show it. There are no public tears or breakdowns.
I don't know if we'll see Kate Middleton walk up the aisle of Westminster Abbey, but if it happens I'd be happy. But all we can do is wish for William and Kate to be happy, whatever path their lives take.
She dresses nicely, always seems to smile to the press, and has kept her lips firmly shut, even when she was dumped by Prince William earlier this year in April. Some reports claimed she could of made millions during this period of time but decided to keep her own council. Those on the forums seem to attack Kate Middleton for keeping herself to herself and going about a daily life in London, yet their idol, Princess Diana did exactly the same. I can see no difference in the coverage of 2007 then the press coverage in 1980/1981. And yet, for some reason, Kate is seem in the same way Camilla is, someone to be ridiculed and attacked over and over again, for 'sins' such as wearing a dress that is a little short or going on another holiday in the sunny Bahama's.
I have always believed that those who have attacked her for so little are simply jealous. Of course if you voice this publicly then people will jump on you and literaly rip your throat out but why else attack a young woman? I think they are jealous she is dating and sleeping with a Prince, has no real need to work and can pretty much please herself when it comes to her schedule and spare time. I mean who wouldnt' love to be able to swan around wearing designer clothes, going to parties and socialising all the time......well to be honest it's not my type of life however you get what I mean........! I can see no other reason to 'hate' someone as those on message boards do unless there is a case of the green eyed monster there!
Whether or not she is perfect for William who knows. The relationship is said to be on and off and that does not bear well for the future. The Royal Family simply cannot afford for another relationship to fail like Williams parents marriage did. A lot is being wagered on Prince William, his ability to be King and the woman he chooses as his wife. I would not like to be in his shoes, not for all the privilige he has. Nor would I want to be in his furture wife's shoes either.
Personaly and rather selfishly, I hope that William marries Kate but only if it's for love and the right reasons. We dont want him marrying because he is being pushed into it. We dont want history to repeat itself. I like her. I think she is discreet and shows a ability to handle the press well. Although at times it must be straining for her, she doesn't show it. There are no public tears or breakdowns.
I don't know if we'll see Kate Middleton walk up the aisle of Westminster Abbey, but if it happens I'd be happy. But all we can do is wish for William and Kate to be happy, whatever path their lives take.
Diana: Ten Years On.....
I can't say it anymore clearly.......I still miss her!
Just watching SKY ONE's 'The Diana Years'. It hurts to see the footage of her, now that she is no longer with us.
How I miss her.
Just watching SKY ONE's 'The Diana Years'. It hurts to see the footage of her, now that she is no longer with us.
How I miss her.
Diana: Tenth Anniversary
It's now been ten years since the Princess of Wales was killed in a car accident. I hardly can believe it. The whole Royal scene has changed a great deal in that time, but Diana's popularity stands as solid as stone.
When Diana arrived for her final holiday on board the Jonikal in August 1997 nobody knew how that summer would end. When pictures of her sitting alone on the Jonikal's diving board, or pictures of her snuggling with Dodi Fayed reached the front pages of newspapers such as the Mirror, I, as a Diana watcher felt uneasy at this new relationship. In fact I remember telling my mum, just days before she died that she would 'get herself into trouble with this one'. From the very first picture of Diana and Dodi together I got a uneasy feeling and it so proved correct.
I do not believe that Diana was in love with Dodi. I don't believe that she was planning to marry him or indeed, was pregnant with his child (if Diana's friends are to be believed the dates do not add up, she simply could not be pregnant). In fact, as hard as it is to admit to myself, Diana died through the age old emotion of jealousy. I believe the whole summer romance with Dodi Fayed was crafted by Diana herself to get back at the two men who she really truely loved.
In the summer of 1997 it was announced that Prince Charles would be holding a 50th birthday party for his partner, Camilla Parker-Bowles, at the old Wales marital home, Highgrove House in the countryside. I believe, as much as I admire Diana, that it was in her nature to take the media interest off the party, which was used as a base to slowly introduce Camilla into public life. And she did indeed achieve that. For the day after the party was it on the front of the papers? No. We were treated to a picture of Diana in a swimsuit, jumping into the warm mediterean sea, and her cleveage well on show, encouraging the Mirror to write a classic headline, in the form of a postcard saying 'breast wishes, from Diana'.
The second person, and I feel the more important person Diana was sending a message out to was her love of two years, Hasnat Khan. A quiet, heart surgeon, he had been seeing the Princess since 1995 and I feel she utterly loved him. But being a private man, he could not bear the thought of the public relationship and had called it off. Diana rang Hasnat from her mobile on board the Jonikal, even calling his family to reassure them that nothing was going on between her and Dodi, so sure was she that she could win Hasnat back. This however, was failing to work so I believe Dodi was a useful tool in saying 'okay, you don't want me, well this is what your missing out on'.
By saying that Diana really died through jealousy and her attempts to get back at two people is not a pleasant or popular view, but I can't help feeling it. If she was content to allow Charles and Camilla to progress their relationship publicly, and if she could of accepted that her relationship with Hasnat was over, maybe she'd still be with us today. I feel she would of made better decisions and would not of put quite so much trust in Dodi Fayed and his chaotic lifestyle.
Either way, Diana died that summer and I do still miss her, warts and all.
When Diana arrived for her final holiday on board the Jonikal in August 1997 nobody knew how that summer would end. When pictures of her sitting alone on the Jonikal's diving board, or pictures of her snuggling with Dodi Fayed reached the front pages of newspapers such as the Mirror, I, as a Diana watcher felt uneasy at this new relationship. In fact I remember telling my mum, just days before she died that she would 'get herself into trouble with this one'. From the very first picture of Diana and Dodi together I got a uneasy feeling and it so proved correct.
I do not believe that Diana was in love with Dodi. I don't believe that she was planning to marry him or indeed, was pregnant with his child (if Diana's friends are to be believed the dates do not add up, she simply could not be pregnant). In fact, as hard as it is to admit to myself, Diana died through the age old emotion of jealousy. I believe the whole summer romance with Dodi Fayed was crafted by Diana herself to get back at the two men who she really truely loved.
In the summer of 1997 it was announced that Prince Charles would be holding a 50th birthday party for his partner, Camilla Parker-Bowles, at the old Wales marital home, Highgrove House in the countryside. I believe, as much as I admire Diana, that it was in her nature to take the media interest off the party, which was used as a base to slowly introduce Camilla into public life. And she did indeed achieve that. For the day after the party was it on the front of the papers? No. We were treated to a picture of Diana in a swimsuit, jumping into the warm mediterean sea, and her cleveage well on show, encouraging the Mirror to write a classic headline, in the form of a postcard saying 'breast wishes, from Diana'.
The second person, and I feel the more important person Diana was sending a message out to was her love of two years, Hasnat Khan. A quiet, heart surgeon, he had been seeing the Princess since 1995 and I feel she utterly loved him. But being a private man, he could not bear the thought of the public relationship and had called it off. Diana rang Hasnat from her mobile on board the Jonikal, even calling his family to reassure them that nothing was going on between her and Dodi, so sure was she that she could win Hasnat back. This however, was failing to work so I believe Dodi was a useful tool in saying 'okay, you don't want me, well this is what your missing out on'.
By saying that Diana really died through jealousy and her attempts to get back at two people is not a pleasant or popular view, but I can't help feeling it. If she was content to allow Charles and Camilla to progress their relationship publicly, and if she could of accepted that her relationship with Hasnat was over, maybe she'd still be with us today. I feel she would of made better decisions and would not of put quite so much trust in Dodi Fayed and his chaotic lifestyle.
Either way, Diana died that summer and I do still miss her, warts and all.
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