Remembering A Princess

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Something you may not know about me is that I am a huge fan of Princess Diana. We are hearing a lot about her in the media right now because, sadly, it is the 20th anniversary of her death. Her sons, William and Harry, are speaking out about their mother recently and honoring her memory. There are also TV specials airing this week about her life. So, I thought I would do my own tribute to this beautiful lady.

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I own several books and magazines that I enjoy looking at about Princess Diana and I am equally besotted now with Catherine, Prince William's wife, and their sweet children, George and Charlotte. So any news about them always catches my eye. 

My interest in Diana goes waaaay back to when she and Prince Charles were first engaged. I can remember getting up at 5:00 a.m. on their wedding day and my Mom and I watched all of the wedding ceremony and festivities on television. It was so exciting! I thought she was the most beautiful bride ever! Of course, the 1980's found many brides trying to emulate her wedding style. When the Mr. and I were married in 1983 I had visions of looking just like Princess Diana in my wedding gown. What do you think? 

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Other than the fact that I didn't have the poofy sleeves, my train wasn't 25 feet long, I wasn't wearing a tiara and I wasn't holding flowers that looked like a shrub I think we were practically twins, don't you?! (Wink) Of course the Mr. and I weren't married at St.Paul's Cathedral in London, either. But, I do think I married a true prince. (Awwww....) We did have children as part of our wedding party just like Princess Diana, though. So, we did have that in common with our weddings. 

Diana's sense of style was gorgeous. She was always impeccably dressed in my opinion. And, of course, I admired her beautiful engagement ring which is now worn by Catherine. When Avon offered a look alike ring, I had to have one! I still enjoy wearing it.

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Diana was beloved by many, but most of all by her boys, William and Harry. My heart broke for them when their mother died. They were so very young to lose her! I'm happy that they keep their mother's memory alive and that little Princess Charlotte has "Diana" as one of her names. I think sometimes of all that Diana missed out on in dying at such a young age. We never got to see a Diana in her 40's or 50's or a "Grandma" Diana. Her life, and early death, remind me that aging is a true privilege which not all get to enjoy. The night we learned she had passed in that tragic car accident, I was awake all night grieving. And, on the day of her funeral, I was up at the crack of dawn, just as I had been for her wedding day, determined to be "with her" just as I had been for her wedding. Diana was called a "people's princess" for a reason. She had a way of connecting with people through her eyes, her smile, her style....even when the people she connected with had never actually met her. I believe that is called, charisma. There has been lots written, and said, about Diana and what went on behind the scenes in her life in the palace. But, what I choose to remember is a beautiful young woman who, when thrust into the limelight, did her best to live her life with style and with love for her two sons. I know I'll be watching those television specials this week about Diana's life. Her life continues to give me hope that, just maybe, there's a little bit of princess in all of us ladies. 

Until Next Time,
Debbie 👑