Diana’s mental health became a growing concern during this time. She later spoke candidly about her struggles with bulimia, depression, and the pressures of royal life. Despite these personal battles, she remained a beloved figure, particularly due to her public commitment to charity work and her compassionate nature.
Philanthropy and Legacy
One of the defining aspects of Diana’s life was her philanthropic work. She became a global ambassador for charity and a vocal advocate for a variety of causes. Her efforts to raise awareness of AIDS, landmines, and homelessness made her a pioneering figure in the royal family, as she used her platform to shine a light on issues that were often overlooked. Diana’s engagement with AIDS patients in the 1980s, at a time when the disease was widely misunderstood, is one of the most iconic moments of her legacy. She famously shook hands with an AIDS patient without gloves, sending a powerful message of empathy and acceptance.
Diana also campaigned tirelessly for the elimination of landmines. In 1997, she visited Angola as part of a mission to bring global attention to the issue, and she was photographed walking through a minefield. This image captured the world’s attention and raised awareness of the humanitarian crisis caused by landmines in post-conflict areas.
Separation and Divorce
By the mid-1990s, the marriage between Diana and Charles had effectively ended. The couple officially separated in 1992, and their divorce was finalized in 1996. The divorce was one of the most public and bitter in modern royal history. In interviews, both Diana and Charles spoke about the collapse of their marriage. Diana famously stated in her 1995 interview with BBC’s Martin Bashir, "There were three of us in this marriage, so it was a bit crowded," referring to Charles’ ongoing relationship with Camilla.
Despite the personal turmoil, Diana emerged from her divorce with newfound independence. She continued her charity work and began to redefine her public image, no longer as the wife of the Prince of Wales but as a powerful and influential woman in her own right. shutdown123