Remembering Princess Diana: London Memorials to the People’s Princess
<< Samantha Brown's "London Now!" Mayfair Hotel London >>
Princess Diana’s life and death had a profound impact on the world. Known as the “People’s Princess,” she captured the hearts of millions with her unassuming charm and grace and her commitment to charitable activities around the globe.
“Lady Di”, as her admirers called her, first gained public notice when she and Prince Charles began dating in the summer of 1980. The shy kindergarten teacher seemed an odd choice for consideration as a prospective princess, but the courtship culminated in a storybook wedding at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London on July 29, 1981. The wedding was televised to a worldwide audience, who watched intently as the couple exchanged their vows and began their married life together.
The fairytale continued for Princess Diana as she gave birth to the first child and heir, Prince William, on June 21, 1982. Another son soon followed; Prince Harry was born on September 15, 1984. Princess Diana was known as a devoted and loving mother who spent a great deal of her time with her sons and took an active and assertive role in their upbringing. This, along with her numerous charitable works, made her a popular and well-loved public figure.
Princess Diana attracted public criticism for her choice of charities and social causes, especially her activities on behalf of AIDS patients and those suffering from leprosy; due to the controversial nature of these ailments, they were not considered proper subjects of concern for a member of the royal family. Princess Diana insisted on continuing her work in these areas despite the disapproval of some of the royal family. This further endeared her to the British public and attracted attention for her favored causes from admirers around the world.
Beneath the façade of a publicly happy marriage, however, the fairytale was unraveling for Princess Diana. Her relationship with Prince Charles became stilted and cold, and contemporary reports indicated that both engaged in extramarital affairs during this time, with Prince Charles resuming a previous relationship with Camilla Parker-Bowles. Eventually the marriage was irretrievably broken, and the couple officially separated on December 9, 1992; divorce followed, and was finalized on August 28, 1996. Princess Diana continued her charitable works until her death in an auto accident on August 31, 1997, barely a year after her divorce became final.
Today, many memorials to Princess Diana are located throughout London and are popular destinations for her admirers and other sightseers to the historic city. Queen Elizabeth II presided over the opening of the Diana, Princess of Wales Fountain located in Hyde Park, London, which attracts many visitors each year. Additionally, the Memorial Playground in Kensington Gardens is a well-loved reminder of Princess Diana. Visitors can stroll along the Memorial Walk that connects the two commemorative tributes and enjoy a delicious meal at Princess Diana’s favorite Italian restaurant, nearby San Lorenzo on Beauchamp Place.
A number of London hotels are located near these memorials to Princess Diana. The LondonMap llists a wide range of London hotels in the area. including the reasonably priced Royal Garden Hotel. Travelers can also find information regarding rates and availability for upscale London hotels with live availability, guaranteed lowest rates and even use the convenient overlays to see how close you’ll be to the tube, restaurants, parks, etc.
