I was born to Edward John Spencer, Viscount Althorp and Frances Ruth Burke Roche, Viscountess Althorp on July 1st 1961 near Sandringham, England. My parents divorced when I was young and daddy won custody of me and my siblings. I was taught at Riddlesworth Hall and then went to boarding school at West Health School. I became Lady Diana Spencer after daddy inherited the title of Earl Spencer in 1975. Although I wasn’t the extrovert type, I loved music and dancing. I also had a great fondness for children. After attending finishing school at the Institut Alpin Videmanette in Switzerland, I moved to London.

I began working with children, eventually becoming a kindergarten teacher at the Young England School. I use to play with Prince Andrew and Prince Edward as a child while my family rented Park House, an estate owned by Queen Elizabeth II. In 1977, I became reacquainted with Prince Charles, who was 13 years my senior. As the heir to the British throne, Prince Charles was usually the subject of media attention. The press and the public were fascinated by us —the reserved, garden-loving prince and the shy young woman with an interest in fashion and popular culture.

We married on July 29th 1981, the ceremony was broadcast on television worldwide. On June 21, 1982, Charles and I had our first child: Prince William Arthur Philip Louis. He was joined by a brother, Prince Henry Charles Albert David—known widely as "Prince Harry"—more than two years later on September 15, 1984. I was initially overwhelmed by the royal duties and the intense media coverage of nearly every aspect of my life, but then I began to develop and pursue my own interests. I served as a strong supporter of many charities and worked to help the homeless, people living with HIV and AIDS and children in need.

Unfortunately, my fairy tale wedding did not lead to a happily-ever-after marriage. We became estranged over the years, and I knew Charles was not being faithful to me. If only I knew another way… It was heart breaking, really. I struggled with depression and bulimia. We separated in 1992 and the divorce was finalized in 1996. I knew after my divorce the Royal family wouldn’t be happy with me. They feared me anyway because I wasn’t the timid kind of lady. I spoke up and I wanted fairness at all time. I knew this country of mine needed someone who would love them, and that’s what I wanted to do.

Love my people, just go out there and spread all the goodness and care. I had many death threats which I didn’t tell anybody because I knew I had to withstand it all. Through it all I still helped as many people as I can. This world has so much to give and take as well. I felt I was obliged to my people, I knew it was my life’s purpose. I know society has changed so much from then and now, women are speaking up for themselves. It wouldn’t be fair If I said it’s only women who are oppressed, there are men facing difficult situations too.

But on a scale, women are demotivated and criticized for being who they are. Around the world so many tragic deaths of women occur, because of this oppression! Let it be the honour killings in India and Pakistan or the refugee population who are mostly women. There’s unfair payment schemes and so many criticisms and pointing fingers. Men have to play a part in uplifting women, and there’s a duty on each and every single one of you to protect each other’s dignity and respect. There’s no need to be better than anyone else, be a better version of you and love yourself.

Give love to everyone, because love heals. “Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you. And don't go by the rule book... lead from the heart, not the head.”

Love,Princess Diana Written by Devuni Goonewardene

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