Trendsetter: Little known facts about Princess Diana

Princess Diana is probably the most famous, admired and iconic figure of the British royal family. From her tumultuous life, her enthralling fashion to her humanitarian efforts, she has had captivated people’s attention.

But there was much more to her than that. Unfortunately, she left the world way too soon. On August 31, 1997, she died in a car crash in Paris. On her death anniversary, here are some little known facts about the people’s princess:

Wanted to be a ballerina

She learned ballet while growing up and wanted to become a professional dancer. But as she grew too tall, her height became a hurdle between her and her dream. 

Was  a school dropout

She was homeschooled till the age of nine after which she was sent to a boarding school. As she struggled with her academic curriculum, she eventually dropped out.

Worked as a teacher

Despite the fact that she herself didn’t excel in academics, she worked as a kindergarten teacher in London before meeting Prince Charles, her future husband.

Prince Charles dated her elder sister

Prince Charles dated Diana’s elder sister Sarah in the 1970s. It was in fact Sarah who introduced Princess Diana to her future husband.

Met her future husband on a few occasions

She met Prince Charles 12 times before their marriage on July 29, 1981. She was 20 and he was 32.

Removed ‘obey’ her husband from wedding vows

Setting a precedent, she removed ‘obey’ her husband from her wedding vows. Her trend was followed by both, Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle. 

First British Royal to give birth at a hospital

Traditionally, the heirs to the British throne were born at home, but she gave birth to Prince William at St. Mary’s Hospital, London. 

Struggled with mental health

Diana suffered from postpartum depression following William’s birth in 1982. She also inflicted harm on herself and suffered from bulimia, an eating disorder that triggers the patient to binge-eat. 

Broke HIV-related stereotype

On April 19, 1987, she met an HIV patient and shook his hands without any gloves. Thus, she became the first member of the royal family that broke the wrong notion that HIV spreads through touch.

Raised funds for charities

Diana auctioned 79 of her dresses and raised more than $5.5 million for AIDS and breast cancer charities.

Princess Diana died at the age of 36 and is buried on a small island at Althorp, on her family’s estate, in Northamptonshire, England.  A procession of 36 trees marks the path to the island, commemorating each year of her life.