On Princess Diana’s death anniversary, here is a curated list of documentaries and books that give an insight into her life
Princess Diana was known to challenge precedent while being a devoted mother to Princes William and Harry. Pic/AFP
August 31 marks Diana, Princess of Wales' 24th death anniversary. Known for being the 'People's Princess', she was loved across the globe for her humanitarian efforts. The charismatic Princess' life and her ill-fated marriage were the center of constant media scrutiny and public interest. Her tragic death in a car crash in Paris led to widespread public mourning and unprecedented global media attention. Among these were the most popular Women of 20th century, Diana continues to be portrayed in art, literature, and on-screen. As recently as last week, Kristen Stewart starrer ' Spencer ' released a trailer and caused a stir on social media. On her 24th death anniversary, we have curated a list of documentaries and books that will help you learn more about the iconic Diana, Princess of Wales.
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Diana: In Her Own Words (2017)
This National Geographic documentary features a series of secret interviews given by Princess Diana inside London's Kensington Palace in 1991. Recorded by a friend on behalf of Andrew Morton—who was in the process of writing a book about her life—the interviews revealed intimate details of her marriage to Prince Charles that the public was completely unaware of. The interviews gave her an opportunity to voice her uncensored thoughts and feelings and present her side of a complex story. The documentary combines archival footage with these rare recordings and shines a spotlight on Princess Diana's emotional journey throughout her life, from childhood to the very end.
Front pages of UK newspapers following the interview. Pic/AFP
Diana, Our Mother: Her Life and Legacy (2017)
Commissioned by Prince William and Prince Harry to mark the 20th death anniversary of their mother Princess Diana, this documentary focuses on the legacy and impact of her activism on the world and on her two sons. Featuring interviews by family members—including the two princes and her brother Charles Spencer—and friends that knew her best, the moving documentary gives viewers an insight into her life through the lens of those who loved her and via unseen photographs, archival footage, and home videos from the Princess' childhood. Other notable interviews included Sir Elton John, Harry Herbert, and Jayne Fincher.
Diana: 7 Days That Shook the World (2017)
The tragic death of 36-year old Diana, Princess of Wales, led to an unprecedented outpouring of public grief in Britain and around the world. This documentary captures the emotion and gravitas of the seven days—strife with grief, anger, drama, and tradition—between the Princess' death in Paris and burial in London. Featuring interviews with her personal staff who recount their last moments with the Princess and details of her funeral arrangements, the documentary effectively captures the deep love and affection that the people felt towards their Princess.
The outpouring of public grief is reflected in the thousands of flowers and tributes in memory of Diana, Princess of Wales. Here, Prince Phillip and Queen Elizabeth view tributes left outside Kensington Palace on September 5, 1997. Pic/AFP
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Diana in Search of Herself by Sally Bedell Smith
Published soon after her demise, this 1999 biography by best-selling author Sally Bedell Smith offers a haunting and intimate portrait of Diana's life behind the cameras. While the tabloids of that time dissected her sartorial and life choices, they failed to capture the essence of her complex being. The book—drawing on interviews with friends and associates—explores the relationships and events that shaped the Princess' life, from childhood to her untimely demise, and delves into the severity of her struggle with mental health.
The Diana Chronicles by Tina Brown
Written by the former editor of the New Yorker and Vanity Fair, Tina Brown, this comprehensive biography draws from over 250 interviews with associates and friends of Princess Diana. The author's friendship with the Princess makes her an authoritative voice and adds a personal touch to the stories told in the book. Critically acclaimed for its stylish yet snarky tone which effectively peels the many layers of Diana's life, the book makes for an engaging read.
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