On August 31, 1997, the world was stunned as Princess Diana of Wales, known as the 'people's princess', died tragically and unexpectedly.

Diana, Princess of Wales, led a remarkable life before her untimely death on August 31, 1997. Born Diana Frances Spencer on July 1, 1961, in Sandringham, Norfolk, England, she grew up in a privileged aristocratic family. Her father, John Spencer, was the 8th Earl Spencer, and her mother, Frances Shand Kydd, came from a wealthy Scottish family.

Lady Diana Spencer and her brother, Charles.

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Diana's childhood was marked by her parents' divorce when she was just eight years old. This event had a profound impact on her life and shaped her future relationships. She had two older sisters, Sarah and Jane, and a younger brother, Charles.

In 1975, at the age of 14, Diana's father inherited the title of Earl Spencer after the death of his father. This meant that Diana became Lady Diana Spencer. She attended various boarding schools and finished her education at West Heath Girls' School in Kent.

In 1980, Diana met Prince Charles for the first time when he was dating her older sister Sarah. However, their relationship didn't develop until a few years later when they met again at a mutual friend's house. Charles and Diana began dating in 1980 and got engaged in February 1981.

Theengagement ring of the century (yep, the same sapphire sparkler that Kate Middleton now totes around) made its debut when Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer announced their engagement on the grounds outside of Buckingham Palace.

Their wedding took place on July 29, 1981, at St Paul's Cathedral in London. The ceremony was watched by millions of people around the world and marked the beginning of Diana's life as a member of the British royal family. She became known as Princess Diana or the Princess of Wales.

People lost their minds in 1981 when Lady Diana Spencer married Prince Charles. The dress! The ring! People couldn't get enough of the romance—and you've likely seen approximately two hundred million pictures from that day since as a result.

Diana quickly captured the hearts of the public with her natural charm and compassion. She used her position to bring attention to various charitable causes and became particularly involved in issues such as homelessness, AIDS awareness, and landmine clearance.

However, behind the scenes, Diana's marriage to Prince Charles was troubled. The couple had two sons, Prince William, born in 1982, and Prince Harry, born in 1984. But their relationship was strained, and they officially separated in 1992. The separation was followed by a highly publicized divorce in 1996.

A few weeks before traveling to Paris, Princess Diana had enjoyed a few days with her sons, William and Harry, in the beautifully crystal clear waters of Saint-Tropez (France). The two heirs were 15 and 12 years old, respectively.

After leaving their mother in France, William and Harry went to the Queen's summer home in Balmoral (Scotland), where Prince Charles was waiting for them. Meanwhile, Diana of Wales stayed in France, spending a few days on Dodi Al-Fayed's yacht.

After her divorce, Diana continued her humanitarian work and became even more involved in raising awareness for causes close to her heart. She was known for her hands-on approach and willingness to visit hospitals, schools, and other institutions to meet with those in need.

Tragically, on August 31, 1997, Diana died in a car crash in Paris. She was traveling with her companion Dodi Fayed when their car crashed in the Pont de l'Alma tunnel. The news of her death shocked the world, and millions mourned the loss of the beloved princess.

A day before the accident, on August 30, 1997, Diana of Wales and Dodi Al-Fayed had parked the yacht in the south coast of France and took a plane to Paris.

Diana's death sparked an outpouring of grief and led to significant changes within the British monarchy. Her funeral, held on September 6, 1997, was watched by an estimated 2.5 billion people worldwide.

In the years following her death, Diana's legacy has endured. She is remembered as a compassionate and caring individual who used her position to make a positive impact on the lives of others. Her sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, have continued her charitable work and strive to carry on her legacy.