In pictures: Diana's early life

Diana Frances Spencer was born on 1 July 1961. After her parents' separation and divorce, she lived at the Spencer family home at Althorp in Northamptonshire.

Diana went to school at Riddlesworth Hall in Norfolk, then to West Heath Girls' School in Kent. She failed her O-levels and, on leaving school, went to finishing school in Switzerland.

Her parents' divorce meant Diana often had to travel between their homes in Northamptonshire and Scotland.

Media interest intensified as rumours of Prince Charles's interest grew. She was then part-time aide at the Young England Kindergarten nursery school.

Charles and Diana announced their engagement on 24 February 1981. The ring cost £30,000 and contained a sapphire surrounded by 14 diamonds.

Lady Diana walked down the aisle with her father, Earl Spencer. Her dress, designed by the Emmanuels, had a 25ft train and was made of ivory taffeta and antique lace.

Diana and Charles married at St Paul's Cathedral on 29 July 1981, watched by a television audience of almost one billion. A congregation of 3,500 watched the couple take their vows.

Charles and Diana spent their honeymoon on Royal Yacht Britannia for a 12-day cruise through the Mediterranean to Egypt - and then stayed at Balmoral.

Prince William Arthur Philip Louis was born on 21 June 1982. He is second in line to the throne.

Prince Harry - or Henry Charles Albert David - was born on 15 September 1984. He was just 12-years-old when his mother was killed.

Diana and the Duchess of York became good friends - although there were stories of a rift towards the end of the princess's life.

Back

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Next