BBC NEWS | In Pictures | In pictures: Diana's early life

BBC NEWS / IN PICTURES
Graphics Version BBC Sport Home

Wednesday, 29 August 2007, 07:09 GMT 08:09 UK

In pictures: Diana's early life

1 of 11
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.

Circa 1965: a young Lady Diana Spencer. (Photo by Central Press/Getty Images)

Circa 1965: a young Lady Diana Spencer. (Photo by Central Press/Getty Images)

2 of 11
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.

Circa 1970: Lady Sarah Spencer, Viscount Spencer, Earl Spencer, Lady Jane Spencer and Lady Diana Spencer. (Photo by Keystone/Getty Image)

Circa 1970: Lady Sarah Spencer, Viscount Spencer, Earl Spencer, Lady Jane Spencer and Lady Diana Spencer. (Photo by Keystone/Getty Image)

3 of 11
Her parents' divorce meant Diana often had to travel between their homes in Northamptonshire and Scotland.

Lady Diana Spencer surrounded by press photographers shortly before the announcement of her engagement to Prince Charles.

Lady Diana Spencer surrounded by press photographers shortly before the announcement of her engagement to Prince Charles.

4 of 11
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, Prince of Wales laughing with his fiancee Lady Diana Spencer outside Buckingham Palace after announcing their engagement. (Photo by Hulton Archive/

Charles, Prince of Wales laughing with his fiancee Lady Diana Spencer outside Buckingham Palace after announcing their engagement. (Photo by Hulton Archive/

5 of 11
Charles and Diana announced their engagement on 24 February 1981. The ring cost £30,000 and contained a sapphire surrounded by 14 diamonds.

Wedding of Lady Diana Spencer and Prince Charles

Wedding of Lady Diana Spencer and Prince Charles

6 of 11
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.

Prince Charles kisses Diana on the balcony of Buckingham Palace

Prince Charles kisses Diana on the balcony of Buckingham Palace

7 of 11
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.

The Prince and Princess of Wales on honeymoon

The Prince and Princess of Wales on honeymoon

8 of 11
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.

The prince and princess of Wales with the newborn Prince William on the steps of St Mary's hospital. Photo by Jon Hoffman.

The prince and princess of Wales with the newborn Prince William on the steps of St Mary's hospital. Photo by Jon Hoffman.

9 of 11
Prince William Arthur Philip Louis was born on 21 June 1982. He is second in line to the throne.

The princess of Wales and a baby Prince Harry leaving St Mary's hospital in London. Photo by Terry Fincher.

The princess of Wales and a baby Prince Harry leaving St Mary's hospital in London. Photo by Terry Fincher.

10 of 11
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, Princess of Wales and The Duchess of York attending an official photo call during their ski holiday in Klosters, February 1987. (Photo by Terry Fincher/Getty Images)

Diana, Princess of Wales and The Duchess of York attending an official photo call during their ski holiday in Klosters, February 1987. (Photo by Terry Fincher/Getty Images)

11 of 11
Diana and the Duchess of York became good friends - although there were stories of a rift towards the end of the princess's life.

E-mail this to a friend