Princess Diana

Born into an aristocratic family on July 1, 1961, Diana, Princess of Wales (nee Spencer) was a member of the British royal family for 15 years. Prior to marrying Prince Charles in 1981, Diana worked part-time as an assistant in a nursery school in London.

More than 1 billion people tuned in to see Diana marry Charles, who was 13 years her senior. During their marriage, the couple produced two sons: Prince William (born in 1982) and Prince Harry (born in 1984). She and Charles first showed signs of marital tension in the mid-’80s, though they did not divorce until 1996.

Known for her tireless charity work, Diana was often seen visiting with people affected by AIDS and leprosy. She also worked with organizations benefitting the homeless, youth, drug addicts and the elderly.

On August 31, 1997, Diana was fatally injured in a car crash in the Pont de l’Alma road tunnel in Paris; her boyfriend, Dodi Fayed, and their driver, Henri Paul, also died as a result of the accident.