Born on July 1, 1961, Princess Diana was known as the “People’s Princess.” Even after her untimely passing in 1997, her popularity has continued to grow among the public. If anything, it has grown even stronger as her sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, have continued to honor her incredible legacy.
Diana’s legacy spans fashion and defying royal norms, but what endures most is her kindness and humanitarian work – a mission her sons and their wives continue today. On what would have been her 64th birthday, we take a look back at why the world loved the “People’s Princess.”
Princess Diana is remembered worldwide for her compassion and charity work. On her final birthday, July 1, 1997, she attended a gala in London, where she warmly greeted fans bearing cards and gifts. Diana’s dedication to helping others set her apart. For example, The Diana Award honors young changemakers, aiming to empower young people through programs that unlock their potential and inspire them to take action.
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Her humanitarian efforts included supporting the International Campaign to Ban Landmines, breaking the stigma around HIV/AIDS, visiting sick children at Great Ormond Street Hospital, and advocating for people experiencing homelessness. Diana’s legacy continues to inspire kindness, service, and meaningful change across generations.
One of the reasons Diana’s humanitarian work resonated so much with the world was that she went further than other public figures before her. Instead of just talking about her passions, she went to the front lines – putting her life at risk by walking through a field of active landmines or sitting with leprosy patients.
On the occasion of what would have been her 60th birthday in 2021, Prince William and Prince Harry paid tribute to their mother, Princess Diana, by unveiling the first official statue of her located at the Sunken Garden at Kensington Palace, one of her favorite spots at the residence.
In a statement, Kensington Palace said:
“The figure of Diana, Princess of Wales, is surrounded by three children who represent the universality and generational impact of the Princess’s work.”
It continued:
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“The portrait and style of dress was based on the final period of her life, as she gained confidence in her role as an ambassador for humanitarian causes and aims to convey her character and compassion.”
Fans worldwide took to social media to pay tribute to Diana and the statue. Of course, the most important tribute came from the late princess’s children – William and Harry.
The joint statement read:
“Today, on what would have been our mother’s 60th birthday, we remember her love, strength and character – qualities that made her a force for good around the world, changing countless lives for the better.”
Charles Spencer, the 9th Earl Spencer and Diana’s brother, honored her on what would have been her 61st birthday with a photo of a memorial stud dedicated to her.
“Amazing to think of the enduring impact of a woman who died so young,” he reflected.
Diana’s influence is most deeply felt through her sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, who were just 15 and 12 when she died. Despite their strained relationship in recent years, both continue to carry forward her legacy. They honored her memory by gifting engagement rings crafted from her jewelry to their wives – Catherine, Princess of Wales, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex.
On the 25th anniversary of her death in 2022, Harry shared his wish to make the day about remembering her work and spirit.
“I want it to be a day to share the spirit of my mum with my family, with my children, who I wish could have met her,” he said, adding, “Every day, I hope to do her proud.”
Harry has also drawn parallels between his mother and Meghan, especially in terms of their media treatment. In a 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, he said:
“My biggest concern was history repeating itself… more dangerously, because you add race and social media in. And when I talk about history repeating itself, I’m talking about my mother.”
Some of the most iconic images of Diana – wearing the famous “revenge dress,” sitting alone at the Taj Mahal, or meeting with Mother Teresa – were captured by Anwar Hussein, the royal photographer for over five decades. In May 2024, a London exhibition featured Hussein’s most compelling photos of Diana, portraying her as a fashion icon, devoted mother, and compassionate humanitarian. Hussein said:
“She knew how to convey a message through a photograph.”
Today, July 1, 2025, would have marked Diana’s 64th birthday. Though she is gone, her legacy continues to shine.
