Princess Diana The Queen of Hearts. The story of the day I shook Her hand
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A day to remember.
Princess Diana was born on the 1st of July 1961, and was relatively unknown until the 24th February 1981, when she was thrust into the limelight after becoming engaged to Prince Charles, She was a sweet little thing, shy and quiet, and the world took her under their wing and fell in love with her. On the 29th of July 1981 they married in St Paul's Cathedral in London, and quickly became one of our most loved monarchs. There are many stories written about her life, her children and her subsequent divorce, and of course her death. Which still to this day, remains one of the greatest mysteries and tragedies. So i am not going to tell her life story here. Instead, I am going to tell you about the day that I met Princess Diana, Queen of Hearts.
Stunned!
I remember the day started out as it usually did. Sunshine, showers and me on my bicycle. I had been to work, and was now doing the thing that I always did at that time of the day. I was going for a ride on my old bike, and pick up a few things for supper. I had totally forgotten that this was the day that Princess Diana was coming to Marlow. It hadn't been advertised as they did not want too many people crowding outside the small Cottage hospital just down the road from where I was living. I had heard about it from one of my friends who was working at the hospital. So, off I went, whistling away, that's what I do when I ride my bike, I whistle! It stops me being scared of falling off. Which I have a habit of doing. I remember turning left at the corner of my road, and suddenly seeing a large crowd of people standing further down the street. Coming closer, I realised that there was a big black car with a flag on top of the front bonnet. So, jumping off of my bike, I placed it against the nearest hedge, and leaned forward through the crowd. There was only one layer of people in front of me, so it was easy to squeeze to the front. I am little, therefore I can step sideways, wiggle a bit, and voila, there I was standing in the main part of the courtyard. I saw that the car had just pulled up to the front door of the hospital. Not more than three metres, nine yards away. The bodyguard or secret service man got out the car and started talking on his walkie talkie. I don't know what they were expecting, but I don't think that Marlow has it's own terrorist gang! Unless you count the pensioners who were shoving themselves to the forefront, whacking a few people with their brollies! They maneuvered their handbags, swayed their hips, and then when they got to the front, they settled, as older people do, like a cushion thrown onto a chair! All squidgy and plump. No one else got a look in. This was their day, their Princess and nobody was going to stop them meeting her. We all looked across to the car. The air was electric. It was strange because I have met the Queen and Prince Philip her husband, and there was not this air of expectancy with them, Oh, people were excited to meet the Queen, of course, but It was more of a party atmosphere. But not here, not with Diana, We seemed to be holding our breaths, as though something magical was about to happen. And then it did. A leg emerged from the back of the car, a shoe, shiny and silver stepped onto the tarmac. And then there she was. We all breathed out, you could hear the sigh. The reverence was like being in a Cathedral, we gazed at this amazing young women with something like awe. I don't know why, and I don't know what it was that made it so special. She had her head down, just like you saw in the pictures, and she had the famous shy smile, as she looked under her lashes at the bodyguard. Thanking him, she turned and walked straight towards me. I looked at her as she walked towards us. The one thing that I remember the most was that she was so tall. She looked like a proper fairy princess, and as she held her hand out to me, I looked at her smiling face, reached forward, and feeling somewhat stunned, I shook her hand.
Outside the box.
For that few seconds that we held each others hands in a shake, I looked into her eyes. This women was a million miles away from my lifestyle, and a billion times ahead of me in status. But as we shook hands, I realised that under any other circumstances, we could have been friends. I am not being dramatic, I mean as were the same age, well, one year's difference, She was just a normal girl. This might sound strange, but after seeing the other Royals on TV, and in person, they always had this air of 'Royal' about them. They were a cut above us, and don't you forget it. But Diana was different. She almost seemed apologetic for dragging us out in the cold. I heard her keep saying, 'sorry, are you warm enough?' to the older people, and 'Don't worry, you can go home in a moment, and have a lovely cup of tea'. That's what made her different. She was normal and sweet. The people loved her, you could see it on their faces. She could have been any one of us, caught up in a bizarre and strange situation, led and manipulated into a loveless marriage. After walking around talking and shaking hands, Diana turned towards the hospital, and started to walk towards the door.
But then a dramatic moment happened.
The caring Princess
There was a sudden commotion to my right, and through the crowd I could see someone on the floor. The crowds starting clustering around the heap of clothing that seemed to be laid out on the floor, from where I stood it looked liked someone had taken their clothes and thrown them on a pile in the street. Then the clothes moved slightly. Diana, who was by this time about to step inside the building, turned, realised that something bad was happening and ran straight towards the crowds, pushing through people and when she got to the barrier that had been placed around the building to keep the crowds back, bent down and tugged the ribbon out of the way. She then proceeded to run towards the fallen heap of clothes. By this time the security guards were going mad. Four rushed out of the building looking around with panic on their faces, the one who had been standing by the car, who had been watching Diana, like a hawk, ran madly towards her. This was a serious security breach on their part. It may be a sleepy town, but for Diana to dive into the crowds like this, put her in serious danger, and them in certain failure and obvious dismissal of their jobs.
The crowd parted, to see our Princess of Wales, kneeling on the floor,reaching down to help a pensioner who had collapsed. The crowd went silent. You could hear the irate breathing of the old man, and Diana's gentle voice saying, 'It will be alright, you will be fine' .for a second it seemed as though time itself had stopped. You know what I mean. The picture, that is a snapshot in your mind for ever. Diana, kneeling down to help an old man who had collapsed from a suspected heart attack because of the excitement. Then, time rushed back, and the security guard gently helped Diana to her feet. Nursing staff from inside the hospital rushed out and helped the man.
Diana was lead away back towards the door of the hospital, and, waving she went inside.
For a few moments, I stood and watched her go, seeing her look back at the man with a look of worry on her face. At that moment I was so proud of her. She never gave a thought to her safety. She never gave a thought to the fact that this could have been a ploy to get to her. She just wanted to help the old man. That was the first and last time I saw our Diana Princess of Wales, live. As I started to walk away, I thought how lovely she was. And my thoughts at that time were for the old man.
The next day it was all over the front page of the newspapers. It shouldn't have been, it was just a small local do, but because of the startling events of the day, she had the picture flashed all around the world.
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I cried when she died. I cried buckets. I remembered the day, a few years before, when I saw her with the old man. I couldn't get the picture out of my mind. I watched the scenes on TV, over and over again. The car, the tunnel, Dodi, the french police, the reporters, camera's flashing, lights screaming bright overhead. The sounds of the crowd, and the commentators. Even then, at the back of my mind, I knew something was wrong. The picture was all wrong. No way, no accident. When I analysed it more closely, the fact that she was made to wait in the foyer of the hotel in France for the car to come around to the door, the car that flashed and clipped her car, and disappeared never to be found, and the fact that she was taken into an ambulance and less than an hour later, preserved from the waist down in formaldehyde, I knew. This innocent girl who was one of the people, had been murdered.
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I guess her caring about the old man shouldn't be surprising. She was a preschool teacher or something for a while before her marriage or something like that? Anyway, I remember the day she died as well, I remember exactly what I was doing, where I was and so forth. Very, very tragic.
She captured the hearts of people across the world...somehow she did seem more real than most.
I was at my parent's home, and don't remember why, but I remember Mom and Dad talking about this on the news. It was a very sad thing, all the speeding in the car, and one never could figure out why. Sad story, indeed, but it is good you got a glimps of her true nature. (: v
thankyou for that beautiful and personal story...a moment probably only you could have shared with us....she was a beautiful and precious woman.
A great story and a memory for a lifetime. Diana was not only loved by you country but by my country as well.
A very lovely story about two very lovely ladies. She was most certainly a cut above the rest. Even though I am a yank, I always loved Diana. I remember my mom going gaga over the marriage when I was a young kid. She seemed like a very sweet lady. Her time was cut short much to early. Part of me is hoping William steps up, and unites Europe, and hopefully lets the USA join; but I suspect that Germany will take the leadership role - of our new order, as they have the strongest economy in Europe (they also started both world wars). Prince William was born on a very special day; June 21. Many people don't respect the stars, but for real, it does mean something. There is definately something fishy about her death. Indeed, I do smell an illuminist rat.
Thank you, Nell, for a wonderful tribute to Diana. You have written it so well; it is something to be proud of.
Hearing the news of the death of Princess Diana is one of those memories I will never forget - The TV was already on in my bedroom as I was getting ready for bed. After I brushed my teeth and entered my bedroom I stepped over to turn off the TV and then I heard her name - the news reporters were saying Princess Diana was dead. I sat on the edge of my bed, in stunned silence, for 2 hours watching the news reports - until I was too tired to keep my eyes open any longer.
A beautiful woman and a beautiful hub.
Hi, prasetio, thanks for your nice comment, and she was a lovely person. thanks nell
Hi, mulberry, i had forgotten that she was a teacher, that is why she was so caring. thanks again nell
Hi, Feline, she certainly did. it was funny really how everybody around the world knew her. It was so sad. thanks nell
Hi, Valerie thanks again for reading it, and yes I do think there is a lot to answer for. Nell
Hi, Enlydia, it certainly was a once in a lifetime moment, I will never forget it. thanks again as always Nell
Hi, fishtiger, it was funny really that when I met her, I would never have thought that it would end for her like that. thanks nell
Hi, Joshua, you are right, I hope that William takes over instead of Charles, he is too old and stuffy we need a nice new face. Thanks again nell
Hi, Hello Hello, thanks again for reading it, and your nice comments. I won't forget that day, in fact I had forgotten how long ago it was, it seemed like only a little while ago. Nell
Hi, Rafini, yes it was one of those times that you never forget where you were. It sticks in the mind, like a photo. Thanks again nell
She IS so delightful! Thank you Nell! This is a beautiful tribute!
Oh I love this hub. I so glad you were able to meet her. I think she must of been a really good person. I was very upset when she died too. I think she was more then just a part of England ,but of the world.
I think we will never know about her death. I feel bad for her boys. They have so much to carry.
Hi, Mickey, I am glad you liked it, she was lovely and it is a shame, thanks nell
Hi, BJBenson, You are right, the whole world knew about her, which was unusual, most times a Princess of a country isn't that well known. I think William will make a great king. Thanks again nell
I would have seriously fainted! She was always one of my favorite people just because she was so 'good'. It just seemed like she was destined to be something special but not because of her Princess status - what a great loss for all of us when she died. I still miss her!
Hi, Audrey, I was so dumb struck I forgot to faint! ha ha seriously though, she was so amazing, I couldn't believe how nice she was. just a normal girl, but with that extra something that made her special. A funny thing happened when I had finished this hub. I turned on the TV, and they were showing her funeral again on one of the digital stations! spooked me out! I hadn't seen anything about her for years! strange. thanks again nell
You whistle as you ride! That is endearing. I see you mix with royalty quite well. This story is fabulous. What a fine writer you are, Nell. I'm proud to know you.
Wow great story! I still remember the day I heard about her passing. We were all so shocked. But it's great you have such an interesting story to share.
Hi, James, nice to see you, how ya doing? thank you so much for such nice words! Yeah, I whistle! you know what that say, 'a whistling woman, and a crowing hen, ain't no good to God nor men!!' ha ha that's why I am single! And of course I can mix with the royals I just stick the big hat on my head, put on a posh voice, and voila, they don't know any different! ha ha thanks again nell
Hi, raineer, thanks for the comment. It was sad and I was really shocked when I saw it on TV. I wrote about this because one of the other hubbers asked me to tell my story about it, and it brought back memories of it. Thanks nell
I checked here just yesterday and saw your newest, another story,even commented so thought you were just getting it altogether yet, so sorry I was not first here and missed it, and my email is so full of Facebook invites I can't see anything too easily . Thank you so much, this is a wonderful story. I don't know what people think of a woman such as me saying I loved her, but I did and I know most of America did. A child taken and used and abused is how I saw her once I found out about Charles still with that ugly old bat. He may as well be gay (not that anything is wrong with that. How Diana must have felt becoming a princess and becoming pregnant right away which is all the royals were after I assume and then to know he was betraying her, no wonder she had so many problems. She was just the most beautiful bride! That was such a memorable day, I know all of America watched. I could always see her doubt though and even before they were married wasn't it that Charles said, "Whatever love is." and seeing the hurt look on Diana's face. How could he not have loved her? But aren't we all hurt that way at sometime, but this girl was born to be a princess and to me she always will be! I do not believe her death was an accident either. Thank you so much Nell, you could go on forever and I could never hear enough, but I know you live there and maybe it is just not in you to call a bat a bat..so I will do that for you. lol Thank you, thank you...so much.
A beautiful, touching story and tribute to one of the world's greatest human beings. It brought tears to my eyes. What more can I say except thanks for sharing your story and making it so real for us.
Hi, Green Lotus, I am glad you liked it, Polly sent me the challenge, and I suddenly remembered this incident when I met her. Strange how a few words on the computer brought it all back to me. Thanks nell
I hope they show that movie here, tell me more about it, maybe I can pick it up online.
Hi, Polly, Sorry it took so long, I was out then I was looking for the TV programme for you. There were loads out there, but I think the one you are looking for is called
Diana: Last days of a princess. That was the only one I could find, and looking at the videos of it, I seem to remember that it was the right girl playing her. not sure if you can get it, but go and try to key it in, it should come up. Good luck. Thanks nell
Thanks, I found some shots of it and will try to get it, but until then will read all i can find on it.
Hi, Polly, glad you found it, and I will keep looking for it, and see what I can come up with. okay? thanks nell
Thank you for writing about this - you are so lucky to have met her! There was something far more regal about her than any of the other royals - she was just what every little girl imagines a 'true princess' to be. This gave me goosebumps just reading about it!
Hi, SilverGenes, it was really surreal and special. Just looking at her in front of me was so strange. I remember her being very tall, more so than I thought. She must have towered over Charles. She had an air of magical about her, that is what was so sad. I still think to this day that someone got to her. I don't care what the official line is, I just know, it was too convenient and planned. thank you again nell
Diana was Princess to the world. She seemed so earthy and caring all this and beauty too. I think ultimately this is why the "haterism" from Buckingham Palace. No one from the monarchy has made such as impression on the world as Princess Diana. Beautiful hub.
Hi, pmccray, thank you for reading it, and your comments, I think there will never be another Diana, even when william marries kate, I don't think there will be so much interest, especially after a little while. thanks nell
I always admiring Diana and remember her sweet and beauty. She is real princess, not just in her royal status but also in her heart. Too bad life is so hard for her.
Hi, Freya, she was a lovely person, and it was a great honour to meet her, it was such a shame that she was taken so young, thank you again for commenting, cheers nell
im an 12 years old and im doing a project on princess diana. i've read alot of things about her and the storys on how she died and things. and this one gave me alot of information on her. thank u. and i've never seen anything about her exsept for pictures. but i still think that she was a wounderful lady. words cant describe how amazinzg she was!
Hi, kirsty, thank you so much for liking my story, I really enjoyed meeting her, she was a lovely person. And I am so pleased that you are doing a project on her, good luck with it, and I am glad that you are so interested in her, thank you for commenting on my page, nell
seriously, There is this atmosphere of love and feeling of calmness and 'soft-touch' anytime Princess Diana's name is mentioned or she is talked about. This is a natural thing about her and I think, if not certain that she was loved all over the world. Really tragic...
Hi, D. Virtual, thanks so much for reading it, it was a very special day that I met her, she was amazing, and as you said, she certainly did have an aura of calm about her, it was more than royal, it was very unusual and lovely, thanks again nell
What a beautiful hub on a beautiful person. Sadly I never had the pleasure of meeting her but still loved her for her sincerety. Thank you so much for sharing this one Nell. Take care and God Bless you.
Hi, Eiddwen, it certainly was a brilliant day, I couldn't believe it! I was only going shopping and I forgot she was going to be there, so it was well timed! thanks so much again, nell
Very well written and gripping to read
Hi, kathryn, thanks for reading it, and I am glad you liked it, cheers nell
Hi Nell, My name is Rose btw.
I never really kept track of the news, but I watch videos of her and find that she was a beautiful person. And Elton John made his song for MarilynM for her too.
I also watched "Queen" which was a very interesting perspective. I can only imagine what it would feel like to live in London and have a Queen of Hearts Princess. I'm sure I would be amazed ,stunned, and cry buckets. Just reading this actually I cried a little. It was very touching!
Hi, schoolgirlforreal, I remember the day when the news came on saying what had happened to her, the whole country was in tears, it was a nightmare, and to this day we are convinced that something was done to her, another conspiracy theory, but in this case true!, thanks so much nell
I realize this wss written months ago, but I just read it, absolutely beautiful, she was a magnificent woman, and shall remain with us always. (I have always felt her death to be suspiciously similar to JFK's death....? Thanks for such an incredible hub on such a special person, take good care.
Hi, Lyjo, thanks for reading it, It was a great day, especially when something went wrong and she ran over to help! that wasn't expected! I do believe that it is like JFK's death in the way that we will never find out the truth but we know something happened out of the ordinary, shall we say, in fact I don't even think that they covered Diana's very well, so many holes in the story, official, and not so official! thanks so much nell
Loved reminding myself of Diana, certainly she was the Queen of Hearts. Definitely questions remain unanswered and definitely in my opinion a very suspicious death.
Hi, ellacor, thanks for reading it, I agree with you, there was something definitely going on, but we won't ever find out the truth and it will go down in history as another conspiracy theory, unfortunately, thanks so much nell
This is a truly lovely touching Hub..a wonderful story.
I loved Diana,I heard the tragic news of her death whilst at our caravan and spent the whole day watching the TV never dressing that day.....I beleive her death was planned,by whom? we will never know ,or even know if it was so,But it will be revealed somewhere down the years when we are no longer here to learn the truth.
Yes she was a beautiful woman inside and out. A rarity! I cried too! I love your hub it is well written and describes her well. Thank you!
Hi penny, thanks for reading it,I really loved meeting her, and it was very sad what happened to her, thanks again nell
Hi Nell. A lovely tribute to a remarkable and tragic woman, but one who died in an accident. She wasnt murdered.
Hi, Christopher, I still am not sure what happened to her, but whatever it was, it was such a shame. thanks so much nell
Lucky you I would have liked to meet her.
Why nice people go first?
I enjoyed your writing. You're right about her humility. There are some people that will welcome us into their crowd and there are others that think they're better than us and put up roadblocks. They have a lot to learn because someone who had it all was so different from those that have less and think they're better than the rest.
Hi, jacques, yes, she was a lovely lady, I am so glad I met her, thanks again nell
Hi, Izza, thanks for reading it, cheers nell
Hi, Lee, she was so sweet and kind, especially when that elderly person fell over, not many of the other royals would have done that, thanks for reading it, cheers nell
Nell, thanks so much for sharing this. Diana seems to have been such a beautiful soul! I would love to have had a chance to see her in person. Her death was truly a great loss to the world.
Hi, sfrentz, she certainly was a lovely person, the one thing I remember about meeting her was the fact that she was so tall! I never realised how tall she was, that's why she always wore flat shoes, I will never forget it, thanks nell
Hi Nell,
thanks for sharing the life of the queen of hearts every time I read the story about her i feel that life is very strange, to lose such acharacter is really hurting I wish she was aive even if I would not get any chance to talk to her.
Hi, mary, thanks so much for reading my hub, it was such a shame, especially as now her son is getting married, it would have been nice to see her there, thanks again nell
I wish i couldhave met her. I can't get it out of my head how she was used and abused by a family that hold themselves above everyone else. The way they try to airbrush her out of history is disgraceful. What really makes me angry is they way Charles insists Camilla is to be queen one day. I disagree with this he should have been made to give up his entitlement to the thrown to be with Camilla. We had a Queen in the making with Diana, and to this day i still don't believe her death was an accident. I think she stood on too many toes. Funny how everything has worked out in the Royals favour since she has been gone. Also think a monument should be erected to Diana instead of that disaster they built Mary it was lovely to read your story, unfortunately i never met her, but i felt an infinity with her as we were the same age, and ilso went through a divorce at the same time as her. Thanks again
Hi, Loraine, thanks so much for commenting, Diana was a very special lady, and you are right, they have airbrushed her out of history, but I don't think that they realise the general public still think about her, I do believe that something happened that wasn't quite right with her accident, the sad thing is that we shall never know, I think the fact that your divorce was at the same time shows an affinity towards Diana, she will always be remembered, thanks again Nell Rose
Nell Rose,
Thanks for sharing your beautiful memory. Now that I am older, Diana looks far too young to even be considering marriage. I always wished Charles had stood up and been a man about his love for Camilla, and not married Diana. She was such a loving person, and her death does seem suspicious. I hope Kate and William fare better. At least they are older, have known each other a long time, and Kate has a better idea of what she is getting herself into.
PRINCESS DIANA IS THE BEST!
Hi, frangipani-lotus, thank you for reading, Diana was the best, wasn't she? cheers nell
I just discovered this hub. That was a fabulous tribute to a truly wonderful woman. I think the world lost a good heart and soul when they lost Princess Diana. I hope that Kate can be just a fraction of the woman her late mother-in-law was.
Hi, kirsteno, I loved meeting her, she was lovely, I just hope Kate becomes as popular, thanks for reading it, cheers nell
Thanks for this great hub Nell Rose really enjoyed it....I remember where I was in Australia when I heard that she had died - the same type of memories surfaced as when John F. Kennedy was murdered and the Twin Towers came down and I have always felt that it was all so wrong and that she too was murdered however when I was talking only last week to a male member of my family & he said what were the passengers of this car doing travelling at speed and not wearing seat belts. Their car was a Mercedes one of the strongest and safest of cars and if they had been wearing safety belts they may well have survived is his contention...just a thought...cheers
Very intriguing article, I found myself very curious to learn more about Princess Diana. Your writing is very pretty when describing the day you met her. Wonderful article.
Hi, ajcor, yes you are right about the seat belts, but I believe that Diana actually had something come through the window and straight into her, I think that is what killed her, I am sure we will never really know though, she was lovely, thanks nell
Hi, Tessa, thank you so much! I loved meeting her, it is something that I often think about, cheers nell
Hi Nell - we in Australia never heard about something coming through the window and hitting her...appalling - it still seems like yesterday that she died - so beautiful and so young. And I too agree with her comments that three in a marriage just doesn't work and that Camel Parker Bowles is a bat! cheers
Hi, ajcor, thanks for coming back, from what I can remember I believe that it was part of the tunnel that came through the window, a metal piece? It has taken a while for people to get used to Camilla but I think that she tends to stay in the background, so we don't see her a lot, thanks again nell
Princess Diana indeed was the queen of hearts and her love shone out to the ordinary people. She was a fun loving, caring person and deserved to be loved by Charles. Unfortunately he was pathetic and should have owned up to his affair with Camilla and should never have married Diana. He was never good enough for her anyway. I do believe that her death was not merely an accident, there are far too many unanswered questions. Her loving memory will live on through her two boys who fortunately have their mother's love and compassion for others. A great hub Nell and I am sorry that I have only just found it!
Hi, acaetnna, she was lovely, I will never forget meeting her, it was such a shame, Charles should have married Camilla in the first place, then Diana would probably still been here, (if you get the chance, pop into Smiths and take a look at Prima magazine, I am in there with this story! But even after all the emails and wanting photos, they only put about three inches worth in there, but you can see my smiley face grinning out! ha ha) thanks again nell
What a wonderful story and memory. WOW! To have actually shook her hand. I admired her so and felt so terrible that the royal family never liked her or appreciated her. She was such a wonderful person and mother. It's such a shame how her life played out and your take on the "accident" is interesting. She truly was the People's Princess.
Hi, suzette, thanks again, yes she was lovely, I remember that day so well it's stuck in my mind! lol but seriously was misunderstood most of the time, and I know she had her problems but her heart was in the right place, thanks for reading, cheers nell
Great hub about one of the most amazing women in the world. I too, a world away, wept for hours when she died. Because she shouldered a burden, and finally when she was free for a moment, never lived to enjoy it. She is the Queen in my heart. No one can or will ever replace her. Thanks Nell.
Hi, SimpleGifts, she was amazing, I still remember that day, the first thought was, 'my goodness she is tall'! lol but her softness shone through and she had a heart of gold, thanks for reading, cheers nell
Princess Diana is a great woman, i wish most of us will live by her example, thanks Nell for the story.
Hi, Constance, thank you so much for reading, Princess Diana was certainly a lovely woman, I'll never forget the day that I met her, thanks!
my Great-Great made the lace for her
Hi, cutie, thanks for reading, thats interesting, I would love to hear more about that?
I am doing a research essay on Princess Diana, and I was wondering if I could ask you some questions about meeting her?
Hi, Maddie, yes of course, if you want to send me an email with your questions, thats great! just go to my pic above and go through the hub email, okay?
Hey, Nell ~~~ Amazing Hub, kiddo!
Yes, I have also always believed it was no accident. (Where's Hercule Poirot when you need him?)
And, yes, it did really affect me, even over here on the other side of the pond, when she died. It just was very sad and depressing. Kind of ruined my whole --- outlook on things, I guess you could say.
I had always been so proud of her, for standing up to the whole "marriage as a front" thing --- and he's really in love with that other --- ahem ---- what to even call her? Camilla, I mean? (Well, love is blind, I guess --- but does it also have to be unfair, fraudulent, and exploitative? That's what Diana disliked. Who could blame her? And --- she was true to herself. She didn't just keep her mouth shut. She was no phony, and did not want to live a lie.)
I actually got here via a link on your Hub about the Queen's Jubilee --- which I read when I went to your profile, looking for a Hub about growing angelica --- about which I'd received an email from Hubpages --- but which apparently no longer exists.
Well, that's weird, but none of my business, I guess.
Anyway, this is the first time I've really studied your Hubs carefully, and I'm really excited that I have a little spare time to sit here and read everything you have.
It's amazing!! And, I'm so happy to read your stuff here.
Again ~~~~ WOW ! ! ~~ I feel like I just opened a box of treasure here. Up, plus all else!
I have a bunch of other comments, but you'll see them on your other hubs. I was in such a hurry to read everything, that I didn't event want to stop to comment.
That one about the Queen's Jubilee!!! O. M. G. I was crying. I guess my enthusiasm is exactly that of a vulgar American --- but, you'll excuse that, I hope?
Hi Huntgoddess, My Angelica hub totally disappeared! Last night hubs were having some trouble and for some reason it unpublished itself! its back now, but I still can't get facebook at the top! weird stuff going on! Yes Diana was so lovely and not for one minute do I believe that it was an accident! but who am I to say? the powers that be have decided and thats that! I do love the Queen too, as you read she is such a hard working woman. Thanks so much for reading all my stuff, nell
You had my attention at Princess Diana. You lucky, lucky lady! Have you washed your hand yet? I hope not!:)
What a magnificent moment for you. I felt your excitement. I loved Di. I still do! I was devastated when she died. I blamed Charles, of course. Thank you for sharing your memories!! Lucky lady.
Hi Linda, I was totally blown away meeting her. I remember standing in front of her and just looking at her. For one second I had the eerie feeling that under different circumstances we would have been friends, I know it sounds stupid, but she was so 'real' and the type of girl who would have been my friend. She was such a sweety, and so tall! I couldn't believe she was that tall! she towered over me. I will never forget her, and I was so sad when I heard the bad news about her death, I still wonder what she would be like today if that hadn't happened.
Isn't it funny, that Diana could carry herself with such nobility, yet be judged as bringing a normalcy to royalty? She lived a life that displayed everything human about all of us. We all want to live life, but we all want to make a difference, too. She did both.
Hi Jason, that's it exactly. She had the class to carry it off, but she was such a caring person, and that is what made the people love her. She certainly made a difference, and her son William is a credit too her considering he is right in the middle of the royals. I don't think Katherine will have so much love as Diana, but who knows? maybe she will be really popular one day. Thanks for reading, cheers nell
I don't make it a habit of leaving multiple comments on someone else's writing, but I agree with you wholeheartedly. William has already displayed Diana's sensibilities, and Katherine will likely be more disciplined and business-like (meaning British causes will be addressed). You have a future world-changer in William, ceremonial position or not.
Hi Jason thanks for coming back. Yes William is so much like his mother. I remember when his so called friends made a derogatory remark about Kates mum, something along the lines of, she is just an air stewardess, 'close the doors haha'. Nasty little snobs! they tried every which way to get rid of Kate because she wasn't good enough, and for a while it worked, but William soon realised that he loved her and went back to her. The snobbery around William was tremendous and a lesser man would have listened to them, but not William. I think he has made a good choice, and remember they have been together for over 8 years. And of course his brother Harry is popular too. He looks very much like his father!! If you get my meaning! if not let me know! lol!
Yes, I get your meaning, he looks precisely like Prince Charles :P (James Hewitt's good looks aside).
lol! its scary just how much he does look like, um, daddy! But of course that idea was thrown out years ago, but I tend to read between the lines! But who knows? thanks again
What a wonderful experience for your Nell Rose, she was the “People’s Princess” all Americans whom I know loved her.
She was such a kind and loving person, and she loved her boys, and they loved her. I am sorry for them not having her now in their lives.
Yes, I cried when she died that ghastly death, and it seemed just when she was really in love---she dies.
I do not care for Charles, or his mother; because I believe he and his mother caused her unhappiness which the world could see.
Bobbi
Hi Bobbi, it was such a tragedy. I remember that day really well, I just couldn't believe it. There was so many strange things going on that day. I am sure that both the Princes really miss her. Especially when William got engaged, I remember him saying that was why he gave Kate the ring belonging to Diana, so that he would feel she was with him. The rest of the Royals I don't feel anything for, apart from the Queen who is a hard worker, and I think that is why to this day the royals try and be more open to the public. It certainly taught them a lesson that the public wanted more warmth from them. The days of the stiff upper lip royalty has gone thank goodness! thanks for reading, cheers nell
What a beautiful reminiscence of your meeting Diana. I love how you told your story. I always felt she was just a human being like the rest of us, but never had the chance to touch her hand or see her caring for someone imminently in need. I echo Sunshine...you Lucky Lady! :)
Hi Sally, it was such a special day. And totally unexpected. I got there just in time to see her turn up in the car, the great thing was I got the best place in the crowd! She came over to our side first and it was just amazing. I think thats why I still feel for her even today, and wonder what she would be like now, its so sad. Thanks so much for reading, cheers nell
Okay, glad you got the angelica Hub back.
I actually started up a whole new You Tube folder for the videos about the Queen's Jubilee --- all inspired by the wonderful videos you have on your Hub about that topic.
Very nice work, Nell. You are such a great person!
Thanks Huntgoddess, you are so sweet. That sounds great! I will have to come over and take a look, thanks again, nell
:-) Thanks, Nell.
Are you guys suggesting that Prince Charles is not the biological father of Harry? Hmmmm, oh, well . . I never even really noticed either of them so much --- not since they were first born, really, and she brought them home from the hospital. (Yes, I know - - - way behind the times, lol.)
Hi, it was a big thing back when Harry was born. Evidently Diana was seeing someone else, but nobody really knows the dates of her dating this man. When Harry was born he looked, and still does look like this man! we will never know, just go to google and put in Prince Harry and James hewitt! okay? thanks again
Ahh what a nice story. You lucky girl! I wish I was you. I have met Princess Anne but it was not earth shattering. I think she was a remarkable woman.
I too was shaken by her death like so many others and I just had to sign her condolence book in St James' Palace because she was lying in state there.
We may never know the truth. Some time in a hundred years a fairy tale story will be told to children of the Queen of Hearts. The truth will be known then.
I signed her condolence register as
Hi ThussaysNanaMarie, thanks for reading, it was a special day when I met Diana, and as you said such a shock. That was nice that you signed her condolence register. It must have been a mad day being among all those crowds, thanks so much for reading, cheers nell
Hi, Nell. Sorry to take so long to respond.
That's amazing. I never heard anything of that. I'll go to that Google search right now. Wouldn't DNA clear the whole thing up, though? I guess somebody would have to request it?
It's weird, because there has already been so much of that in history. My son and granddaughter were both in Shakespeare's Richard III. Then, there was an "illegitimate" son in King Lear, also, right?
Hi Huntgoddess, I think they would never do a DNA test on him, I believe they think he is a genuine royal, and have swept it under the carpet so to speak! lol! or maybe we are wrong, and he really is charles, but he certainly looks like James to me! King lear does have an illegitimate son in the play I do believe, but I haven't seen it for years, must get back and start swotting up on my Shakespeare! lol! thanks for coming back, nell
Also, wasn't that the whole reason for the Wars of the Roses? Tudor v York? Or, am I mixed up? It's difficult to keep up with these royals.
I know they have a whole website, but . . . still, very difficult.
Our Shakespeare organization put a whole big chart on the wall once. I still couldn't quite grasp it all. And, I do love genealogy.
I noticed some websites and journalists say it's an "urban legend" that he's the son of Hewitt. But, well --- what else would they say, right? I never knew anything about this until just now.
Well, that Hewitt is certainly a very nice-looking man, isn't he?
Hi Huntgoddess, yes he certainly has that twinkle in his eye! lol! To be honest I can't remember about the War of the Roses, I think it was the Plantaganets and the Tudors, thats one of those blank bits in my history, better get researching otherwise I will drive myself mad trying to figure it out! thanks again, nell
LOL, yes, me, too. You're right --- I forgot about the Plantaganets.
So -- now you have a great topic for a new hub, also, right? I do wish I could be as prolific as you, but --- just too many distractions right now. I was just reading about that Hubpages Apprenticeship program. That sounds like it might work for you, perhaps? Check it out.
I'd like to try, but it's too much of a commitment for me right now.
Yes, twinkle, twinkle, LOL -- Mr. Hewitt, I mean :-))
Take care, dear Nell.
Hi Huntgoddess, lol! not sure about that! the Apprenticship program is great, but I am so busy at the moment and I believe they pick you for it if you apply, so they may not pick me! Mr Hewitt! lol!
I'm sure they would pick you if you applied. I know what you mean, though --- busy, busy. I'd hate to have a commitment like that.
What's funny about Mr. Hewitt? Does he have a title or something? Well, he's very good-looking, is all I meant. LOL
Yes, you're reminding me now. 'Twas the Yorks and the Lancasters, right? They were Plantaganets --- but fighting each other? The white rose and the red rose, but I don't know which was which. Then, Henry VII --- Richmond? --- defeated Richard III at the battle of Bosworth --- year 1313? He was Elizabeth I grandpa, right? And a Tudor.
That's about all I know, and I learned most of it from my son and granddaughter --- because they were in Richard III. I'd like to know more --- but it took me, like, two years to learn all that LOL :-)) Don't want to tax the "little grey cells". :-)
Hi Huntgoddess, Mr Hewitt is a bit of a high class snob, his famous saying is Ding Dong! whenever he sees a girl he likes, bit to posh for me! haha! Yes the Plantaganets were the direct line from Richard the lion heart, which were French, and the Tudors which were English, so the Tudors won the day!
O, dear. Yes, he does sound like a creep. So sorry. It doesn't matter HOW good-looking a guy is with that attitude, right? Poor Diana! She must have been very lonely.
Oh, now I see --- about the Plantaganets. Did not know all that. See? You should write Hub about it.
Hi Huntgoddess, lol! I have seen him on various programs over the years and he gets more creepy every time! I think I have the Plantaganet thing right, its so complicated though with all the different people involved and such, but you never know one of these days! haha!
Hi, Nell. Yes, it's strange that Di should get involved with someone like that. She must have just been mixed up and lonely, don't you think? (Who hasn't made a similar mistake?)
Yes, it's difficult to keep up with those Plantaganets. I certainly gave up a long time ago LOL. Just kidding --- I always love to learn more. My son has written a Hub that has something to do with the Wars of the Roses, I think. It's his one and only Hub :-( He has been way too busy with school to write more. I can't put a link here, of course. It's a book review.
Hi Huntgoddess, whats your sons name? I will go and take a look, that part of history was so complicated. Henry wanted the throne to be in the tudors hands, the plantaganets insisted they were entitled to it, and it was also the time of the Princes in the tower, which was just as complicated! too much for my brain! lol!
WOW! You met the late Princess Diana! I too am very fond of her - she was very beautiful and compassionate in nature. So sad she died young! How she look when you met her? Which year you met her? Thank you for sharing your experience with the People's Princess with us!
Thanks for SHARING. Beautiful & Awesome. Voted up & Socially Shared.
Nell, as always you pull something startling out of life and make that into a captivating story. The story of the 'Only Twentieth century princess' is something very close to everybody's heart, no matter which country he/she belongs. The most fairytale royal wedding the modern world had/could ever see- with the most beautiful princess-bride, her chariot which was like Cinderella's - and the story associated too, of a relatively simple girl turned overnight into the most powerful and charismatic symbol of royalty! We hear that Prince Charles was considered handsome by most aspiring women. We have an incident where a less known young starlet of Bollywood had kissed him and rose to immediate fame for having done so. I guess the love story of Charles and Diana was just a misjudged marriage like so many other couples and definitely they were very different sorts of people; but maybe their tragedy was accentuated being laced with the royal intrigues and politics. Even in her untimely and horrific death she won an upper-hand over Charles by stealing the show and continuing to be 'The Princess Diana'. Poor Charles will never have the courage to call on any other woman to that seat of honor.
Hi ishwaryaa, I met her back in the 90s when she opened the local hospital wing, she was lovely, friendly and very tall! thanks so much for reading, cheers nell
Hi sen, You have said it exactly, Diana will always be special, even now over ten years later. She was certainly caught up in the Royal politics, and I believe she shouldn't have married into the royal family. They are a good family, but she was so different, and shy, thanks so much for reading, I am glad you liked it, cheers nell
Nell, so sorry --- his Hub name is "Docta Phreak". Weird name, I know. Could you please delete my above comment. It has his real name in it. I'll re-do it. I'm sorry. I wasn't thinking about that. His one Hub is still there.
Hi Huntgoddess, I have deleted it, sorry it took so long I have been out all day. thanks for coming back again, I will go and check him out, thanks!
Ok, thanks so much, Nell. It's my fault.
No problem. I didn't check back until right now anyway. I appreciate it so much. Thanks for checking out DP's Hub, and commenting.
You know --- one character who fascinates me the most -- - Jane Shore. She was the mistress of Edward IV, and Shakespeare mentions her a lot in Richard III. She's one of the five people in the book reviewed by Docta Phreak. Her real name was Elizabeth Lambert. Apparently the royals were much indebted to her merchant dad?
Take care, dear Nell, and thanks again.
Hi Huntgoddess, I must admit I had never heard of her before, I will have to go and look her up, I hate missing out on a piece of history! thanks again, nell
Hey, cool, Nell. Maybe you can write a Hub about her --- if you get around to it? I'd be glad to know more about her, as well. She is mentioned many times in Richard III.
Hi Huntgoddess, I may just do that. At the moment I am trying to be a bit more 'modern' with my hubs, but you know me, can't keep away from the history! lol!
Oh, yes, I see. That makes sense. You do have to balance it out. I also love history, especially if it's written in a nice, lively way --- as you write it.
Thanks Huntgoddess, I tend to write about something that grabs me that day, like my latest one. They say write about what you know, and believe me I know when someone is crying all over me! lol!
Yes, that's true, Nell --- not to joke about your friend's misfortune. It's horrible. So sorry.
Hi Huntgoddess, lol! don't worry, knowing her it will all be over tomorrow, she is the queen of drama! I am not even sure if her husband had done anything really, but we have to make out we are sympathetic! lol!
LOL ;-) Oh, I see. That's nice that you were there for her at least, right?
I put it down to bad timing! lol! I only went round to see her for a few minutes before going down the town! lol!
LOL ~~ Yes, that was bad timing :-)) That happens to me a lot, also. {sigh}
Oh, well --- at least she knows you care, right?
prasetio30 Level 8 Commenter 24 months ago
She is the beautiful Princess I ever known. Beside she was beautiful but also show good attitude. She's the real Princess in the world. Good to remember. I really enjoy all the picture of her. Awesome, beautiful indeed! Rest in peace Princess...
Prasetio