Diana, Princess of Wales, touched the heart of humanity with her life-long dedication to the suffering children and elderly of the world. Princess Diana traveled the globe to advocate for homeless youth, youth who fall victim to drug abuse, children with AIDS or leprosy, and children affected by landmines. Upon her untimely death in 1997, the world joined together not only to pay homage to her life’s work, but in collective recognition of each individual’s role in offering service to their fellow human beings.
I am not a political figure. The fact is I am a humanitarian figure. I always have been and I always will be.
Diana, Princess of Wales, meeting with Sri Chinmoy, 21st of May 1997, at Kensington Palace, London
“Only do what your heart tells you.”
Everyone needs to be valued. Everyone has the potential to give something back if only they had a chance.
“Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you.”
Mother Teresa says goodbye to Princess Diana after the Princess visited her Missionaries of Charities House in Bronx, New York, 19th of June, 1997.
I think the biggest disease the world suffers from in this day and age is the disease of people feeling unloved. I know that I can give love for a minute, for half an hour, for a day, for a month, but I can give. I am very happy to do that, I want to do that.
“ [Diana] was an exceptional and gifted human being. In good times and bad, she never lost her capacity to smile and laugh, nor to inspire others with her warmth and kindness. I admired and respected her – for her energy and commitment to others, and especially for her devotion to her two boys …”
– The Queens message, 5th of September, 19972
Words of Princess Diana assembled by Jamini Young.