Princess Diana’s legacy: The rebellious royal who broke the mold

Princess Diana was not just the “People’s Princess,” she was a pioneer who redefined what it meant to be royal.

From her charitable efforts, humanitarian works to her openness about personal struggles, Diana left a legacy that still shapes the monarchy today.

Here are five ways she transformed the royal family.

A progressive humanitarian:

Princess Diana broke barriers by supporting causes that were once considered taboo for royals, such as AIDS research, homelessness, and landmine removal.

The People’s princess was among the first royal to be photographed physically interacting with AIDS patients. This act was revolutionary in destigmatizing the illness and changing public perception.

A personal touch with staff:

Diana blurred the line between royals and staff as she formed a close friendships, most notably with butler Paul Burrell. 

She even arranged playdates for William and Harry with employees’ children and encouraged her boys to spend time in the palace kitchen. Kate Middleton’s love of home-cooked family mealtimes apparently shows Diana’s influence.

Embracing vulnerability:

Unlike the generations before her, Diana wasn’t afraid to speak openly about mental health. 

She admitted to suffering postpartum depression and told the BBC in her famous interview with Martin Bashir, “Well, maybe I was the first person ever to be in this family who ever had a depression or was ever openly tearful.” This openness laid the foundation for Prince William and Prince Harry’s mental health campaign, Heads Together.

Changing royal birth traditions:

In a historic shift, Diana gave birth to Prince William at St. Mary’s Hospital in London, making him the first future monarch not born at Buckingham Palace. 

Prince Charles himself had been delivered at the palace decades earlier. William and Kate later followed her lead by welcoming their own children at St. Mary’s.

Parenting with normalcy:

Above all, Diana sought to give her sons a grounded childhood.

 Prince Harry recalled, “She made the decision that no matter what... she was going to ensure that both of us had as normal a life as possible. And if that means taking us for a burger every now and then or sneaking us into the cinema… so be it.”

Princess Diana’s humanity, compassion, and authenticity changed the royal family,  and her legacy lives on through her sons and their families.