Princess Diana (†)
How would the “Queen of Hearts” tick today?
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Princess Diana would have turned 60 on July 1, 2021. Why her legacy is more relevant than ever 24 years after her death.
How would the “Queen of Hearts” tick today? The British magazine “Tatler” asks itself on the occasion of Princess Diana’s 60th birthday in July – and lets five renowned experts have their say in the issue.
Princess Diana is and will remain a fashion icon
Princess Diana’s style is and will remain unique, her looks still influence the fashion world today. “Vogue” author Emma Elwick-Bates is certain that Diana would cause a fashion sensation in 2021 as well. “In her 60th year, Diana’s legacy of style continues to play a colossal and inspiring role. For the Starbucks and Gym clientele in their cycling shorts and oversized sweatshirts, for legions of fashion designers and of course for the rest of us,” said Elwick- Bates. “She was our princess, and her fashion hits are repeated all around us.”
Princess Diana’s most beautiful looks
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Diana’s charisma shapes generations
When Diana smiled, nothing else mattered. “Close friends of the late princess say that it is difficult to surpass her personal charisma and charm and its very strong effect on those who met her …” says the British television presenter and historian Wesley Kerr of the social influence of the Princess. “Your legend has overshadowed the very real, very warm person who was born 60 years ago and whom we remember – and who we will mourn this summer.”
Princess Diana would be a real social media star today
For Tina Brown, former editor of “Tatler”, “Vanity Fair” and “The New Yorker” as well as the biographer of Princess Diana, it is clear that Diana’s social media accounts would be a complete success today. “I think she would have achieved anything. She was an obsessive communicator – the numbers on her Instagram account could have rivaled those of the Pope,” Brown said.
“The world has moved decisively in its direction since her death. Everything she said then about the royal family’s need for modernization has been reinforced since Meghan,” notes Brown critically. “Everything Diana found necessary – promoting more empathy and responsiveness – is now a crucial social value.”
Charity instead of sweet celebrity life
Princess Diana was the star on every red carpet. Where she was were the cameras. And she played with them. Nonetheless, science journalist Vivienne Parry is convinced that Diana would continue to do more for charitable and political causes than “just” celebrating the sweet life of a celebrity. “She could have become a world famous Elizabeth Taylor-style celebrity. But I think she was about to become a significant global presence. I think she would have stopped using landmines,” says Parry. “She would stand up for mental health problems.”
Princess Diana would be a happy grandmother
Diana now has five grandchildren, she would be “a wonderful grandmother”, Vivienne Parry also believes – even if she wasn’t happy with all of her son Harry’s decisions. “She would be a happy grandmother. And most importantly, just like her own mother did for her, she would tell her grandchildren that there is privilege and responsibility in life,” Parry said.
Here the brothers were still united
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Diana’s influence can still be felt today
Omid Scobie, Royal expert at “Harper’s Bazaar” and a close confidante of Prince Harry, 36, and Duchess Meghan, 39, is meanwhile certain that Diana would have supported her sons unconditionally. “While Harry and William have spent much of their lives so far without their mother, the influence of their upbringing by Diana is still evident in both today,” Scobie is quoted as saying in the “Tatler”. “Whether palace employees or family members: you [Diana] has always encouraged the people around her sons to shine with their unique qualities. “
On the occasion of Princess Diana’s 60th birthday, a new statue of her will be unveiled in front of Kensington Palace in London on July 1, 2021.
Sources used: tatler.com