I was a Princess Diana Fan. Wasn’t everybody? I wasn’t much of a Prince Charles (now known as His Majesty the King) fanatic at the time. Diana and I had more in common; she taught young children, and I also have a degree in early childhood. If that isn’t enough, we had our kids at almost the same time.
Prince William and our daughter Jessica were both born in 1982. Formerly known as Prince Harry and now Duke of Sussex, and my son Alex (a prince in our eyes) were born in 1984. If the marriage had lasted, maybe Diana would have had her third child in 1987, just like I did with my daughter Carly.
I know it’s hard to tell the difference, Jess and I are the second photo.
Diana and Dianne
And just her name, Diana, and my mom’s name was Dianne. May they both rest in peace. So you see where I am going here – Diana and I could have been friends.
The world and I followed her every move, whether it was People magazine or some other paper. We didn’t have access to social media; most information came through ink and TV. And I feel wrong about that because the globe’s fascination with Diana’s daily life ended her shining light forever.
I remember the day of Princess Diana’s death vividly, as if it were yesterday. I retrieved the newspaper (yes, the actual paper) from the front door. The Headline about the crash left me and the rest of the world in tears, horrified, and devastated.
Princess Diana’s funeral was the day of our son’s bar-mitzvah, September 6, 1997, and I awoke before 5:00 AM to watch the proceedings.
Throughout the following years, I still followed the family, perhaps less addictively. Marriages, babies, divorces, the Queen’s death, and other life events. Including Prince Charles shift to King Charles, crown and all, which was a historical event, if not somewhat boring to watch.
Why this Topic?
So, why am I writing about the royals? First, I am in season six of The Crown on Netflix and just re-lived the tragic events leading to the dreadful crash in Paris. The dramatization of King Charles (Prince at the time) breaking the tragic news to his sons.
The Crown showed Charles’s grief over the death of his ex-wife; displaying a more compassionate side of Charles. Including his insistence to the Queen that the Princess’s body was brought home on the Royal plane, a symbol of respect for her place in the family and as the mother to a future king. Charles was aware of his country and the world’s trauma and urged that the Royals comfort the nation.
I know this is Netflix and who knows what truly happened. History shows that a royal plane was used and that the Queen publicly mourned Diana’s death. So, perhaps?…
King Charles
And then, earlier this week, news spread that King Charles had cancer. Yes, it’s shocking! Yet, I am not sure why I’m surprised as we hear this type of news all the time, but nevertheless, it’s rare for the royals to reveal an illness.
Not Fair
King Charles waited so many years to wear the Crown, and after 18 months, he received a cancer diagnosis and needed to step back from his duties. My first thought was, “How unfair! “It’s his turn to lead, finally!
I respect the King’s decision to reveal his illness publicly. It will also help others experiencing illness and increase awareness of early detection. My prayers, hopes, vibes, and wishes are for a full recovery.
When it comes down to it, we are all human. Crowns, jewels, and money can make a difference regarding health and safety. As my friend pointed out, financial resources and connections can be the difference between meeting our primary needs and to the degree of service we receive. As my mother always said, money isn’t everything but it sure doesn’t hurt!
Rest In Peace
My thoughts are with King Charles and his family. And May my could-be friend, Princess Diana, rest in peace.
Latest Podcast
2 Moms No Fluff Podcast – We talked about topics ranging from what it felt like to find out our daughter Jessica has a disability, inclusive schooling and the “group home” decision. Tune in for heartfelt conversations and insights on parenting, empowerment, and embracing diversity.
Please rethink “Crowns, jewels, and money make no difference regarding health and safety.” Connections, high status and financial resources do make a difference in our health and safety and indeed our happiness until we reach the threshold of meeting our primary physical needs. That none of us can be insulated from all of life’s challenges and ills does not mean that all of us are subject to those ills in the same degree.
Eileen, You are absolutely correct and after a long career working with families, I should have known better and added that to my blog. I appreciate your comment and for reading the blog. Thank you XO
Thank you again, I updated the blog…
Diana was most certainly the people’s princess for a reason. I remember learning about her death through instant messaging in the early morning. Very shocking. And how sad now that the King has cancer. Hopefully he will get through it!
Totally agree with your comment – Thanks, Ab!
I love this post, Vickie — and thanks for the link to your latest podcast appearance! Can’t wait to watch/listen! I hear you about Diana. Isn’t it funny how milestones in our own lives run parallel to events that are shocking, historical, painful? My dad died in 1997 and I remember feeling odd, complicated grief about Diana’s passing that seemed strange at the time but now I understand it. She had a big, beautiful momma’s heart, I think. Just like you…and somehow we knew she understood hardship even though the circumstances couldn’t have been more unique and different. Hugs to you this morning! (And I loved your quip and humor at the beginning of your post…who’s who in those two snapshots?! Fun!) xo! 🥰
Thank you, Vicki – Your comments are alwasy so full of insight and thought – so glad we met through our writings and name !XOXO
Aww…right back at you! 🥰