News Brief: August 31, 2025 - Princess Diana

London, UK / Paris, France August 31, 2025 - Today marks the 28th anniversary of the tragic death of Diana, Princess of Wales. Commemorations and tributes took place around the world in her honor.

A private gathering at Kensington Palace saw dozens of admirers laying white chrysanthemums, photographs, and handwritten messages at the palace gates to pay homage to “the People’s Princess,” echoing the outpouring of grief that followed her passing in 1997. At dawn, small groups of fans held a silent vigil, sharing stories of Diana’s humanitarian legacy and fashion influence.

In Paris, at Place Diana above the Pont de l’Alma tunnel where the fatal crash occurred, mourners left flickering candles and bouquets of flowers at the Flame of Liberty memorial. Though originally dedicated to Franco-American friendship, the flame has become an impromptu shrine to Diana since 1997, officially renamed Place Diana in 2019.

Meanwhile, in Richmond, Virginia, Princess Diana’s longtime personal hairdresser Richard Dalton and museum founder Renae Plant hosted “Behind the Hairbrush: A Royal Afternoon with Diana’s Hairstylist,” spotlighting Dalton’s memoir and featuring the famed 1986 “Falcon Dress.” The one-day-only event drew global media attention and sold-out tickets as fans gathered for stories and rare wardrobe items connected to Diana.

On the media front, Princes William and Harry are reportedly developing separate documentary projects to commemorate their mother by 2027. Insiders warn that these “dueling tributes” risk deepening rifts within the royal family, potentially influencing how Diana’s memory is shaped for future generations.

In London’s Great Ormond Street Hospital, staff and former patients continue discussing the remarkable contents of the 1991 time capsule sealed by Diana, which was recently unveiled to make way for a new children’s cancer centre. Artifacts such as an early portable television, a Kylie Minogue CD, and a solar-powered calculator offer a poignant reminder of Diana’s enduring connection to children’s charities.

Across continents, today’s remembrances attest to Princess Diana’s lasting impact on fashion, philanthropy, and popular culture-28 years after her death, her legacy remains as compelling as ever.