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British Royals

Diana, 60 Years: A woman of many titles

“Princess Diana,” “Lady Di,” “the People’s Princess” these are all familiar names we know refer to Diana, Princess of Wales.

Throughout her life, many titles preceded Diana’s name. Not of royal blood, Diana was technically born a commoner though she was an aristocrat. On July 1, 1961, she became the newest branch of the long-standing Spencer family tree. Born of a noble family, her first title was, The Honourable Diana Frances Spencer.

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In 1975, her grandfather, Albert, died, and her father, Edward John, became the 8th Earl Spencer. That year Diana’s title changed to Lady Diana Spencer. Raised to marry well, it was Lady Diana who met and charmed her prince, Prince Charles, heir to the throne. Lady Diana is how she entered the world stage and how many first came to know of this aristocratic school teacher.

On July 29, 1981, the world watched as Diana entered St. Paul’s Cathedral a Lady and left a Royal Highness. Her new title became Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales. Notice that even though “princess” is in the title, Diana was not “Princess Diana.” That is because the title of “princess” is only used for descendants of the reigning monarch. So it is correct to say Princess Anne, Princess Charlotte, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie. However, Princess Diana or Princess Catherine would be incorrect. If Diana wanted the title of “princess” before her name during her lifetime, she would have been referred to as Princess Charles.

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HRH The Princess of Wales was not Diana’s only title throughout her marriage to Prince Charles. When in Scotland, she was the Duchess of Rothesay and Baroness of Renfrew. She was also the Duchess of Cornwall and Countess of Chester. 

In August of 1996, Diana had one more title change. Divorcing Prince Charles, she lost the ability to be a Royal Highness. Her new name became Diana, Princess of Wales. At the time, it was reported that it irritated William that his mother lost her HRH status, and he promised her to restore it when he becomes king. Whether he intends to keep that promise remains to be seen.