Princess Dianawould have turned 62 on July 1, 2023. In her short but impactful time in the spotlight — she died on Aug. 31, 1997, in a car crash in Paris — she appeared on the cover of PEOPLE 45 times, and has reappeared on several covers since, continuing her legacy of love and service. Here, a look back at them all.
01of 59June 22, 1981: Lady DianaAt 19 years old, Princess Diana’s very first PEOPLE cover was a “sneak preview” of her wedding to Charles, an article that featured details on all six of her wedding gowns, the A-list guest list and the “royal pain” of planning in the spotlight.
01of 59
June 22, 1981: Lady Diana
At 19 years old, Princess Diana’s very first PEOPLE cover was a “sneak preview” of her wedding to Charles, an article that featured details on all six of her wedding gowns, the A-list guest list and the “royal pain” of planning in the spotlight.
02of 59
August 2, 1981: Good Show!
03of 59
November 23, 1981: The Pregnant Princess
04of 59July 5, 1982: Oh, Boy!Diana’s newborn son William didn' appear on the cover, but the beaming new mom (in a blue, polka dot dress Princess Kate channeled when introducing the world toPrince Georgein 2013) was a vision while leaving the hospital in London.
04of 59
July 5, 1982: Oh, Boy!
Diana’s newborn son William didn' appear on the cover, but the beaming new mom (in a blue, polka dot dress Princess Kate channeled when introducing the world toPrince Georgein 2013) was a vision while leaving the hospital in London.
05of 59August 16, 1982: King of HeartsWelcome, William! Diana’s first son made his debut on PEOPLE, captured in “a touching moment for Diana and her little prince.”
05of 59
August 16, 1982: King of Hearts
Welcome, William! Diana’s first son made his debut on PEOPLE, captured in “a touching moment for Diana and her little prince.”
06of 59January 31, 1983: Diana’s OrdealPaparazzi hounded the prince and princess on what was supposed to be a private trip to the Swiss Alps, leaving the woman called “shy Di” visibly angry at photographers and members of the press who followed her.
06of 59
January 31, 1983: Diana’s Ordeal
Paparazzi hounded the prince and princess on what was supposed to be a private trip to the Swiss Alps, leaving the woman called “shy Di” visibly angry at photographers and members of the press who followed her.
07of 59October 1, 1994: Di’s Pride and JoyA glowing Diana held newbornPrince Harryin photos featured on this 1994 cover, announcing that “little Prince Henry is checking into the royal nursery.”
07of 59
October 1, 1994: Di’s Pride and Joy
A glowing Diana held newbornPrince Harryin photos featured on this 1994 cover, announcing that “little Prince Henry is checking into the royal nursery.”
08of 59January 14, 1985: HarryWhen Princess Anne and her husband, Capt. Mark Phillips, opted out ofPrince Harry’s late 1984 Christening, sending their young children alone, rumors of a feud between the pair and Diana grew. Diana and Charles chose not to name Anne godmother to either of their sons, and PEOPLE reported the women’s matching “iron wills” often put them at odds.
08of 59
January 14, 1985: Harry
When Princess Anne and her husband, Capt. Mark Phillips, opted out ofPrince Harry’s late 1984 Christening, sending their young children alone, rumors of a feud between the pair and Diana grew. Diana and Charles chose not to name Anne godmother to either of their sons, and PEOPLE reported the women’s matching “iron wills” often put them at odds.
09of 59
May 20, 1985: Talk About Power Trips!
10of 59July 22, 1985: Malice in the Palace"Behind this facade is a willful woman who has family servants on the run and who’s dancing the night away — sometimes without Charles," read PEOPLE’s barbed account, which claimed Diana was “boldly displaying a new assertiveness and self-confidence” to the royal family. Stepping out alone both for official engagements and social events, “she seems eager to enjoy her unspent youth,” PEOPLE editors in 1985 postulated.
10of 59
July 22, 1985: Malice in the Palace
“Behind this facade is a willful woman who has family servants on the run and who’s dancing the night away — sometimes without Charles,” read PEOPLE’s barbed account, which claimed Diana was “boldly displaying a new assertiveness and self-confidence” to the royal family. Stepping out alone both for official engagements and social events, “she seems eager to enjoy her unspent youth,” PEOPLE editors in 1985 postulated.
11of 59November 11, 1985: What’s Diana Worth to Britain?A fashion feature on the young princess explored how Diana and her staff of three shopped for her 200-plus engagements a year. “What she wears is her choice and her taste,” one close companion told PEOPLE. In contrast to the queen, a royal re-wearer, Diana often chose new looks, putting a heavy preference on British designers.
11of 59
November 11, 1985: What’s Diana Worth to Britain?
A fashion feature on the young princess explored how Diana and her staff of three shopped for her 200-plus engagements a year. “What she wears is her choice and her taste,” one close companion told PEOPLE. In contrast to the queen, a royal re-wearer, Diana often chose new looks, putting a heavy preference on British designers.
12of 59October 13, 1986: Fergie & Di, The Merry Wives of Windsor"Eleven weeks after she wed Prince Andrew and nine weeks after their honeymoon in the Azores, the newest member of the House of Windsor has become a wildly popular costar in the royal road show," PEOPLE’s story on Sarah Ferguson read. Fergie and Diana’s fast friendship also gave fans something to root for, adding “a certain piquancy to the drama” of the royal family, PEOPLE’s then-editors posited.
12of 59
October 13, 1986: Fergie & Di, The Merry Wives of Windsor
“Eleven weeks after she wed Prince Andrew and nine weeks after their honeymoon in the Azores, the newest member of the House of Windsor has become a wildly popular costar in the royal road show,” PEOPLE’s story on Sarah Ferguson read. Fergie and Diana’s fast friendship also gave fans something to root for, adding “a certain piquancy to the drama” of the royal family, PEOPLE’s then-editors posited.
13of 59June 9, 1987: Save the Wales!“Happily? Or just ever after?” PEOPLE asked as the couple marked six years of marriage. As a friend said of the pair’s struggle to find common ground: ‘‘He was a bachelor for a very long time before he got married. He got very set in his ways and has never made any real attempt to change.’’
13of 59
June 9, 1987: Save the Wales!
“Happily? Or just ever after?” PEOPLE asked as the couple marked six years of marriage. As a friend said of the pair’s struggle to find common ground: ‘‘He was a bachelor for a very long time before he got married. He got very set in his ways and has never made any real attempt to change.’’
14of 59July 26, 1987: The Follies of Fergie & DiThe friendship between Fergie, then 27, and 26-year-old Diana was given a a misogynistic spin in much of the press throughout the 1980s. Dubbing the “naughty” royal wives “that international fun couple,” PEOPLE’s 1987 cover story said, “Di relishes Sarah’s lighthearted company.”
14of 59
July 26, 1987: The Follies of Fergie & Di
The friendship between Fergie, then 27, and 26-year-old Diana was given a a misogynistic spin in much of the press throughout the 1980s. Dubbing the “naughty” royal wives “that international fun couple,” PEOPLE’s 1987 cover story said, “Di relishes Sarah’s lighthearted company.”
15of 59November 9, 1987: The Big ChillIncreasingly living apart, Charles and Diana reunited in the country for what was supposed to be a quiet weekend together, only for her to leave 21 hours after she arrived. As one insider told PEOPLE, “the bottom line is that with no completely convincing reason, the prince and princess are leading separate lives. It is clear that she is happier with her own set of friends in the south of England, while he is at his best living a rather Spartan life in the north. What is worse is that the time apart doesn’t seem to bother them.”
15of 59
November 9, 1987: The Big Chill
Increasingly living apart, Charles and Diana reunited in the country for what was supposed to be a quiet weekend together, only for her to leave 21 hours after she arrived. As one insider told PEOPLE, “the bottom line is that with no completely convincing reason, the prince and princess are leading separate lives. It is clear that she is happier with her own set of friends in the south of England, while he is at his best living a rather Spartan life in the north. What is worse is that the time apart doesn’t seem to bother them.”
16of 59Spring 1988: All About Diana, The Private World of a PrincessA special edition about the young princess included features about her beautiful homes and jewels, her accessible fashion choices and her parenting style. “Privileged princes William and Harry have nannies and footmen, but it’s Di who rules the roost,” read one line.
16of 59
Spring 1988: All About Diana, The Private World of a Princess
A special edition about the young princess included features about her beautiful homes and jewels, her accessible fashion choices and her parenting style. “Privileged princes William and Harry have nannies and footmen, but it’s Di who rules the roost,” read one line.
17of 59April 25, 1988: Growing Up RoyalA photo with Harry focused on Diana’s ability to keep her boys down to earth despite their pedigree.
17of 59
April 25, 1988: Growing Up Royal
A photo with Harry focused on Diana’s ability to keep her boys down to earth despite their pedigree.
18of 59August 1, 1988: Seven-Year HitchA psychologist spoke to PEOPLE about the truth beind the “seven-year itch” some say married couples face, pointing to examples of what Charles and Diana were weathering. However, the couple were still presenting a united front at times. ‘‘There continues to be a lot of caring and mutual respect between [them]," one family source shared. Five couples married the same week as Charles and Diana spoke about their own seven-year itch symptoms, too.
18of 59
August 1, 1988: Seven-Year Hitch
A psychologist spoke to PEOPLE about the truth beind the “seven-year itch” some say married couples face, pointing to examples of what Charles and Diana were weathering. However, the couple were still presenting a united front at times. ‘‘There continues to be a lot of caring and mutual respect between [them]," one family source shared. Five couples married the same week as Charles and Diana spoke about their own seven-year itch symptoms, too.
19of 59October 31, 1988: Life Without DiAs Charles “fishes, paints, broods over the symbols in his dreams and dallies abroad, Diana gets a taste of single motherhood,” read a cover foreshadowing the future of their relationship.
19of 59
October 31, 1988: Life Without Di
As Charles “fishes, paints, broods over the symbols in his dreams and dallies abroad, Diana gets a taste of single motherhood,” read a cover foreshadowing the future of their relationship.
20of 59July 16, 1990: The Woman Who Will Be QueenA thoroughly modern royal at the time, Diana gained popularity in part for her devotion to keeping things real. “She drives the kids to school, does aerobics, reaches out to AIDS patients — and struggles to make a difficult marriage work,” read PEOPLE’s cover.
20of 59
July 16, 1990: The Woman Who Will Be Queen
A thoroughly modern royal at the time, Diana gained popularity in part for her devotion to keeping things real. “She drives the kids to school, does aerobics, reaches out to AIDS patients — and struggles to make a difficult marriage work,” read PEOPLE’s cover.
21of 59February 11, 1991: Rich, Royal and … Home AloneBy this time, the press was well aware that Diana and Charles, who was seeing Camilla Parker Bowles, were living separate lives. ‘‘I believe that the marriage is stone dead,’’ said a source. “I don’t think there is animosity between them; it’s worse than that. They just don’t care anymore. It’s just indifference.’’
21of 59
February 11, 1991: Rich, Royal and … Home Alone
By this time, the press was well aware that Diana and Charles, who was seeing Camilla Parker Bowles, were living separate lives. ‘‘I believe that the marriage is stone dead,’’ said a source. “I don’t think there is animosity between them; it’s worse than that. They just don’t care anymore. It’s just indifference.’’
22of 59June 17, 1991: Wounded PrinceAt school at Ludgrove in June 1991,Prince Williamwas accidentally hit in the head with a golf putter and rushed into surgery with a fractured skull. The British press immediately called out Charles for leaving his son’s bedside to attend to some official and private royal duties, as Diana continued to emerge as the more present parent, who “plans her professional schedule around the school calendar,” PEOPLE wrote.
22of 59
June 17, 1991: Wounded Prince
At school at Ludgrove in June 1991,Prince Williamwas accidentally hit in the head with a golf putter and rushed into surgery with a fractured skull. The British press immediately called out Charles for leaving his son’s bedside to attend to some official and private royal duties, as Diana continued to emerge as the more present parent, who “plans her professional schedule around the school calendar,” PEOPLE wrote.
23of 59July 22, 1991: A Decade Later, Where Has Their Love Gone?On the couple’s 10th anniversary, many were speculating on the future of Charles and Diana’s marriage. “Is he fit to reign?” read PEOPLE’s cover. “Will they finally divorce?”
23of 59
July 22, 1991: A Decade Later, Where Has Their Love Gone?
On the couple’s 10th anniversary, many were speculating on the future of Charles and Diana’s marriage. “Is he fit to reign?” read PEOPLE’s cover. “Will they finally divorce?”
24of 59Fall 1990: The Decade of DianaA special collector’s edition offered a peek into the “merry lives (and marital woes) of the tempestuous House of Windsor,” with insets ofPrince Charles,Queen Elizabethand Duchess Sarah Ferguson.
24of 59
Fall 1990: The Decade of Diana
A special collector’s edition offered a peek into the “merry lives (and marital woes) of the tempestuous House of Windsor,” with insets ofPrince Charles,Queen Elizabethand Duchess Sarah Ferguson.
25of 59June 22, 1992: DIANA'‘Behind the public smiles, Princess Diana is a lonely and unhappy young woman who endures a loveless marriage,’' wrote reporter Andrew Morton in his explosive biographyDiana: Her True Story,which so shook the monarchy (and the country) that it was banned at Harrods. The reporter said he had cooperation from Diana’s inner circle on the book. As he wrote, “[They] believed that for once the truth should be told about the difficult life Diana has led.” After her death, Morton revealed that Diana herself had been his primary source via secretly recorded audio tapes.
25of 59
June 22, 1992: DIANA
‘‘Behind the public smiles, Princess Diana is a lonely and unhappy young woman who endures a loveless marriage,’’ wrote reporter Andrew Morton in his explosive biographyDiana: Her True Story,which so shook the monarchy (and the country) that it was banned at Harrods. The reporter said he had cooperation from Diana’s inner circle on the book. As he wrote, “[They] believed that for once the truth should be told about the difficult life Diana has led.” After her death, Morton revealed that Diana herself had been his primary source via secretly recorded audio tapes.
26of 59June 29, 1992: Diana’s RivalA 1992 story on the increasing tension between Diana and Camilla told the story of Charles and Camilla’s meeting years before Diana was even in the picture. Camilla, a friend told PEOPLE, “is able to relaxPrince Charles. He feels cozy in her company.”
26of 59
June 29, 1992: Diana’s Rival
A 1992 story on the increasing tension between Diana and Camilla told the story of Charles and Camilla’s meeting years before Diana was even in the picture. Camilla, a friend told PEOPLE, “is able to relaxPrince Charles. He feels cozy in her company.”
27of 59April 13, 1992: Diana in Mourning"A difficult month comes to a tragic end as the Princess of Wales copes with the sudden death of her father,” read PEOPLE’s cover. Diana was particularly close to her dad, Earl Spencer, who died unexpectedly of a heart attack that week at the age of 68.
27of 59
April 13, 1992: Diana in Mourning
“A difficult month comes to a tragic end as the Princess of Wales copes with the sudden death of her father,” read PEOPLE’s cover. Diana was particularly close to her dad, Earl Spencer, who died unexpectedly of a heart attack that week at the age of 68.
28of 59August 3, 1992: Battling Bulimia, Diana’s Diet OrdealIn 1992, three different books about the royals alleged Diana struggled with bulimia, though the palace never addressed the rumors. Diana later revealed her struggle with the eating disorder in her 1995Panoramainterview.
28of 59
August 3, 1992: Battling Bulimia, Diana’s Diet Ordeal
In 1992, three different books about the royals alleged Diana struggled with bulimia, though the palace never addressed the rumors. Diana later revealed her struggle with the eating disorder in her 1995Panoramainterview.
29of 59September 14, 1992: Diana’s SecretsAt the peak of the tabloid storm surrounding Diana, the August 1992 leak of a phone call between Diana and friend James Gilbey, published inThe Sun, raised eyebrows as she described life withPrince Charlesas “real torture,” among other confessions. That same week, a man came forward to say he witnessed “indiscreet action” between the princess and her riding instructor, Maj. James Hewitt.
29of 59
September 14, 1992: Diana’s Secrets
At the peak of the tabloid storm surrounding Diana, the August 1992 leak of a phone call between Diana and friend James Gilbey, published inThe Sun, raised eyebrows as she described life withPrince Charlesas “real torture,” among other confessions. That same week, a man came forward to say he witnessed “indiscreet action” between the princess and her riding instructor, Maj. James Hewitt.
30of 59November 30, 1992: It’s OverThe news of Charles and Diana’s official separation was met with just two words on this cover.
30of 59
November 30, 1992: It’s Over
The news of Charles and Diana’s official separation was met with just two words on this cover.
31of 59December 21, 1992: Diana Makes a DealWith the separation official, “she gets what she wants,” PEOPLE brazenly declared. “Palace digs, co-custody of the kids and a chance to be queen.”
31of 59
December 21, 1992: Diana Makes a Deal
With the separation official, “she gets what she wants,” PEOPLE brazenly declared. “Palace digs, co-custody of the kids and a chance to be queen.”
32of 59April 12, 1993: Diana on Her OwnA post-separation cover touted “the perils — and pleasures — of life without Charles,” as Diana found life without the full protection of the monarchy could be both freeing and unsettling.
32of 59
April 12, 1993: Diana on Her Own
A post-separation cover touted “the perils — and pleasures — of life without Charles,” as Diana found life without the full protection of the monarchy could be both freeing and unsettling.
33of 59September 6, 1993: Battle for the BoysWith their parents living separately, William and Harry were treated to special vacations — like their famous trip to Walt Disney World in Florida in August of 1993 — but also subject to endless press scrutiny.
33of 59
September 6, 1993: Battle for the Boys
With their parents living separately, William and Harry were treated to special vacations — like their famous trip to Walt Disney World in Florida in August of 1993 — but also subject to endless press scrutiny.
34of 59December 6, 1993: Diana’s Lonely BattleOne year after Charles and Diana separated, the princess joked at a Nov. 4 event, “I thought I might postpone my nervous breakdown.” But it wasn’t funny: a friend told PEOPLE the mom of two was “‘shattered and overstressed,’' spending much of her time alone.
34of 59
December 6, 1993: Diana’s Lonely Battle
One year after Charles and Diana separated, the princess joked at a Nov. 4 event, “I thought I might postpone my nervous breakdown.” But it wasn’t funny: a friend told PEOPLE the mom of two was “‘shattered and overstressed,’' spending much of her time alone.
35of 59June 13, 1994: Diana’s Daring New LifeBy the summer of 1994, PEOPLE declared that Diana was “liberated” and raised an eyebrow at her then-radical pursuit of “holistic healing” and “aromatherapy.” Meanwhile, the British press criticized her for having too much fun in her post-Charles life.
35of 59
June 13, 1994: Diana’s Daring New Life
By the summer of 1994, PEOPLE declared that Diana was “liberated” and raised an eyebrow at her then-radical pursuit of “holistic healing” and “aromatherapy.” Meanwhile, the British press criticized her for having too much fun in her post-Charles life.
36of 59September 5, 1994: Diana on the EdgeThe British tabloidNews of the Worldclaimed that, over a period of 18 months, the princess had made as many as 300 anonymous calls to platonic confidant Oliver Hoare. Though Hoare was acting as a go-between for Charles and Diana during a rocky time, and listening when Diana had something to say, the tabloid alleged that she would frequently call his home without saying anything, staying on the line quietly as Hoare asked who was there.
36of 59
September 5, 1994: Diana on the Edge
The British tabloidNews of the Worldclaimed that, over a period of 18 months, the princess had made as many as 300 anonymous calls to platonic confidant Oliver Hoare. Though Hoare was acting as a go-between for Charles and Diana during a rocky time, and listening when Diana had something to say, the tabloid alleged that she would frequently call his home without saying anything, staying on the line quietly as Hoare asked who was there.
37of 59October 17, 1994: Diana’s Secret LoverWhen Life Guards officer James Hewitt, with whom Diana eventually admitted to having an affair, spoke for a book about his time with the princess, 75,000 copies sold in one day.Princess in Loverevealed intimate details of the pair’s relationship, and left Diana “bitterly hurt,” a source told PEOPLE.
37of 59
October 17, 1994: Diana’s Secret Lover
When Life Guards officer James Hewitt, with whom Diana eventually admitted to having an affair, spoke for a book about his time with the princess, 75,000 copies sold in one day.Princess in Loverevealed intimate details of the pair’s relationship, and left Diana “bitterly hurt,” a source told PEOPLE.
38of 59
October 31, 1994: He Never Loved Her
39of 59November 6, 1995: Royal RouletteIn an example of the pervasive misogyny of the media coverage at the time, Diana’s so-called “homewrecker image” was pitted against Camilla in a showdown described as “royal roulette.”
39of 59
November 6, 1995: Royal Roulette
In an example of the pervasive misogyny of the media coverage at the time, Diana’s so-called “homewrecker image” was pitted against Camilla in a showdown described as “royal roulette.”
40of 59December 4, 1995: Diana’s Revenge: Take ThatDiana sat down for an interview with now-disgraced former BBC journalist Martin Bashir in late 1995, discussing everything from her mental health struggles to her husband’s affair with Camilla, famously saying, “Well, there were three of us in this marriage, so it was a bit crowded.” An official BBC inquiry this year concluded Bashir used “deceitful methods” to secure the interview, which had devastating consequences for Diana and hastened her divorce from Charles.
40of 59
December 4, 1995: Diana’s Revenge: Take That
Diana sat down for an interview with now-disgraced former BBC journalist Martin Bashir in late 1995, discussing everything from her mental health struggles to her husband’s affair with Camilla, famously saying, “Well, there were three of us in this marriage, so it was a bit crowded.” An official BBC inquiry this year concluded Bashir used “deceitful methods” to secure the interview, which had devastating consequences for Diana and hastened her divorce from Charles.
41of 59March 11, 1996: DI-VORCE! Her Future BeginsA photo of a confident Diana set the tone for the first issue after news of her divorce fromPrince Charlesbroke on Feb. 28, 1996. They’d been separated for four years, and as one London reporter told PEOPLE, their situation “was beginning to divide not only politicians but the people of this country. The situation can only improve.”
41of 59
March 11, 1996: DI-VORCE! Her Future Begins
A photo of a confident Diana set the tone for the first issue after news of her divorce fromPrince Charlesbroke on Feb. 28, 1996. They’d been separated for four years, and as one London reporter told PEOPLE, their situation “was beginning to divide not only politicians but the people of this country. The situation can only improve.”
42of 59Spring 1996: The Diana YearsAnother special issue focused on Diana’s life in the spotlight, from “her dazzling debut to the divorce and beyond.”
42of 59
Spring 1996: The Diana Years
Another special issue focused on Diana’s life in the spotlight, from “her dazzling debut to the divorce and beyond.”
43of 59June 17, 1996: Di Wows Chicago"Putting aside her bitter divorce, a radiant princess lights up the Windy City,” read the cover line following Diana’s brief trip to the U.S. Fans lined the streets of Chicago to catch a glimpse of the royal as she visited Cook County Hospital — the inspiration forER —and a fundraiser at the Field Museum of Natural History, where Michael Jordan’s mother dropped off autographed Bulls gear for William and Harry. Diana’s three-day visit was expected to raise $1.4 million, to be split among three charities: Northwestern University’s Robert H. Lurie Cancer Center, Gilda’s Club and London’s Royal Marsden Hospital, of which Diana was president.
43of 59
June 17, 1996: Di Wows Chicago
“Putting aside her bitter divorce, a radiant princess lights up the Windy City,” read the cover line following Diana’s brief trip to the U.S. Fans lined the streets of Chicago to catch a glimpse of the royal as she visited Cook County Hospital — the inspiration forER —and a fundraiser at the Field Museum of Natural History, where Michael Jordan’s mother dropped off autographed Bulls gear for William and Harry. Diana’s three-day visit was expected to raise $1.4 million, to be split among three charities: Northwestern University’s Robert H. Lurie Cancer Center, Gilda’s Club and London’s Royal Marsden Hospital, of which Diana was president.
44of 59March 17, 1997: Class vs. CashThe spring 1997 cover again pitted two royal women against each other, this time lauding Diana for devoting herself to “good works” while blasting newly single mom Sarah Ferguson for earning her own money.
44of 59
March 17, 1997: Class vs. Cash
The spring 1997 cover again pitted two royal women against each other, this time lauding Diana for devoting herself to “good works” while blasting newly single mom Sarah Ferguson for earning her own money.
45of 59August 25, 1997: A Guy for DiDiana’s relationship with Dodi Al Fayed was quite new in the summer of 1997 and had royal watchers wondering if the charming playboy was serious about the former princess — or “playing the field,” as PEOPLE asked.
45of 59
August 25, 1997: A Guy for Di
Diana’s relationship with Dodi Al Fayed was quite new in the summer of 1997 and had royal watchers wondering if the charming playboy was serious about the former princess — or “playing the field,” as PEOPLE asked.
46of 59September 15, 1997PEOPLE’s tribute to Diana immediately following her shocking death at age 36 on Aug. 31, 1997 is the first and only issue of the magazine to run without a cover line.
46of 59
September 15, 1997
PEOPLE’s tribute to Diana immediately following her shocking death at age 36 on Aug. 31, 1997 is the first and only issue of the magazine to run without a cover line.
47of 59
The Sept. 22, 1997, PEOPLE focused on Diana’s emotional funeral in London. Two billion people — the largest audience in television history — tuned in as the People’s Princess was laid to rest following a service at Westminster Abbey. Friend Elton John memorably performed “Candle in the Wind” and her sons walked stoically behind her coffin, something Harry has since said was unbearably traumatic.
48of 59October 13, 1997: The Secret Diana InterviewsWeeks after Diana’s death, British author Andrew Morton revealed that Diana had been the primary source behind his 1992 bestsellerDiana: Her True Story.
48of 59
October 13, 1997: The Secret Diana Interviews
Weeks after Diana’s death, British author Andrew Morton revealed that Diana had been the primary source behind his 1992 bestsellerDiana: Her True Story.
49of 59October 20, 1997: The Diana InterviewsA week later, the Morton tapes, which Diana had secretly recorded, and the updated book were featured in a sequel PEOPLE cover. “She had this crying need to speak out,” Morton said.
49of 59
October 20, 1997: The Diana Interviews
A week later, the Morton tapes, which Diana had secretly recorded, and the updated book were featured in a sequel PEOPLE cover. “She had this crying need to speak out,” Morton said.
50of 59February 2, 1998: Diana’s Legacy of LoveMonths after her death, Diana’s legacy endured in the lives of those she’d helped with her extensive charity work through the years. Several of them spoke to PEOPLE about how the princess helped them. “No one,” says Ken Rutherford, a cofounder of the Landmine Survivors' Network, who accompanied Diana to Bosnia, “could bring attention to an issue like she could.”
50of 59
February 2, 1998: Diana’s Legacy of Love
Months after her death, Diana’s legacy endured in the lives of those she’d helped with her extensive charity work through the years. Several of them spoke to PEOPLE about how the princess helped them. “No one,” says Ken Rutherford, a cofounder of the Landmine Survivors' Network, who accompanied Diana to Bosnia, “could bring attention to an issue like she could.”
51of 59August 31, 1998: Diana’s World, One Year LaterOne year after Diana’s death, PEOPLE scrutinized the lives of those closest to the late princess, includingPrince Charles, Charles Spencer, Camilla and Princes William and Harry.
51of 59
August 31, 1998: Diana’s World, One Year Later
One year after Diana’s death, PEOPLE scrutinized the lives of those closest to the late princess, includingPrince Charles, Charles Spencer, Camilla and Princes William and Harry.
52of 59
August 23, 1999: The Diana We Never Knew
53of 59March 27, 2000: The Bodyguard’s StoryTrevor Rees-Jones was the only survivor of the crash that killed Diana; in a book, he detailed the days leading up to the event and his five-week hospital stay afterward. Speaking to PEOPLE about the months following the crash, he said, “A couple of times I felt if I had died instead of [Diana and Dodi], it would have been much easier both for me personally and for everybody else.”
53of 59
March 27, 2000: The Bodyguard’s Story
Trevor Rees-Jones was the only survivor of the crash that killed Diana; in a book, he detailed the days leading up to the event and his five-week hospital stay afterward. Speaking to PEOPLE about the months following the crash, he said, “A couple of times I felt if I had died instead of [Diana and Dodi], it would have been much easier both for me personally and for everybody else.”
54of 59June 25, 2001: The Sister He KnewDiana’s brother Charles Spencer spoke to PEOPLE four years after his sister’s death, on what would have been her 40th birthday. “I imagine she would not have been looking forward to being 40,” he said. “She was always conscious of her age and appearance. But I can’t see her losing that happiness and strength she had achieved.” After her painful marriage, he added, “she had reached the rebirth stage and was ready to move on.”
54of 59
June 25, 2001: The Sister He Knew
Diana’s brother Charles Spencer spoke to PEOPLE four years after his sister’s death, on what would have been her 40th birthday. “I imagine she would not have been looking forward to being 40,” he said. “She was always conscious of her age and appearance. But I can’t see her losing that happiness and strength she had achieved.” After her painful marriage, he added, “she had reached the rebirth stage and was ready to move on.”
55of 59
April 3, 2006: Shocking New Evidence
56of 59June 4, 2007: Diana’s Boys"The most important thing to Diana was to make sure her boys grew up to be normal human beings,” a family friend told PEOPLE. “And apart from the fact that everyone in the world knows their faces, they are very normal boys. That is Diana’s legacy.”
56of 59
June 4, 2007: Diana’s Boys
“The most important thing to Diana was to make sure her boys grew up to be normal human beings,” a family friend told PEOPLE. “And apart from the fact that everyone in the world knows their faces, they are very normal boys. That is Diana’s legacy.”
57of 59August 7, 2017: The Real DianaTwenty years after Diana’s death, PEOPLE spoke to some of those who knew her best, including her brother Charles Spencer, who remembered her as “incredibly brave.”
57of 59
August 7, 2017: The Real Diana
Twenty years after Diana’s death, PEOPLE spoke to some of those who knew her best, including her brother Charles Spencer, who remembered her as “incredibly brave.”
58of 59Summer 2021: PEOPLE RoyalsPrincess Dianaappeared on the summer issueof the quarterly magazine PEOPLERoyals.In a story about how she “changed everything” in the monarchy, friends and confidants detailed how “her extraordinary life set the path for William and Harry today.”
58of 59
Summer 2021: PEOPLE Royals
Princess Dianaappeared on the summer issueof the quarterly magazine PEOPLERoyals.In a story about how she “changed everything” in the monarchy, friends and confidants detailed how “her extraordinary life set the path for William and Harry today.”
59of 59September 5, 2022: 25 Years Without DianaPEOPLE’s September 2022 cover paid tribute to the princess on the 25th anniversary of her death, Aug. 31.“It was such a shock that it remains imprinted on your mind,“Queen Elizabethbiographer Ingrid Seward, who knew Diana personally,told PEOPLE in the cover story. “There are very few moments like those in history.““I remember where I was in every tiny detail when I heard about Diana,” Steward added. “It affected everybody. Almost everyone in the world remembers where they were that day — it was an extraordinary, global phenomenon.”
59of 59
September 5, 2022: 25 Years Without Diana
PEOPLE’s September 2022 cover paid tribute to the princess on the 25th anniversary of her death, Aug. 31.
“It was such a shock that it remains imprinted on your mind,“Queen Elizabethbiographer Ingrid Seward, who knew Diana personally,told PEOPLE in the cover story. “There are very few moments like those in history.”
“I remember where I was in every tiny detail when I heard about Diana,” Steward added. “It affected everybody. Almost everyone in the world remembers where they were that day — it was an extraordinary, global phenomenon.”
source: people.com
