In November 1989, the world’s most famous woman made life-changing headlines during a visit to Sitanala Leprosy Hospital in Indonesia. When Princess Diana touched a person affected by leprosy, it changed how the world viewed the disease. Diana knew her actions came with little risk; she was there to use her power to challenge the world’s prejudice, and highlight the need for support.
This revolutionary decision mirrored one she had made a few years earlier, when she spent time with similarly ostracised HIV/AIDS patients. Diana saw past the stigma and misinformation to the facts and the human beings affected; inspiring others to do the same.
In that moment, everything changed for people affected by leprosy and the cause to eradicate it. Staff working at the hospitals say these visits had an unquantifiable ripple effect. For people who feared in their hearts they had leprosy but could not face the shame of going to a leprosy hospital, suddenly it was okay… an English princess had been there.
Soon after that moment in India, Diana became Patron of The Leprosy Mission, remaining in post until her untimely death in 1997.
FAQs
In November 1989, the world's most famous woman made life-changing headlines during a visit to Sitanala Leprosy Hospital in Indonesia. When Princess Diana touched a person affected by leprosy, it changed how the world viewed the disease.
Did Charles and Diana have a daughter? ›
No, she did not have a daughter. She had an older sister called Lady Sarah McCorquodale though. American gutter press story from “Globe” claiming that the Queen wanted to know before the wedding that Diana was fertile and could give Charles children.
What did Princess Diana do for disabled people? ›
Diana Princess of Wales was the patron and president to multiple charities throughout her life, in which many of the organisations focused on AIDS awareness and prevention, banning the use of landmines, battling poverty and homelessness, various cancer trusts, Leprosy, as well as opening up the stigma surrounding ...
Did Princess Diana donate money to charity? ›
Throughout her life she supported and gave her voice to people struggling with AIDS, leprosy, cancer and illnesses, and homelessness. Her patronage and involvement with many charities helped the lives of people all around the world, and found Diana a special place in the hearts of the public.
What did Princess Diana fight for? ›
Princess Diana engaged in extensive charity work for a wide variety of causes. During her marriage to Prince Charles, she served as President for over a hundred charities focused on helping children and the homeless. She was one of the first public figures to address the issue of HIV/AIDS.
Who was the illegitimate child of Charles and Camilla? ›
Simon Charles Dorante-Day has claimed for years that he is the illegitimate son of Charles and Camila, and has had several requests for a DNA test rejected.
How many biological children did Princess Diana have? ›
Family was very important to the Princess, who had two sons: Prince William and Prince Henry (Harry). After her divorce from The Prince of Wales, the Princess continued to be regarded as a member of the Royal Family. Diana, Princess of Wales, died on Sunday, 31 August 1997, following a car crash in Paris.
Did Princess Diana have a Down syndrome daughter? ›
No. However, Diana did have a goddaughter who has Down Syndrome — Domenica Lawson, daughter of Diana's close friend, Rosa Monkton and not a secret at all. Silly question! If she really had a secret daughter then nobody would know about it would they?
What were Diana's last words? ›
What were Princess Diana's last words? The firefighter on the scene of Princess Diana's accident revealed the last words she spoke before her death in an interview with The Independent. According to the firefighter, Xavier Gourmelon, the Princess of Wales asked: “My God, what has happened?”
Did Dodi propose to Diana? ›
The 2007 inquiry conducted by Metropolitan Police found that while Fayed may have been planning a proposal, that evidence points to the conclusion that one did not take place, per CBS News. The ring was found at Fayed's flat, which Diana had not visited that day.
1986: Princess Diana and Dodi Fayed meet at a polo match
Princess Diana and Dodi reportedly first crossed paths in 1986. According to The Independent, they met at a polo match when Dodi's team played against Diana's then-husband King Charles at Windsor Great Park.
What is Diana's personality? ›
Diana had many fine traits that were evident both in public and in private: warmth, sweetness, affection, femininity, naturalness, grace, sensitivity, reserve, humility, wit, instinctive sympathy, thoughtfulness, generosity, kindness, courtesy, resilience, exuberance, energy, self-discipline, courage.
How old was Diana when she had William? ›
Diana gave birth to William when she was just 21, and to Harry when she was 23. To her, lonely in her fractured marriage and position as a public figure, William and Harry were not only sons, but also allies in her gilded tower.
Did Diana have a daughter? ›
Who was Diana, princess of Wales? Diana, princess of Wales, was the former consort (1981–96) of Charles, prince of Wales (later King Charles III); the mother of William (born 1982) and Harry (born 1984); and one of the foremost celebrities of her day.
Why did Diana marry Charles? ›
Diana said she truly loved Charles and she married for love.
Did Princess Diana have a daughter with Down syndrome? ›
No. However, Diana did have a goddaughter who has Down Syndrome — Domenica Lawson, daughter of Diana's close friend, Rosa Monkton and not a secret at all. Silly question! If she really had a secret daughter then nobody would know about it would they?
Do William and Harry have a biological sister? ›
Princes William and Harry have a step sister, not a sister. Her name is Laura Lopes and she is Camilla's daughter from her marriage to Andrew Parker Bowles.
What would Princess Diana's title be if she had a daughter? ›
Her title would be HRH Princess (first name) of Wales. As far as how to address the girl, I can tell you how Diana wanted people such as teachers and royal staff to speak to William and Harry.
What happened to Sarah Spencer? ›
Lady Sarah now resides in Grantham, Lincolnshire, and has made several appearances at Royal gatherings in recent years—including the weddings of both her nephews Princes William and Harry.
