If you are an avid follower of the British monarchs, you would know that there are some strict royal rules in place that must be followed. However, Princess Diana is not afraid to break them, and she did so on many occasions. From her early days at the royal palace to becoming “People’s Princess,” Lady Di defied the guidelines both within and outside the family.
The princess, who was courageous, bold, and authentic, never tried to hide her true self, even if it meant breaking some strict rules. So, here are some events where Diana went against tradition.
Choosing Her Own Ring
When Diana got engaged to Prince Charles, she chose her own ring from crown jeweler Garrard. Although her ring remains one of the most recognizable in the history of the royal family, many don’t know that it was a controversial choice by Lady Di. The ring was featured in the jeweler’s catalog, and many members of the family weren’t pleased with her decision to choose it over other unique and exclusive options.
The taste jumped out when Princess Diana chose that blue sapphire. The taste REALLY jumped out when she bought that aquamarine ring when she kicked Charles ass to the curb pic.twitter.com/vbNhSSkekF
— La’Frederick (@solodeauxleaux) March 1, 2021
Interacting With Children
It’s not a secret that Princess Diana loved kids, but she broke some major royal etiquette while interacting with them. Marie Claire reports that Queen Elizabeth always talked with children in a very poised manner. However, Lady Di loved her kids: Prince William and Prince Harry.
“As Harry and William approach, their mother rushes to meet them, her body canted forward, her arms flung wide, with a smile that would light the darkest heart,” wrote Katrine Ames in Newsweek in 1997.
She also defied some expectations with her own children. From taking them out for burgers to letting them wear jeans and ride a bike, Diana made sure they had a normal childhood, away from the hustle and bustle of the palace and duties.
Princess Diana giving a sweet smile to little William ❤ pic.twitter.com/iB9n8BIWZU
— Liana✨ (@WalesRoyals) July 1, 2023
Going Against Home Birth
At that time, it was a major royal tradition to have a home birth. However, when Diana first gave birth to Prince William, she chose to have him at the hospital. Later, William also followed in the footsteps of her mother and had her kids at the hospital.
Black for Funerals
When Diana attended her first public event with Prince Charles in 1981, she broke major royal rules by wearing a black taffeta gown with a slightly revealing neckline. Up until then, royals only wore black to funerals, but Diana created headlines with her bold step. Later, her dress became so significant that it was auctioned for $250,000.
Diana, Princess of Wales, was born #OnThisDay in 1961. She famously wore this Emanuel strapless black taffeta gown for her first official appearance after her engagement in 1981. The low neckline earned her the nickname ‘Daring Di’. @KerryTaylorAuct #PrincessDiana #Royals #dress pic.twitter.com/1xdAgJ53r3
— Victoria Haddock (@vickyhaddock) July 1, 2022
Relationship with the Press
We all know about the infamous Panorama interview, where Diana subtly confirmed Prince Charles‘ affair with Camilla Parker, saying, “There’s three of us in this marriage.” However, it should be noted that Lady Di’s relationship with the press comes with a lot of cons and pros. She herself admitted that she was “on the front of a newspaper every single day.”
While it might have been a good time for the media and the public who were interested in knowing every single detail of her life, for Diana, it wasn’t quite a nice experience. “[It] is an isolating experience, and the higher the media put you…The bigger the drop. And I was very aware of that,” Lady Di said in her own words.
This interview of Princess Diana asked if she thought she’ll ever be the Queen. pic.twitter.com/4NSZW7sKDH
— Azania (@azania1023) September 8, 2022
There are more times when Diana chose to make a statement and defy traditions. From having a job before marriage, which is a big no-no, to having “bright, flashy” nail colors, she made sure people remembered her for her authentic self.
Princess Diana loved her kids: William, and Harry and broke many royal rules to let them have a normal childhood.
Princess Diana’s marriage with Prince Charles was rocky to say the least.
