It was August 31st 1997 and I was working as a guard in a maximum security male prison in Queensland Australia.
One of the prisoners came up to me and said " Miss. You need to come with me and sit down. I have some bad news. "
I had often spoken about my respect for Princess Diana and used her as a role model for men and women. I suggested to the prisoners that she was brave, frightened and prepared to confront life in a way many of us could never do. I used her as an example of someone who, despite wealth and luxury, had been dealt a hard hand in life but she had always stumped up to the plate and faced unfairness with dignity.
I went with my fellow officer into the living area that about 8 prisoners shared. They were strangely subdued. Quiet. Almost anxious.
" Miss, it just came across on the radio. Princess Diana is dead. "
A cup of tea was placed into our hands. They stood around me like concerned children who had just told their mother that the family house had burned down.
" What happened? " I asked. After all, she was only 36.
" Motor accident. In a tunnel in France. " said one. " Miss, I am so sorry. "
Much like the day that man landed on the moon or, some years later, we saw the horrific images of 9/11, most of us can remember where were were the day Princess Diana died.
What was it about this woman that so resonated with people? Was it because she was a victim of a " bad wrap?" Or a system of hierarchy gone mad? Or was it simply that she was a good woman who did a lot more brave things than we could ever imagine?
Why did she die? A drunk driver? Or the fact that she was dating a moslem? Will we ever know? Probably not. For myself, I am going for option number two.
Born Diana Frances Spencer on July 1, 1961, in Norfolk, England, Diana's life took an unexpected turn when she married Prince Charles, now King, in 1981, becoming the Princess of Wales. From the very beginning, Diana stood out for her warmth and approachability. Her genuine interest in people, regardless of their background, was palpable, and it was this quality that endeared her to so many. Even the murdering, rapist, thug inmates.
Diana's work was at the heart of her public life. She used her position to shed light on issues often overlooked by society. Whether it was visiting AIDS patients, advocating for the ban on landmines, or championing the rights of the homeless, Diana's commitment to making a difference was pretty solid.
One of her most iconic images is that of her holding the hand of a young AIDS patient, challenging the stigma and fear surrounding the disease. This act of compassion resonated deeply with the public.
Diana shakes hands with an unidentified AIDS patient on April 19, 1987. John Redman/AP
Diana redefined the role of a royal, showing that it could be more than just a ceremonial position. She used her status to spotlight issues that mattered, bringing attention to those who needed it the most. Her connection with people, especially those facing adversity, was both genuine and powerful.
Long before discussions around mental health became mainstream, Diana was openly candid about her own struggles with mental health issues.
Princess Diana's work with lepers was a significant, highlighting her dedication to supporting the stigmatised and misunderstood. She played a crucial role in raising awareness about leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease.
Diana's involvement with leprosy-related causes began in the late 1980s. In 1987, she visited a leprosy hospital in Indonesia, where she interacted with patients, touched them without hesitation, and challenged misconceptions about the disease's transmission. This simple act of compassion was felt deeply with both those she met and the global audience, marking a significant step in breaking down the barriers of fear and prejudice surrounding leprosy.
Her visits to leprosy-affected areas, including India, Nepal, and Brazil, were met with admiration and gratitude from individuals and communities affected by the disease. She used her platform to humanise those suffering from leprosy, emphasising their dignity and worth while encouraging others to extend empathy and support.
In addition to her visits, Diana's efforts included supporting organisations that worked toward leprosy eradication, research, and patient care. Her patronage of charities like The Leprosy Mission and The British Red Cross, among others, helped raise awareness on a global scale.
Princess Diana's visit to Laos and her famous walk through a landmine-affected area was a defining moment in her advocacy for landmine clearance and the rights of landmine victims. Her actions not only raised global awareness about the devastating impact of landmines but also underscored her dedication to humanitarian causes that often went unnoticed.
In January 1997, Princess Diana embarked on a trip to Angola as part of her involvement with the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL). During her visit, she met with landmine survivors and saw firsthand the impact these deadly devices had on innocent civilians. Witnessing the suffering and the long-lasting effects of landmines on communities left an indelible mark on her.
In January 1997, she walked through landmines in Laos.. Laos was one of the most heavily bombed countries during the Vietnam War, and even years after the conflict ended, unexploded landmines and ordnance littered the landscape, posing a significant threat to the population.
Diana's walk through a cleared minefield in Huaycan, a village in northern Laos, brought international attention to the urgent need for demining efforts and aid to assist affected communities. Clad in a protective visor and vest, she fearlessly stepped through the cleared path.
The images of Princess Diana's walk through the minefield circulated globally and were a turning point in advocating for greater attention to landmine clearance and the rights of landmine survivors. Her visit significantly contributed to the broader efforts to ban landmines and spurred increased funding for demining initiatives and support for affected communities.
So what can I conclude from this?
Maybe, that Princess Diana did more for human rights than her son Harry could do in a month of Sundays. She walked the walk. She talked the talk. Oh yes, she wanted privacy. But she went out and did what she had to do and she felt was right.
When I look back on that day, in August 1997, it was an heroic Princess Diana who united a prison guard with 8 felons and we all had a cup of tea and talked about what a great woman she was.
No one will ever say that about the Ginger and the Cringer.
