The People's Princess: why Diana captivated the world

The life of Diana, Princess of Wales captivated people around the world – and, argues Edward White, reflected the changes and concerns of the late 20th century

Published: July 4, 2025 at 8:00 AM

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From her introduction into the royal family to the tragic circumstances of her death, Diana, Princess of Wales was never far away from a newspaper front page or TV headline. She was a media sensation, a national talking point, and a cultural icon. Speaking to Matt Elton, Edward White, author of Dianaworld: An Obsession, argues that the mythologisation of the 'people's princess' reveals a great deal about the world of the late 20th century – from Britain's relationship with its monarchy to the dominance of American culture.

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Edward White is the author of Dianaworld: An Obsession (Allen Lane, 2025).

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Authors

Matt EltonPodcast editor

Matt Elton is the podcast editor at HistoryExtra

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