Celebrating Princess Diana With 12 of Her Most Memorable Quotes

On what would’ve been her 60th birthday, L’OFFICIEL revisits the universally-loved figure’s best quotes.

Often referred to as the People’s Princess, Princess Diana was a fashion icon, committed humanitarian, and doting mother. She was never afraid to break royal protocol as she wore black outside of funerals and ditched the opera gloves during formal events—the princess felt a handshake covered in cloth would lose its sincerity. The public figure, who was labeled as the most photographed woman during her time, made headlines with her unforgettable “revenge dress” and popularized the Lady Dior handbag.

Despite her untimely death in 1997 at only the age of 36, Diana’s relevance continues to prevail. From the soon-to-be-released biographic musical Diana to the fourth installment of The Crown featuring Emma Corin playing the late princess, the universally loved figure remains a force to be reckoned with in pop culture.

Up to her very last words, celebrate what would’ve been the late princess’ 60th birthday with her most profound quotes.

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“I like to be a free spirit. Some don't like that, but that's the way I am.”

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“Don’t call me an icon. I’m just a mother trying to help.”

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“I want to walk into a room, be it a hospital for the dying or a hospital for the sick children, and feel that I am needed. I want to do, not just to be.”

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“You can’t comfort the afflicted with afflicting the comfortable.”

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“I want my boys to have an understanding of people’s emotions, their insecurities, people’s distress, and their hopes and dreams.”

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“I don't go by the rule book...I lead from the heart, not the head.”

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“People think that at the end of the day a man is the only answer. Actually, a fulfilling job is better for me.”

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“Being a princess isn’t all that it’s cracked up to be.”

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“I don't want expensive gifts; I don't want to be bought. I have everything I want. I just want someone to be there for me, to make me feel safe and secure.”

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“I'd like to be a queen in people's hearts but I don't see myself being queen of this country.”

“Nothing brings me more happiness than trying to help the most vulnerable people in society. It is a good and essential part of my life, a kind of destiny.”

"My God, what happened?" —Princess Diana's last words

Princess Diana's Favorite Fashion Brands

From big houses to the most affordable brands, Princess Diana ushered in a new way of British royal fashion. Find out Lady D's go-to fashion labels here.