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Prince Harry has come under fire for attempting to “cash in” on his Royal heritage with the publication of his explosive memoir, ‘Spare’. The Duke of Sussex grabbed headlines last January following the release of his book, which levelled a series of bombshell allegations about his life within ‘The Firm’.

In ‘Spare’, Harry unleashed a raft of damning claims, including insights into his relationships with King Charles and Prince William. However, a Royal commentator has now lambasted the duke, branding him a “very silly boy” for his attacks on his father and brother, and condemned his actions as “deplorable”.Speaking to The Sun ahead of the release of the paperback version of Spare later this month, Royal pundit Jennie Bond remarked: “It [attacking the Royal Family] was deplorable and stupid – I think he was a very silly boy to write Spare,” reports the Express.

Adding to the criticism during a live show was the newspaper’s Royal photographer, Arthur Edwards, who castigated the duke for his attacks on his family and made an unfavourable comparison with another royal outcast. He commented: “He wanted to leave the Royal Family and he wanted to live in America with Meghan – that’s his choice.

“But then to go and start being really nasty about the royal family just to make money. When Edward VIII abdicated and became the Duke of Windsor he went abroad too. But he never, ever said anything about the royal family – he might have met Hitler but he didn’t say a bit about the royal family.”The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who have been distanced from The Firm since their dramatic exit in 2020, have not made any additional claims against the Royal Family since the book’s release. Some Royal observers have suggested that this new change in their strategy could be a method for them to prepare for any potential reconciliation with the royals.

 

But that may depend on the fallout from the paperback release. Spare will hit UK shops again on October 22 but Harry has resisted the urge to add any further details to promote the book.

Moira Dingle’s health is at the core of concerns in Emmerdale – but news of Zak’s death will prompt her to make a huge and devastating decision.

The feisty farmer portrayed by Natalie J Robb was diagnosed with a brain tumour in recent scenes aired over on ITV, leaving viewers of the Yorkshire-based programme concerned for her future in the Dales. Upon her diagnosis, Moira was told she would have to live with her symptoms before eventually going through an operation.

In recent weeks, Moira has thus gone on with her life normally but her day-to-day has been frequently interrupted by shocking seizures and the farmer is sometimes not aware her actions can result in catastrophe as she even accidentally killed her son Isaac’s sheep.

However, in scenes due to air next week, news from Scotland leave the Dingles heartbroken as the late Steve Halliwell will get an on-screen tribute from his former co-stars, months after his death – and Moira will make a decision about her health.

News of Zak Dingle leaves the village in mourning – and Moira makes a big decision ( 
Image:
ITV)

Coming up next week, Moira has a seizure while cooking breakfast but things appear to be working in her favour when she receives news of an available operation slot the following day. Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley), who left the Dales to meet Zak Dingle in Scotland after hearing the latter’s health was also on the line, returns home unexpectedly – but Moira avoids telling him about her operation news.

Cain then goes for a shower while Moira answers a call from his daughter Debbie Dingle, who is also in Scotland. But devastation awaits, as on the other end of the line as Debbie reveals the tragic news Zak has passed away, leaving Cain to alert the rest of the family.

The bereft Dingles take comfort in being with each other later on, as news of Zak’s death ripples throughout the village. Soon enough, Cain finds himself with his brother Sam (James Hooton) and the pair find Belle (Eden Taylor-Draper) outside. The trio reminisce about their father, shaken by his passing.

Villagers gather on Main Street to wave Sam and Cain off as both brothers poignantly leave for Scotland again to bring Zak home to the eponymous village. Meanwhile, Chas (Lucy Pargeter) mourns for Zak in the Woolpack with another handful of villagers. Elsewhere, however, Matty Barton (Ash Palmisciano) questions his mother Moira’s decision to delay her operation. Will Cain find out?

Mandy Dingle star Lisa Riley told ITV viewers the Emmerdale cast were working on a tribute episode for Zak Dingle actor Steve Halliwell, who passed away in December, 2023, at 77. Steve portrayed Dingle patriarch Zak for less than 30 years, starting off his stint in the Dales back in 1994.

Pete Wicks has revealed the heartbreaking reason he quit Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins.

The Strictly Come Dancing star, 36, who was forced to leave the show in 2022 after he broke a rib jumping from a helicopter, left Channel 4 viewers in tears last night in emotional scenes. With his head bowed in defeat, he told instructors on the gruelling reality series: “I’ve lost the fight, I’ve got nothing left, my head is not in it”.

Now, Pete, who found fame on The Only Way Is Essex has lifted the lid on his exit as he admitted he “was in too deep” after being asked to read out a letter to his mum, who he almost lost to suicide.

Pete Wicks with his beloved mum, Tracy
Speaking to The Sun, he said: “I decided that night that I was in too deep. I hadn’t prepared for the reading out of the letters. I said things that I think I shouldn’t have said because I wasn’t saying it to the right person. I thought, ‘I need to go and say what I’ve said in this letter to my mum’.”

Pete added: “For them, it’s life and death. But it’s a TV show, and I’d reached my limit on a TV show. I’ve got absolutely no regrets about it.” When Pete made his debut on Strictly in September, he was cheered on by his beloved mum, Tracy, in the audience. The former TOWIE star has opened up about how he found his parent in their kitchen after she attempted suicide. In his new memoir, Pete tells how, terrified, he phoned his nan Doreen for help and then called an ambulance before trying to keep his mum alive.

Reliving the night, the star said: “I saw her sitting at the table, which had been covered in blood. I saw the blood dripping first. She was holding a knife in her other hand. Immediately, I ran over to her to take the knife from her hand. Before that, she had seemed almost possessed – it was like my mum had gone and someone (or something) else had taken over her body.”

In his book, Never Enough, Pete says the aftermath of the trauma affected him hugely as he became protective of Tracy. She raised him as a single mum with Doreen in Harlow, Essex, after she split from Pete’s dad when Pete was 11. But also he blamed himself.

He says: “I didn’t say it, but I believed it was my fault. I had been with Mum before it happened. I had agreed to go upstairs. I had stayed upstairs even though I could hear her wailing. If it was anyone’s fault, it was mine. Looking back, I know that my responsibility was probably overwhelming in that moment. I was the child, and I needed to be looked after. Instead, I had to look after my parent and suppress all the fear, panic, loneliness and self-blame that was beginning to grow inside me.”

Fortunately, Tracy made a fast recovery and was quickly out of hospital. She apologised to her son and said it was a “moment of madness” that would never happen again.

As Princess Catherine prepares to return to her royal duties after completing chemotherapy, she has expressed immense gratitude for the unwavering support of her husband, Prince William.

In her latest announcement video, Catherine emphasized how William has been a constant presence throughout her health journey, standing by her side through every step of the battle.

But William’s steadfast devotion has not only been directed toward Catherine—it extends to her entire family, particularly the Middletons, who have also faced the pressures of royal life in their own ways.

Catherine’s brother, James Middleton, recently opened up about these challenges in his memoir, where he reflected on the impact of public scrutiny that comes with being part of the royal family.

He praised Prince William for being a “crucial figure” in shielding their family from the more difficult aspects of this lifestyle.

In a poignant passage, James shared, “William was a support for us as a family. He did everything he could to protect us from the intense interest, not only for Catherine but for her immediate family.” This candid insight highlights a side of royal life that is less visible—the toll it takes on loved ones and how William took on the responsibility of protecting the Middletons from this burden.

Prince William and Princess Catherine have long cherished their close relationship with Catherine’s family, especially her parents, Carole and Michael Middleton. Over the years, the Middleton family’s home in Bucklebury,  Berkshire, has become a beloved retreat for the couple, providing a quiet sanctuary where they can spend quality time with their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. This rural estate, nestled in the Berkshire countryside, offers the family a peaceful escape from the public eye, where they can enjoy simple pleasures like countryside walks and outdoor activities.

William has played a protective role in ensuring that the Middletons receive the privacy and respect they deserve, shielding them from the relentless media attention that often accompanies royal status. His efforts to safeguard Catherine’s family reflect his deep understanding of the challenges that come with being in the public spotlight, given his own experiences growing up as a royal.

As Catherine returns to her royal responsibilities, rejuvenated after her treatment and bolstered by William’s support, it’s evident that their partnership is built on mutual respect and unwavering dedication. William’s commitment to looking after Catherine’s family, and his devotion during her health battle, highlight the strength of their bond. Behind their public roles, they share a deeply personal connection that shapes their lives.

As Catherine resumes her royal duties, she will undoubtedly continue to lean on William’s love and support. Thanks to his efforts, the Middleton family can rest assured that they too are being looked after, not only during Catherine’s health journey but as they navigate the unique challenges of their place in the world.

The Duke of Sussex recently told a journalist of his daughter’s hair “that it won’t be long until Lili can sit on hers”

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex smiles as he attends the WellChild Awards 2024 at the Royal Lancaster Hotel on Sept. 30, 2024 in London, England. Photo:Chris Jackson/Getty

Prince Harry’s two children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet weren’t far from his mind at last month’s WellChild Awards.

According to Sophie Vokes-Dudgeon, chief content officer at Hello!, the Duke of Sussex, 40, spoke about Archie, 5, and Lilibet, 3, at the event on Sept. 30 in London.

“From the moment he arrived in the reception room, he had an infectious energy about him, and there were no airs and graces at all as he chatted animatedly about his own children ahead of the event,” Vokes-Dudgeon wrote for the outlet.

Prince Harry Returns to U.K. Solo to Champion One of His Most Cherished Causes After N.Y.C. Visit

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex (C) smiles as he attends the WellChild Awards 2024 at the Royal Lancaster Hotel on Sept. 30, 2024 in London, England.Chris Jackson/Getty

The proud dad shared an anecdote about his kids’ hair — one that also included wife Meghan Markle. “Archie and Lili have been blessed with their mother’s thick hair, he told us, self-effacingly, as he marveled that it won’t be long until Lili can sit on hers,” Vokes-Dudgeon wrote.

Harry has spoken about his kids’ hair before, specifically its hue. During an interview on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Harry said of his mother Princess Diana’s Spencer family, “The Spencer gene is very, very strong. I actually really, genuinely thought at the beginning of my relationship [with Meghan] that, should this go the distance and we have kids, that there’s no way the ginger gene will stand up to my wife’s genes — but I was wrong!”

In addition to Harry’s red hair, all three of Princess Diana’s siblings — Lady Sarah McCorquodale, Lady Jane Fellowes and Earl Charles Spencer — all have red hair, as well.

Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, Princess Lilibet and Prince Archie in a still from the ‘Harry & Meghan’ docuseries on Netflix.Netflix/YouTube

As he traveled to the U.K. for the WellChild Awards and later went on to Africa, Vokes-Dudgeon wrote that “His wonderful wife Meghan was holding the fort, he said, her hands full with not only their two children but also their three dogs, which he joked were not quite house-trained. Not to mention the chickens!”

Vokes-Dudegon said that Prince Harry was “in his element” at the annual event. Harry has been patron of WellChild since 2007, and remains one of the few patronages he has kept since he and Meghan, 43, stepped back from their royal roles in 2020. The WellChild Awards celebrate the incredible courage and achievements of seriously ill children and also spotlight the dedication of those who care for them, from parents to nurses. At the Sept. 30 ceremony, Harry presented the award for the Most Inspirational Child (ages 4-6) and delivered a speech.

“These incredible young people, along with the dedicated caregivers, nurses and professionals who tirelessly support them, inspire us all,” Harry said in a statement. “It is a true privilege to recognize such extraordinary individuals.”

Harry has made attending the WellChild Awards a regular commitment, attending 12 ceremonies — and often spending meaningful time with the children and their families. Meghan memorably joined Harry for the awards ceremony in 2018 and 2019.

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex pose for a photograph with award winner William Magee during the annual WellChild Awards in London on Oct. 15, 2019. TOBY MELVILLE/POOL/AFP/Getty

In his speech at this year’s event, Archie and Lilibet remained top of mind: “As a parent, I know a little about the emotional rollercoaster of parenting!” Prince Harry said. “But when I hear about the care many of you mums, dads and family members provide, the level of round-the-clock care you offer, the skills you’ve had to learn and the battles for support that you fight every single day, I am truly in awe.”

Prince Harry Receives a Gift From WellChild Award Recipient to Use in Case He Ever ‘Feels Down’

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attend the WellChild awards at Royal Lancaster Hotel on Sept. 4, 2018 in London, England.Victoria Jones – WPA Pool/Getty

Vokes-Dudegon wrote that spending time with the children being honored at the WellChild Awards is “something that has become even more profound for him since he became a father himself.” (Archie was born in May 2019, and Lilibet followed in June 2021.)

In addition to the milestone of becoming a father, Prince Harry also reached another important milestone recently — turning 40 on Sept. 15.

The Duke of Sussex said that “He was enjoying being 40 and had been told by friends that it was the best decade, so he had high hopes for it,” according to Vokes-Dudgeon.

As he enters a new phase of life personally, his professional life is shifting, as well. Insiders previously told PEOPLE that, in their public lives, Harry is immersed in philanthropic efforts, while Meghan is leaning into entrepreneurial projects and commercial ventures.

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attend the athletics on day two of the Invictus Games 2020 at Zuiderpark on April 17, 2022 in The Hague, Netherlands.Samir Hussein/WireImage

“It’s clear that a twin-track approach is evolving,” a friend told PEOPLE.

A royal insider echoed this sentiment, adding, “The Duke and Duchess have now hit their stride as individuals — not just as a couple. The Duke appears focused on his patronage work, and the Duchess focused on her entrepreneurial track.”

Can’t get enough of PEOPLE’s Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more!

Inside Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s New Dynamic: ‘A Twin-Track Approach Is Evolving,’ Friend Says (Exclusive)

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attend the 2024 ESPY Awards at Dolby Theatre on July 11, 2024 in Hollywood, California.Kevin Mazur/Getty

This doesn’t mean, though, that the couple aren’t still collaborating together professionally. Case in point: they recently launched The Parents Network, a new initiative to support families impacted by online harm, and insiders confirm joint efforts like this will continue even as their individual projects expand, as “there will be joint efforts around those cause-driven areas of work,” the friend added.

Ultimately, their dynamic reflects a balanced partnership, where individual passions complement their joint mission. “With their recent trips to Nigeria and Colombia, as well as their foundation-led events, it is still evident they show up together for the causes they jointly support,” the royal insider said. “What we are seeing is a functional and healthy relationship with two working partners, not the contrary.”

Royal experts have suggested that Meghan Markle could follow in Prince Harry’s footsteps by penning her memoir.

A source told the outlet: “The word in publishing circles is that everyone’s mad to land Meghan’s memoirs and the numbers being thrown around are ridiculously high.

“We’re talking tens of millions for her authorised biography – it’s going to get to the point where she can’t say no.

“And love her or hate her, there’s no denying that she has an insight into the royals that no one else can share.”

The insider claimed that Megahn has a “remarkable story”, and it’s just a question of finding the right timing.

Prince Harry and Prince William are not on speaking terms following several claims the Duke of Sussex made against his older brother in his own bombshell memoir, Spare.

According to a new report, King Charles faced a challenging moment in his health journey, as he was taken to the hospital for cancer treatment just a day before delivering a historic speech on D-Day.

The 75-year-old monarch demonstrated immense determination, putting on a brave face during public engagements to inspire courage among his loved ones.

Despite his health issues, he was eager to lead commemorative events, showing his commitment to honoring veterans.

The King was reportedly treated at a London hospital on Tuesday but still managed to travel to Portsmouth the following day, where he delivered an 8-minute speech. This appearance came after his medical team cleared him to carry out his public duties in April. However, there are growing concerns from health professionals and Queen Camilla about Charles’s dedication to his work, urging him to prioritize adequate rest to support his recovery.

After delivering his speech, which praised D-Day veterans and highlighted their bravery, Charles quickly traveled to Normandy, France, for the 80th anniversary celebration. His medical team advised him to shorten this appearance by 45 minutes due to the demanding schedule. Queen Camilla was visibly moved by her husband’s heartfelt tribute to the veterans, leading them to engage with some of the invited D-Day heroes.

Notably, Prince William stepped in to represent his father at the international ceremony on Omaha Beach, demonstrating a united front within the royal family during this difficult time. Royal insiders revealed that doctors were closely coordinating with royal staff to ensure that every event attended by the King was appropriately managed, leading to necessary compromises to safeguard his health.

In a heartfelt moment during a national commemoration event, King Charles addressed a group of veterans, expressing profound gratitude for their service during World War II. When asked about his health, he assured a soldier that he was doing well. His remarks reflected deep appreciation for the wartime generation, acknowledging their heroism in overcoming fascism.

Despite his health challenges, King Charles remains committed to participating in key royal events, including the upcoming Trooping the Colour parade, scheduled for June 15. However, there is speculation regarding whether Princess Kate will appear on the Buckingham Palace balcony, especially since she was unable to attend a significant royal event as Colonel of the Irish Guards just days earlier.

This situation highlights the delicate balance King Charles is attempting to maintain between his royal responsibilities and health needs as he navigates this critical period in his life.

Priпcess Catheriпe has opeпed the doors to her lavish £1.8 millioп apartmeпt iп Chelsea, leaviпg royal watchers aпd faпs bυzziпg with excitemeпt. This rare glimpse iпto her private life has revealed пot oпly her exqυisite taste bυt also her commitmeпt to family aпd moderп liviпg.

The Chelsea apartmeпt, which is located iп oпe of Loпdoп’s most prestigioυs пeighborhoods, boasts aп elegaпt desigп that perfectly reflects Catheriпe’s sophisticated style. Decorated iп a harmoпioυs palette of soft blυes aпd whites, the iпteriors exυde warmth aпd charm. Large wiпdows flood the space with пatυral light, acceпtυatiпg the carefυlly cυrated fυrпishiпgs aпd artwork that adorп the walls.

Catheriпe has choseп a mix of coпtemporary aпd classic decor, showcasiпg her love for both traditioп aпd moderпity. The liviпg room featυres a plυsh, iпvitiпg sofa sυrroυпded by tastefυl acceпts, while family photographs add a persoпal toυch, emphasiziпg the importaпce of her loved oпes iп her life.

What staпds oυt most aboυt the apartmeпt is its family-frieпdly atmosphere. Catheriпe has made sυre that the space is пot jυst lυxυrioυs bυt also practical for her three childreп—Priпce George, Priпcess Charlotte, aпd Priпce Loυis. The apartmeпt iпclυdes a dedicated playroom, filled with toys aпd books, eпsυriпg that her childreп have a fυп aпd safe eпviroпmeпt to grow aпd explore.

Iп the kitcheп, which is both stylish aпd fυпctioпal, Catheriпe has opted for high-eпd appliaпces that allow for family cookiпg sessioпs. Soυrces close to the royal family reveal that she eпjoys prepariпg meals for her family aпd ofteп eпgages her childreп iп the process, fosteriпg a seпse of togetherпess.

A Cozy Retreat

The apartmeпt also featυres a cozy readiпg пook, complete with a selectioп of books aпd comfortable seatiпg—perfect for qυiet eveпiпgs after a bυsy day of royal dυties. Catheriпe has expressed her love for readiпg, aпd this sereпe corпer serves as a remiпder of her passioп for literatυre aпd the importaпce of пυrtυriпg creativity iп her childreп.

Secυrity aпd Privacy

While royal life ofteп attracts pυblic scrυtiпy, Catheriпe has eпsυred that her Chelsea resideпce remaiпs a secυre haveп for her family. Eпhaпced secυrity measυres are iп place, allowiпg the family to eпjoy their home withoυt compromisiпg their privacy. This aspect of royal liviпg is crυcial, especially for the yoυпg childreп, who are still пavigatiпg life iп the pυblic eye.

A Statemeпt of Moderп Royalty

Catheriпe’s decisioп to give a glimpse iпto her Chelsea apartmeпt marks a sigпificaпt momeпt for the royal family, showcasiпg a moderп approach to royal liviпg. By bleпdiпg elegaпce with family practicality, she demoпstrates that royalty caп be relatable aпd dowп-to-earth.

Royal experts believe this υпexpected reveal may sigпal a shift iп the royal family’s approach to traпspareпcy aпd accessibility. “Catheriпe’s opeппess aboυt her home life resoпates with the pυblic,” a royal commeпtator stated. “It highlights her commitmeпt to family valυes aпd moderп pareпtiпg while retaiпiпg the grace expected of a royal.”

From a hands-on approach to parenting to getting real about mental health, the People’s Princess did things her way

PRINCESS DIANA WAS FIRST TO HAVE A PAYING JOB BEFORE HER MARRIAGE

Tim Graham/Getty Images

Despite being Lady Diana Spencer — her father was 8th Earl Spencer —she worked as a nanny and a nursery school teacher in London, making her the first royal bride to have had a paying job before her engagement.

02of 12

SHE CHOSE HER OWN ENGAGEMENT RING — FROM A CATALOGUE

Tim Graham/Getty Images

Prince Charles gave Diana perhaps her most iconic piece of jewelry: her sapphire and diamond engagement ring. However, rather than create a custom band for his bride, as is royal tradition, Diana chose stunner from the jeweler Garrard’s catalog.

Of course, the ring still has special significance — which is why Prince William gave it to Kate Middleton when he proposed. Nowadays, Kate is rarely seen without the sweet reminder.

03of 12

DIANA CHANGED HER WEDDING VOWS

Anwar Hussein/Getty

Even after Queen Elizabeth insisted on including that she would “obey” Prince Philip in their wedding vows, Diana omitted the line from their 1981 nuptials. Instead, she promised to ”love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health.”

The decision was controversial at the time, and others after her did vow obedience when they married into the royal family, including Sarah Ferguson and Sophie Rhys-Jones in 1986 and 1999, respectively.

Both Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle followed Diana’s lead and kept “obey” out of their wedding vows.

04of 12

SHE GAVE BIRTH IN A HOSPITAL

Anwar Hussein/Getty Images

Up until the 1977 birth of the first of Queen Elizabeth’s grandchildren, Peter Phillips, royal births occurred at home (even for the Queen!).

The post-birth appearance outside the Lindo Wing of St. Mary’s Hospital has become something of a royal tradition — started by Diana. She and Prince Charles introduced their sons to the world right outside the hospital, and William and Kate followed in their footsteps with all three of their children.

05of 12

DIANA WAS A HANDS-ON PARENT

A.G. Carrick/Diana Memorial Fund/Getty

While raising young royals was often left to nannies while the parents took on their duties, Princess Diana made sure to make being a mother her top priorty.

She and Charles even took then 9-month-year-old William with them on an official visit to Australia and New Zealand in March 1983, a decision that was unprecedented at the time.

Both Prince William and Prince Harry have followed her lead, taking their young children on royal tours with them.

06of 12

SHE SENT HER KIDS TO PUBLIC SCHOOL

Tim Graham/Getty Images

No royal tutors and homeschooling for Diana’s son! Prince William became the first heir to the British throne to attend public school at the urging of his mom.

“The decision to have William, 3, develop his finger-painting skills among commoners showed the influence of Diana, Princess of Wales, who had worked in a nursery school herself when she was just a Lady,” George Hackett wrote in Newsweek in 1985 of William going to Jane Mynor’s nursery school.

07of 12

SHE GAVE HER KIDS REAL WORLD EXPERIENCES

Julian Parker/UK Press/Getty

In addition to attending school with regular kids, Princess Diana made sure they had experiences that would ensure her boys had a sense of a “normal” childhood. This included trips to theme parks, using public transportation and enjoying hamburgers from McDonald’s.

08of 12

THE ROYAL WAS CANDID WITH THE PRESS

Antony Jones/UK Press via Getty

While other royals kept a stiff upper lip, Diana was honest about the less-than-glamorous parts of her life — especially when her marriage fell apart.

Charles and Diana separated in 1992. That same year, Diana gave an explosive interview to BBC’s Panorama, in which she is candid about the affair, saying, “Well, there were three of us in this marriage, so it was a bit crowded,” referring to Philip’s then-mistress and second wife, Camilla.

09of 12

SHE CHOSE NOT TO WEAR HATS OR GLOVES

Tim Graham/Getty

The Queen is often seen in one of her signature hats and almost always wears gloves while shaking hands at events. However, Diana dropped the practice.

“She abandoned the royal protocol of wearing gloves because she liked to hold hands when visiting people or shake hands and have direct contact,” Eleri Lynn, the curator of an exhibit on Diana’s style, previously told PEOPLE. “She also stopped wearing hats because she said, ‘You can’t cuddle a child in a hat.’ “

10of 12

SHE WORE BLACK

Anwar Hussein/Getty

Diana is known as a fashion icon, and even wearing the most basic colors was a statement. Queen Elizabeth typically wears a rainbow of bright clothes so her royal fans can easily spot her in a crowd, and black is reserved for somber occasions. Diana wore her fair share of bold shades — however, she knew there was nothing quite like a little black dress or a cool neutral.

11of 12

DIANA DESTIGMATIZED AIDS

News Group/REX/Shutterstock

At the height of the AIDS epidemic in 1987, Princess Diana did something truly remarkable: She shook hands with an AIDS patient in London, a simple act that reverberated around the globe and smashed stigmas at a time when public fears about catching the disease were prevalent.

“She was very real and very about human contact,” her brother Charles, 9th Earl Spencer, previously told PEOPLE. “And what really mattered that day was to get across a very clear message that, ‘I’m going to touch this gentleman — and you can all exist in a community with people who are suffering, and we must help.”

Today, her sons Prince William and Prince Harry have carried on the mantle of her work of breaking down barriers toward public health, with Harry taking an HIV test alongside Grammy winner Rihanna in 2017.

12of 12

SHE GOT REAL ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH

Princess Diana. Tim Rooke/REX/Shutterstock

In 1992, Andrew Morton published Diana: Her True Story, which revealed that the princess was living with the eating disorder. In an 1995 interview with BBC, she described bulimia as a “symptom of what was going on in my marriage.”

Her sons have continued her work to destigmatize mental health issues.

“We need to normalize the conversation about mental health,” Prince William said in the documentary Wasting Away: The Truth About Anorexia. “We need to be matter-of-fact about it, and not hide it in the dark where it festers.”