Anti-Landmine Campaign

Diana participated in many movements for causes she supported, including her campaigning to ban landmines. She began her campaign to ban dangerous landmines in the 1990s. Her involvement in the anti-landmine campaign then led her to travel to Angola as a Red Cross volunteer in 1997. Diana’s passion for the anti-landmine campaign was in an effort to help spread awareness about the dangers and devastation that landmines can bring, especially among children. Not only did Diana travel to an area directly affected by landmines, but she also brought publicity to the topic, exposing to the world there truly was an issue at hand. Her efforts immensely paid off, "once again credited with being an international influence as a year after her death, the Ottawa Treaty was signed to internationally ban the use of landmines by 161 member states” (“Princess Diana”). Even after her passing her dedication still made an impact on many people affected by the use of landmines all around the world.

Advocating for Mental Health

It is no lie that Diana faced challenges with mental health issues during her life, especially behind the walls of Buckingham Palace. She struggled with bulimia, self-harm, and depression while being completely unsupported by the Royal family. Her mental illness was neglected, she was offered no counseling or help for her struggles. After her leaving the Royal Family, she made an effort to speak out about mental health issues among women. Diana had spoken out on various occasions about her struggles, exclaiming that “Maybe I was the first person ever to be in this family who ever had a depression or was ever openly tearful” (Nardino). Although mental health was not a commonly talked about topic during this time, she stepped out of the framework to bring awareness. She gave speeches not only about mental health but also about eating disorders to educate the public and make those who were struggling more comfortable.

Click here to watch a speech made by Diana about mental health.

Impact on Royal Family

Diana changed aspects of the royal family, modernizing it and creating a closer connection with the people. The monarchy which was hundreds of years old could be viewed as “old-fashioned” and Diana was nothing of the sort. She was young, sociable, and generous, engaging the people of England like never seen before. The Royal family was seen as untouchable, prime, and proper tucked away in Buckingham Palace.

The people’s love for Diana also created dissatisfaction with the monarchy after her passing. With the Royal family's uncaring response to Diana’s death, a divide was created between the Royal family and their people. It was known that the Royal family and Diana did not have the most ideal relationship, especially since their occasional feuding and disagreements were so publicized. The people of Britain who had adored Diana still expected some type of reaction and were especially upset when it came down to the Queen not speaking up, or showing any emotion after her death. A family that had been looked upon favorably for generations began to lose the respect of their people, all due to their love for Diana.