20th Anniversary of the Death of Princess Diana

Some events are never forgotten, and you remember exactly where you were and what you were doing when they occurred.  Such is the case with Princess Diana.  It was a Saturday night in 1997, and I was watching my three oldest grandchildren while my daughter was standing up in her girlfriend's wedding, when the news flash came across the television screen announcing that Princess Diana had been in a terrible car accident.  

Today I brought out my two teacups that honor her.  In 2011 my girlfriend and I visited Diana - A Celebration Exhibit when it came to Grand Rapids on its travels around the country.  I purchased a tin of tea from Althorp at the exhibit, but not the teacup and regretted it long afterwards.  This past February my good friend, Angela, at Tea With Friends blog, surprised me with it on my birthday. Isn't it beautiful?  The teacup doesn't have a name, but I call it "England's Rose."

I don't remember where I purchased the other teacup, but it's displayed in my china cabinet year-round with my other 'royal' teacups.

I've solemnly looked through some of my Princess Diana books today while reflecting on her life. She truly was the Queen of Hearts, and People's Princess.  It doesn't seem like 20 years have lapsed since her tragic passing at just 36 years of age.

In 2015 when my daughter and I visited London, we saw the "Innocent Victims" sculpture of Diana and Dodi in Harrod's along with the Eternal Flame.

We also saw the "Fashion Rules" exhibit at Kensington Palace with exquisite gowns worn by Princess Diana, Queen Elizabeth II, and Princess Margaret.

Her legacy lives on through her sons, Prince William and Prince Harry.  

The People's Princess

On this day eighteen years ago Princess Diana died in Paris, France from injuries sustained in a tragic automobile accident.  She was just 36 years old.

~ In Memory ~

Althorp, the Spenser family estate and Diana's final resting place, was on my list of places to visit when I went to England earlier this year, but we ran out of time.  Maybe next visit.  It hardly seems possible that 18 years have lapsed since her death.  I still remember the Saturday night the news of the accident came on television, and her passing in the early hours of Sunday morning.  It was such a sad ending to a young life.

While in England we did, however, see her memorial in Harrods.

And her gown display at Kensington Palace

How wonderful that William and Kate are lovingly keeping her memory alive.  He was just 15 when she died.  She would be so proud of the man he's become, and her two beautiful grandchildren.

~ Rest in Peace, Diana ~

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Today I'm joining Rose Chintz Cottage for Tea Time Tuesday