Princess Diana held many titles [1] as a royal, philanthropist, and fashion icon, but her most important role was that of mother. Diana gave birth to Prince William in 1982 and Prince Harry in 1984 during her marriage to Prince Charles. She sadly passed away in August 1997 when her sons were just 15 and 12 [2] years old, but she made it clear during her life how important they were to her. She further championed the importance of family with the causes she supported and the powerful messages she shared in her public life.
During those speeches and in a handful of interviews, Diana revealed her thoughts on motherhood, family, and her own children.
On Her Most Important Role as a Royal
"Most importantly, being a mother and a wife. That's what I try to achieve; whether I do is another thing, but I do try." — November 1985 [4]
On Her Hopes For Her Sons
"I want them to have an understanding of people's emotions, people's insecurities, people's distress, and people's hopes and dreams." — November 1995 [5]
On Hugging
"Hugging has no harmful side effects. If we all play our part in making our children feel valued, the result will be tremendous. There are potential huggers in every household." — November 1992 [6]
On Parenting Through Adversity
"I offer my congratulations to all families who remain cheerful, positive, and loving in adversity. And I also offer my support to everyone who helps them in this task." — February 1990 [7]
On Wanting a Family
"I came from a family where there were four of us, so we had enormous fun there. And then William and Harry arrived — fortunately two boys, it would have been a little tricky if it had been two girls — but that in itself brings the responsibilities of bringing them up, William's future being as it is, and Harry like a form of a back-up in that aspect." — November 1995 [8]
On Being Grateful
"I've got two very healthy strong boys, and it's not always the case with the families I'm meeting . . . and I realise how incredibly lucky I am." — November 1985 [9]
On Having Many Children
"William has brought us such happiness and contentment and consequently I can't wait for masses more." — After William's birth in 1982 [10]
On Pregnancy
"It had been quite a difficult pregnancy — I hadn't been very well throughout it — so by the time William arrived it was a great relief because it was all peaceful again, and I was well for a time. Then I was unwell with post-natal depression, which no one ever discusses, post-natal depression, you have to read about it afterwards, and that in itself was a bit of a difficult time. You'd wake up in the morning feeling you didn't want to get out of bed, you felt misunderstood, and just very, very low in yourself." — November 1995 [11]
On Leaving Her Children For Royal Duties
"They must have a stable life as much as we can give. And obviously taking them around the world isn't that. But they're very well looked after here." — November 1985 [12]
On Fighting For Her Children
"I will fight for my children on any level in order for them to be happy and have peace of mind and carry out their duties." — November 1995 [13]
On the Importance of Supporting Youth
"Every young person deserves a proper start in life. And those who have no family to turn to need to be able to rely on us as a society for the help and encouragement they need." — December 1995 [14]
On Her Priorities
"My first priority will continue to be our children, William and Harry, who deserve as much love and care and attention as I am able to give. As well as an appreciation of the tradition into which they were born." — December 1993 [15]
On Family Life
"I know that family life is extremely important and as a mother of two small boys I think we may have to find a securer way of helping our children. To nurture and prepare them to face life as stable and confident adults." — October 1988 [16]
On Sending William to Preschool
"I was [sad] because it's opening another chapter in my life and certainly William's, but he's ready for it. He's a very independent child." — November 1985 [17]