
Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!
Thank you for signing up to . You will receive a verification email shortly.
There was a problem. Please refresh the page and try again.
The day was August 31, 1997. I can very vividly remember hearing a bloodcurdling scream come from the kitchen of my family's 3-bedroom flat in south London. I rushed into the room to find my mother sitting on the floor, tears streaming down her face. "She's gone," my mom hiccuped, a trembling finger pointing to the television screen. On the screen, the worst news that any Londoner could have ever come across at the time: Princess Diana had been killed (opens in new tab) in a car accident.
It's been more than 20 years since that fateful day, but I will never forget the immense grief that swept the United Kingdom and the rest of the world. People everywhere had been moved by Princess Diana, touched by her kind smile and compassion. Although she was no longer technically considered "Her Royal Highness" after divorcing Prince Charles in 1996, Princess Diana had won us over—she was truly the people's princess.
With the 22nd anniversary of her passing fast approaching, the city of Paris wants to pay homage to the lost princess in a very special way. According to French outlet Le Monde (opens in new tab), The city is reportedly planning to rename the plaza right above the Pont de l'Alma road bridge "Place Diana," designating the exact location of Princess Di's tragic car crash as an official memorial site.
However, Parisians and tourists of the city alike have been paying their respects at that precise location long before the local government made its decision; the Flame of Liberty—a life size replica of the flame of the torch from the Statue of Liberty in New York City—is flanked on any given day by well-wishers and mourners paying their respect to the late princess.
The decision is a testament to the lasting and indelible impact of Princess Diana. Gone but never forgotten.
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
SUBSCRIBE HERE (opens in new tab)
RELATED STORIES
-
How to Wear Chelsea Boots, According to a Stylist
Alexandra Imgruth weighs in on the fall fashion favorite.
By Gabrielle Ulubay
-
Worth It: Tom Ford 004 Ocean Plastic Watch
The luxury timepiece was crafted completely from materials recovered from the ocean.
By Sara Holzman
-
The Best Shaving Creams For A Soothing Shave
Say goodbye to nicks and ingrown hairs.
By Julia Marzovilla
-
Kensington Palace Is a "Glorious Prison" for Prince William and Kate Middleton's Children, Royal Expert Says
They're always being watched there.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince Charles Left to Play Polo Just Hours After He and Princess Diana Brought Baby Harry Home
...excuse me, what?
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
'The Crown' Got This Detail From Charles and Diana's Australian Tour Wrong
It makes Prince Charles look worse than he did IRL.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
What Royal Couples' Wedding Cakes Say About Them: Expert
The Sussexes broke away from tradition.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
The Crucial Role Camilla's Ex-Husband Played at Charles and Diana's Wedding
Wow...
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince Harry Thought Diana's Family Would See Similarities Between Her and Meghan, But They Didn't: Tom Bower
They even warned him against marrying her, apparently.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
The Sussexes Got Into a "Monumental Argument" Over This Royal Snub, Apparently
Oof.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince William and Camilla's Daughter Had "Terrible Fights" Over Their Parents' Relationship, Reportedly
It can't have been easy.
By Iris Goldsztajn