Key dates at a glance
Princess Diana was born on 1 July 1961 and died on 31 August 1997. Below are the verified details, sources, and context needed to understand these dates within her public biography.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Date of birth | 1 July 1961 | Official birth records |
| Place of birth | Sandringham Estate, Norfolk, England | Royal household archives |
| Date of death | 31 August 1997 | Official incident and coroner reports |
| Place of death | Hôtel Ritz Paris, crash in Pont de l’Alma tunnel, Paris | French judicial and hospital records |
| Age at death | 36 years old | Calculated from verified dates |
Biographical context for Diana’s birth date
Born 1 July 1961 at Sandringham, Diana was the fourth child of John Spencer, Viscount Althorp, and Frances Shand Kydd. Her birth occurred during a period of significant social change in the United Kingdom, yet her public role would later be defined by her marriage to Prince Charles, her charitable advocacy, and her modern approach to royal duties.
Why the birth date is consistently documented
Official records, including hospital reports and registry entries, confirm 1 July 1961. Publicly available timelines from the Royal Family and authoritative biographies corroborate this date with high consistency, making it a well-evidenced biographical anchor.
Circumstances surrounding Diana’s death
On 31 August 1997, Diana died as a result of injuries sustained in a car crash in the Pont de l’Alma tunnel in Paris. She was in the company of companion Dodi Fayed and driver Henri Paul, who also died. The subsequent investigations in both France and the United Kingdom produced detailed reports that are publicly accessible.
Key facts about the night of 30–31 August 1997
- Crash occurred shortly after midnight in central Paris.
- Diana was transported to the Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière and pronounced dead on arrival.
- Official inquiries identified multiple contributing factors, including speed and impairment.
Verified timeline summary
Turning points are best understood against a factual chronology. The following table highlights the span from birth to death and selected milestones that contextualize her public life.
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1 July 1961 | Born at Sandringham | Establishes exact age and era context |
| 29 July 1981 | Wedded Charles, Prince of Wales | Began high-profile royal role |
| 1990s | Humanitarian and advocacy work at peak | Global recognition and influence |
| 31 August 1997 | Died in Paris car crash | End of life; subject of official inquiries |
| 6 September 1997 | Funeral at Westminster Abbey | Marked national and global mourning |
Reliable sourcing and verification
Information about dates and key events comes from primary documents, including civil registries, royal publications, and formal investigation reports. Secondary coverage by reputable news organizations and academic works consistently references these primary records, reinforcing confidence in the verified dates.
Common questions and clarifications
Diana’s birth and death dates are among the most documented facts about her life. Misinformation can arise through informal retellings or speculative commentary; therefore, reliance on authoritative records and transparent sourcing is essential for accuracy.