Spring Break
It's Time To Let Princess Diana Go
Dafna Laskin
Issue date: 9/7/07 Section: Commentary
Not to insult Diana, to sterilize her death or criticize her life's work - but the public fascination with her can, at times, seem cult-like and exaggerated and - though I hesitate to use the word - rather pathetic. A recent survey in Britain revealed that about one-fourth of all Britons believe Diana truly was murdered in a royal plot - no doubt being strung along by Mohammed al-Fayed, Dodi's father, who maintains that his son was the victim of a plot by Prince Phillip and who will be opening up a private investigation later this year. It is hard to fault the elder Fayed, but it would seem to be a case of a grieving father unable to let go of his son, more so than a case of actual murder. The likelihood of a plot seems highly far-fetched, particularly in such an obvious manner.
The conspiracy theories surrounding Diana's death are arguably little more than the public's obsession with an attractive woman and, one can only assume, the desire of thousands of Britons, women and men alike, to live vicariously through the Princess, the images of her 1981 fairytale wedding so ingrained in their consciousness. Diana's obscurity before her marriage to Prince Charles was a trait with which many citizens could identify, and the scandal in which that marriage was mired only made her appear more genuine as a wife and mother.
Princes William and Harry threw their beloved mother a massive birthday party at Wembley Stadium in London this summer, a colossal concert with much of the proceeds headed to charity. They also organized a much-publicized, yet tasteful memorial on Aug. 31, the anniversary of her death, and these high-profile events should signify the end of Diana's era, the easing of a public craze and the dimming of the limelight.
London's Bishop Chartres, who presided over the memorial service for Diana, asked those in attendance to forget their suspicions and "let it end here." Chartres' words, intended for members of Diana's family who continually blame Charles for her death, should be a term by which all Britons abide. Lady Di's death was shocking, heartbreaking and a personal tragedy for her family. But 10 years on, it's time for the public who so vigilantly mourns her to let go - to stop harboring their wild suspicions and fixated theories and, once and for all, move on.
Staff columnist Dafna Laskin is a 7th-semester history and journalism double major. She can be contacted at Dafna.Laskin@UConn.edu
The conspiracy theories surrounding Diana's death are arguably little more than the public's obsession with an attractive woman and, one can only assume, the desire of thousands of Britons, women and men alike, to live vicariously through the Princess, the images of her 1981 fairytale wedding so ingrained in their consciousness. Diana's obscurity before her marriage to Prince Charles was a trait with which many citizens could identify, and the scandal in which that marriage was mired only made her appear more genuine as a wife and mother.
Princes William and Harry threw their beloved mother a massive birthday party at Wembley Stadium in London this summer, a colossal concert with much of the proceeds headed to charity. They also organized a much-publicized, yet tasteful memorial on Aug. 31, the anniversary of her death, and these high-profile events should signify the end of Diana's era, the easing of a public craze and the dimming of the limelight.
London's Bishop Chartres, who presided over the memorial service for Diana, asked those in attendance to forget their suspicions and "let it end here." Chartres' words, intended for members of Diana's family who continually blame Charles for her death, should be a term by which all Britons abide. Lady Di's death was shocking, heartbreaking and a personal tragedy for her family. But 10 years on, it's time for the public who so vigilantly mourns her to let go - to stop harboring their wild suspicions and fixated theories and, once and for all, move on.
Staff columnist Dafna Laskin is a 7th-semester history and journalism double major. She can be contacted at Dafna.Laskin@UConn.edu
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
jb
posted 9/07/07 @ 6:34 PM EST
Diana was killed this was not an accident. No, she should not be forgotten. BECAUSE THE ROYAL FAMILY, who is highly respected had a major part in her death. (Continued…)
Jacquelyne Sanders
posted 9/07/07 @ 7:47 PM EST
Sorry, but "icons" are not forgotten, they live on forever. Diana will always be the mother of the future King of England and thanks to her, the monarchy has changed a great deal. (Continued…)
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