The fascination with Diana, Princess of Wales, continues to evolve nearly three decades after her death. Edward White’s new book, Dianaworld: An Obsession, delves into the complex layers of public perception surrounding Diana. It examines how various communities—ranging from couturiers to politicians—have shaped her legacy, revealing how Diana has become an enduring symbol of British identity and global celebrity.
Christina Hance, a well-known Diana impersonator, shared her experiences in a 1996 BBC interview, expressing the emotional toll of her role. “I ended up a zombie just like her […] the strain of public life has been too much for both of us,” she remarked. Despite her fame and substantial earnings, Hance eventually distanced herself from the role. White’s book portrays her as just one of many individuals who have navigated the complexities of Diana’s public persona.
A Multifaceted Legacy
White’s exploration reveals how Diana represented different ideals to diverse groups. He argues that she was not only a “pale English rose” but also a figure who transcended social barriers, becoming a “post-imperial princess” admired globally. Diana’s connection to the United States was particularly notable; White states that she embodied “the American Dream,” transforming from a relatively ordinary background into an internationally recognized figure.
During her visits to countries like Pakistan and India, Diana’s image resonated with local audiences. A group of Pakistani women expressed excitement over the possibility of her marrying British-Pakistani cardiac surgeon Hasnat Khan, reflecting their cultural expectations. Similarly, in Japan, thousands of schoolchildren were gifted Diana robot dolls ahead of her tour in 1986, showcasing the far-reaching impact of her image.
Diana’s appeal extended into various communities, particularly among ethnic minorities and the LGBTQ+ community. Her early advocacy for HIV/AIDS awareness established a connection with gay individuals, intertwining her memory with notions of defiance and radical honesty. White notes, “the memory of her has become entwined with a particular idea of gay experience,” highlighting Diana’s role as a supportive figure.
The Complexity of Celebrity
White’s analysis goes beyond adoration to scrutinize the darker aspects of public fascination with Diana. He discusses the “sexual obsession” that permeated media portrayals, often filtered through a male gaze. This obsession was not limited to casual fans but also included paternalistic admirers who became self-appointed advisors. Notable figures like Clive James and Richard Attenborough offered guidance on how to navigate her royal duties, reflecting the conflicting emotions surrounding her image.
The book also touches on the conflicting perceptions of Diana after revelations about her personal life emerged. Former British MP Woodrow Wyatt initially admired her innocence but later adopted a more critical stance, illustrating the dichotomy between reverence and scrutiny that characterized Diana’s public life.
White’s narrative effectively captures the absurdities surrounding the obsession with Diana, using humor to highlight the disparity between her mythologized image and the reality of her experiences. He recounts moments such as a British cinema audience laughing at a poorly scripted biopic, illustrating how public perception often diverged from the truth.
In a poignant conclusion, White suggests that Diana’s legacy is marked by the multitude of identities she represented. “With her clones and impersonators crowding the streets from Kensington to Kyoto, at times over the last half century it has been difficult to tell where Diana stops and the rest of us begin,” he writes. This observation underscores the enduring complexity of Diana’s impact on culture and identity.
As the exploration of Diana’s life and legacy continues, Dianaworld offers a fresh perspective on the various ways in which she has been memorialized and mythologized. The book serves as a testament to the lasting influence of Diana, challenging readers to consider their own connections to her story and the cultural narratives that shape public figures.
