01 July 2023 , 07:00
922
0
Today marks the anniversary of the late Princess Diana's birthday - when she would have celebrated turning 62.
Diana would have spent the special day surrounded by her nearest and dearest and most likely would have been inundated with kind wishes from adoring fans due to her incredible popularity.
Just two months before her tragic death in a car crash in Paris, the princess had turned 36 and received more than 90 bouquets of flowers and countless cards with sweet messages - a true testament to how loved she was around the world.
But arguably her most precious birthday wish came from her son, Prince Harry, who was away at school on the day.
Despite not being present to celebrate with his doting mum, he kindly rang her up, making all of his classmates sing Happy Birthday down the phone to her.
'I'm spending £20k on a new bathroom - but won't help my brother out with cash'
Princess Diana pictured on her 36th birthday in 1997 (Tim Graham Photo Library via Get)Alongside her private events with family to mark the occasion, Diana attended a very glitzy public do - the Tate Gallery's 100th-anniversary celebration in London.
She stunned in a black beaded dress which Moroccan designer Jacques Azagury gave her as a birthday present earlier that day - the gown went on to become one of her most iconic looks.
Speaking to Hello!, Jacques said: "Diana loved it. I believe she had another dress to wear but ended up wearing mine."
The 'people's princess' teamed it with a glistening emerald and diamond choker from the Royal Family's collection.
It was originally gifted to Queen Mary by the Ladies of India in 1911, and the Queen gave it to Diana on a lifetime loan shortly after her wedding to Charles.
She was joined by her brother, which was the last time he saw her (Tim Graham Photo Library via Get)
Princess Diana attended a glitzy gala on her final birthday (Getty Images)The event, which was sponsored by Chanel, was a very glamorous affair with an impressive guest list.
Diana was the guest of honour and was accompanied by her brother Charles Spencer. But it was tragically the last time he saw her.
Speaking at her funeral just a few weeks later, he said: "The last time I saw Diana was on July 1, her birthday in London, when typically she was not taking time to celebrate her special day with friends but was guest of honour at a special charity fundraising evening.
"She sparkled, of course."
In the months leading up to her birthday, Diana focused her attention on her humanitarian work, working tirelessly on her charity projects including assisting Mother Teresa in New York and visiting Lahore to raise money for a cancer charity.
'My sister tried to wear a wedding dress to my engagement party - I got revenge'
Jacques said: "She was happier than I had ever seen her.
"There was something about the way she carried herself; a certain new-found confidence".