Princess Diana ’s life as a single woman is finally getting the credit they deserve. Better late than never right?
Princess Diana ‘s former apartment is gaining very special attention this year.
In April, English Heritage publicized that they are adding one of their famous blue plaques to the one-time home of Princess Diana.
As those who follow England’s royal family affairs and fans of the famous series, The Crown, are well aware, before being appointed princes, Diana Spencer shared a flat at Coleherne Court with her girlfriends including, Virginia Pitman, Carolyn Bartholomew, and Ann Bolton; the last place she lived as a commoner.
English Heritage’s curatorial director, Anna Eavis stated that they expect their plaque to Princess Diana of Wales to be very popular. Diana was a motivation and cultural icon for many of us. She raised awareness of issues such as landmines and homelessness. She also helped destigmatizing illnesses such as leprosy, depression, and HIV.
It seems befitting that English Heritage erects a plaque commemorating Princess Diana’s work and influence in what would have been her 60th year.
This plaque goes beyond being meaningful only for royal fans, it is also a part of English Heritages’ campaign to honour more women.
There are 900 plaques place around the U.K., but only 14 per cent honour women. To work this out, after Princess Diana there will be more to complete English Heritage’s “plaques for women” task and the purpose of their campaign. They aim to redress the dramatic gender imbalance in existing plaques.
Other women gaining recognition with the campaign as well, women like former slave Ellen Craft, social reformer Caroline Norton, crystallographer and peace campaigner Kathleen Lonsdale, designer Jean Muir, and barrister Helena Normanton.
As for how Princess Diana was one of the most inspiring women, her plaque is only the first step toward such a greater goal.