REMEMBERING ENGLAND'S ROSE: Four Years Later

by Jill C. Hindman features editor

Known as "the queen in people's hearts," Princess Diana did not see herself as such at all. Aug 31 marked the four-year anniversary of her death.

She was a shy blonde with blue eyes and a warm smile that captured the hearts of people all over the world. Diana who started off as a kindergarten teacher took on her role in royalty at just 20 years old when she married Prince Charles who was 10 years her senior. Her wedding was that of a fairytale, or so it appeared.

Although she held the title of princess, Diana battled bulimia, suffered from depression and attempted suicide. Her marriage ended in 1996. Despite all of her hardships Diana continued to use her publicity in a positive way.

Diana worked with the elderly, the sick and was an advocate for AIDS awareness. In the late 80s she shook the hand of an AIDS patient on television and changed the minds of those who were ignorant to the disease.

Diana's death was a shock that saddened the entire world. A woman of such beauty and grace was taken from us at such a young age.

After her death she was described by Nelson Mandela as "an ambassador for victims of landmines, war orphans, the sick and needy throughout the.world."

Mother Teresa remembered her as "very concerned for the poor. She was very anxious to do something for them that is why she was close to me."

Diana will always be remembered as a woman with a beautiful heart and a gentle soul.