Death of Diana, Princess of Wales

BMJ 1997;315:562 (6 September)

Editorials

Death of Diana, Princess of Wales

A special life forged from adversity

The BMJ joins the British nation and people from all aroundthe world in mourning the death of Diana, Princess of Wales.Not often does it seem right to acknowledge grief over the deathof such a public figure from beyond the profession, but this time itdoes. The Prince of Wales was president of the BMA in its 150thanniversary year (1982), and we remember vividly the day whenthe princess visited BMA House. Even then she struck a different noteby asking to meet the families of those who worked here. Webrought in our children, and the day was much more memorablethan just another royal visit.

The princess associated herself with causes that matter to thoseconcerned about health. She campaigned on AIDS, leprosy, anddrug addiction; worked with sick children (particularly as presidentof the Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children in London);spoke of her own experiences of bulimia; and—most recently—raisedthe issue of landmines high up the international agenda. Sheseemed to speak so well to and for the vulnerable because ofthe difficulties in her own life. Her life was full of glamourand opportunity, but her gift was to create a very special life—andan inspiration to many—from adversity.

Richard Smith, Editor, BMJ

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Relevant Article

Death of Diana, Princess of Wales: Edwina R L Williams, Jean Meadows, Jose Catal, Mark Shevlin, Viv Brunsden, Stephanie Walker, Mark Davies, and Tina Ramkalawan
BMJ 1997 315: 1467. [Extract] [Full Text]

This article has been cited by other articles:

Williams, E. R L, Meadows, J., Catal, J., Shevlin, M., Brunsden, V., Walker, S., Davies, M., Ramkalawan, T. (1997). Death of Diana, Princess of Wales. BMJ 315: 1467-1467 [Full text]