Princess Diana: Headway Lunch, 1993

Princess Diana: …however, life and circumstances alter and I hope you will forgive me if I use this opportunity to share with you my plans for the future which now indeed have changed.

When I started my public life, twelve years ago, I understood the media might be interested in what I did. I realised then their attention would inevitably focus on both our private and public lives.

But I was not aware of how overwhelming that attention would become. Nor the extent to which it would affect both my public duties and my personal life, in a manner that’s been hard to bear.

Over the next few months I will be seeking a more suitable way of combining a meaningful public role, with hopefully, a more private life.

My first priority will continue to be our children, William and Harry, who deserve as much love, and care, and attention as I am able to give, as well as an appreciation of the tradition into which they were born.

[To the wider public, may I say that I’ve made many friends.] I’ve been allowed to share your thoughts and dreams, your disappointments and your happiness. You have also given me an education by teaching me more about life and living than any books or teachers could have done. My debt of gratitude to you all is immense. I hope, in some small way, I’ve been of service in return.