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It seems that even in death, Princess Diana cannot find peace. Recent news that some of Diana's personal letters are being sold at auction is yet another example of how the woman is still not being allowed to rest. The leaking and auctioning of these letters when Diana is no longer around to have a say in the matter is quite troubling.
The letters in question were written by Diana to her former housekeeper, Violet Kidd. According to reports, the letters offer glimpses into Diana's personal life and her thoughts on her young sons, Prince William and Prince Harry. In one letter from 1984, Diana expresses how William "adores his younger brother and spends the entire time pouring an endless supply hugs and kisses over Harry." These letters provide a rare look into Diana's life as a proud mother in happier times before her tragic death.
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However, one must question the ethics of auctioning off a deceased person's private letters, especially a figure as iconic as Diana. Who decided it was acceptable to leak these letters of Diana's to be profited off of? Did Violet Kidd herself make this decision, or was it somebody else acting in her place now? Where will the money from the auction even go? It seems highly inappropriate and disrespectful to Diana's memory. Even in death, it appears she cannot escape those who wish to profit from her fame and personal life story against her will.
The fact that Diana's letters are being treated as a money-making commodity instead of being kept private shows how she is still not shown proper respect. Ever since her passing, it has felt like Diana cannot truly rest in peace due to the continuous invasion of her privacy. From leaked phone calls to now her private letters, it always seems like there is more to leak and exploit about the late princess's life. Sadly, this latest incident proves that even over twenty years after her tragic death, Diana is still not being allowed the dignity and privacy she deserved.
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This leaked correspondence comes at an interesting time, as it provides hints about Diana's once close relationship with her sons William and Harry. Of course, in recent years there has been much public speculation about a rift growing between the brothers. If Diana were still alive today, it's hard to imagine she would approve of the divide reportedly caused by Prince William and Prince Charles' influence. Diana was always one to champion the underdog and stand up for those in need of support, so she likely would be firmly in Harry's corner as he makes his own way in life away from the constraints of the royal family. It's a real shame that these brothers, who Diana loved so deeply, have grown apart in her absence.
Adding to concerns about the modern royal family is new reports that the costs of their public engagements has risen by £300,000 to £4.2 million last year despite fewer appearances due to health issues for some senior royals. At a time when so many British citizens are suffering tremendous financial hardship amid the ongoing cost of living crisis, it is outrageous that so much taxpayer money is being funnelled to fund the lavish lifestyle of the wealthy royal family. £4.2 million could do an incredible amount of good if put towards helping people struggling with bills, homelessness, or food insecurity.
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Instead, that huge sum is paying for royals to carry out what should not even be considered "work"—simply showing up to planned public events is hardly the same as the actual work done by doctors, nurses, teachers or those in manual labour jobs. No royal "works harder" than others or deserves more praise, as their duties will always be heavily supported with taxpayer cash and security personnel on hand. Claims that certain royals like Princess Anne are the "hardest working" are simply propaganda spread by a sycophantic press. In reality, no royal works anywhere near as hard as those earning low wages while literally saving lives or keeping essential services running each day.
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At a time when citizens are tightening their belts, it is unjust for funding towards the royal family to be increasing at the same time their appearances decrease. Especially at a time when public faith in the institution is waning on the back of Prince Andrew's scandals and Prince Harry's criticisms of its neglect of mental health. There needs to be serious reforms to make the monarchy more modern, humble and better value for taxpayers' increasingly strained money. Until then, unrest over the growing wealth inequality in the UK will only continue to rise, with the lavish lives of royals like the Queen fueling valid arguments that it is long past time we moved beyond antiquated systems that prioritize hereditary wealth and status over citizens' basic welfare.
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