They are the defining images of newsmakers down the decades from Princess Diana to Brigitte Bardot to Pope John Paul II.

And now some 130 of the most iconic pictures taken by the French magazine Paris Match are to be auctioned on November 25 in Paris for prices of between 1,500-4,000 euros ($1,660-4,400).

The auction of the celebrated covers and double-spreads will mark the 70th anniversary of a publication whose trend-setting influence has always gone well beyond France.

The pictures include powerful images from nature and conflict zones and also of politicians ranging from the deposed shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, to Charles de Gaulle and late French president Jacques Chirac.

But among the most unforgettable are those of personalities who have shaped the zeitgeist of the last decades.

Perhaps the most famous is the image of Britain's Princess Diana, sitting alone on the diving board of a luxury yacht as a bird flies by, just a week before her death in a Paris road accident in 1997.

"Yes, it is a paparazzi photo, but it's one that has gone down in history. This photo is Diana, it's Lady Di and she only had eight days to live," said Marc Brincourt, former photo editor-in-chief at Paris Match and curator of the exhibition at the Cornette de Saint Cyr auction house in Paris.

"She is alone, on the diving board. And then the seagull going by," he added.

Another image, by photographer Jack Garofalo from 1974, celebrates the 40th birthday of actress Brigitte Bardot, her chest exposed and flowers in her hair.

"In order to pose like that in front of Jack Garofalo, you need to have trust," said Brincourt.

"There is a trust between the star and the photographer. Why? Because in that era, the stars were friends with the photographers and the Paris Match reporters," he added.&nbsp;

They are the defining images of newsmakers down the decades from Princess Diana to Brigitte Bardot to Pope John Paul II. And now some 130 of the most iconic pictures taken by the French magazine Paris Match are to be auctioned on November 25 in Paris for prices of between 1,500-4,000 euros ($1,660-4,400).

They are the defining images of newsmakers down the decades from Princess Diana to Brigitte Bardot to Pope John Paul II. And now some 130 of the most iconic pictures taken by the French magazine Paris Match are to be auctioned on November 25 in Paris for prices of between 1,500-4,000 euros ($1,660-4,400). The auction of the celebrated covers and double-spreads will mark the 70th anniversary of a publication whose trend-setting influence has always gone well beyond France. The pictures include powerful images from nature and conflict zones and also of politicians ranging from the deposed shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, to Charles de Gaulle and late French president Jacques Chirac. But among the most unforgettable are those of personalities who have shaped the zeitgeist of the last decades. Perhaps the most famous is the image of Britain's Princess Diana, sitting alone on the diving board of a luxury yacht as a bird flies by, just a week before her death in a Paris road accident in 1997. "Yes, it is a paparazzi photo, but it's one that has gone down in history. This photo is Diana, it's Lady Di and she only had eight days to live," said Marc Brincourt, former photo editor-in-chief at Paris Match and curator of the exhibition at the Cornette de Saint Cyr auction house in Paris. "She is alone, on the diving board. And then the seagull going by," he added. Another image, by photographer Jack Garofalo from 1974, celebrates the 40th birthday of actress Brigitte Bardot, her chest exposed and flowers in her hair. "In order to pose like that in front of Jack Garofalo, you need to have trust," said Brincourt. "There is a trust between the star and the photographer. Why? Because in that era, the stars were friends with the photographers and the Paris Match reporters," he added.

From Brigitte Bardot to Princess Diana, iconic Paris Match photos to get auctioned

Britain's Prince Harry and wife Meghan Markle are well placed to ride out the media storm around them and avoid the pitfalls that tore apart his parents, Charles and Diana, for the simplest of reasons, Diana's former butler said: They love each other.

Paul Burrell, a longtime royal servant who became Princess Diana's personal assistant and confidante, has watched as Harry has pushed back against media intrusion and sought to protect his wife, the American-born, biracial Duchess of Sussex.

"They (Charles and Diana) didn't have what Harry and Meghan have," Burrell told Reuters on Wednesday. "They didn't have love. And they (Harry and Meghan) love each other. It's quite obvious when you see them together."

Harry's parents, Charles, the Prince of Wales, and Diana, divorced in 1996 after 15 years of largely unhappy marriage, and his mother was killed in a 1997 road accident while being chased by paparazzi.

Burrell, 61, has become a frequent commentator on Diana and the royal family since leaving the palace after Diana's death and was in New York promoting a documentary at a contentious time for Prince Harry.

Harry, 35, said in a recently aired ITV interview that he would "not be bullied into playing a game that killed my mum." He and Meghan are also taking legal action against media groups to protect their privacy.

Prince William and his wife Kate Middleton have enjoyed a smoother ride from the palace and the press because their future is largely predetermined, Burrell said.

Prince William, 37, is second in line, after Prince Charles, 70, to the throne of Queen Elizabeth, 93. Harry is sixth in line, behind William's children.

The two brothers are often called "the heir and the spare," which Harry hates, Burrell said, and Harry also admitted to ITV that some distance had grown between them.

"Harry said that (he and William) are on different paths. I know what he means by that. William and Kate have a map in front of them. They're headed for the monarchy," Burrell said, adding that the Queen and Charles have left Harry to find his way.

"There's no guidance. There's no support. There's no rulebook," Burrell said.

To escape the glare, Harry and Meghan are considering buying a home in California, British media have said.

"I hope we don't lose Harry and Meghan (to California) because they are a tremendous asset to the royal family, and to Britain," Burrell said.&nbsp;

Britain's Prince Harry and wife Meghan Markle are well placed to ride out the media storm around them and avoid the pitfalls that tore apart his parents, Charles and Diana, for the simplest of reasons, Diana's former butler said: They love each other.

Britain's Prince Harry and wife Meghan Markle are well placed to ride out the media storm around them and avoid the pitfalls that tore apart his parents, Charles and Diana, for the simplest of reasons, Diana's former butler said: They love each other. Paul Burrell, a longtime royal servant who became Princess Diana's personal assistant and confidante, has watched as Harry has pushed back against media intrusion and sought to protect his wife, the American-born, biracial Duchess of Sussex. "They (Charles and Diana) didn't have what Harry and Meghan have," Burrell told Reuters on Wednesday. "They didn't have love. And they (Harry and Meghan) love each other. It's quite obvious when you see them together." Harry's parents, Charles, the Prince of Wales, and Diana, divorced in 1996 after 15 years of largely unhappy marriage, and his mother was killed in a 1997 road accident while being chased by paparazzi. Burrell, 61, has become a frequent commentator on Diana and the royal family since leaving the palace after Diana's death and was in New York promoting a documentary at a contentious time for Prince Harry. Harry, 35, said in a recently aired ITV interview that he would "not be bullied into playing a game that killed my mum." He and Meghan are also taking legal action against media groups to protect their privacy. Prince William and his wife Kate Middleton have enjoyed a smoother ride from the palace and the press because their future is largely predetermined, Burrell said. Prince William, 37, is second in line, after Prince Charles, 70, to the throne of Queen Elizabeth, 93. Harry is sixth in line, behind William's children. The two brothers are often called "the heir and the spare," which Harry hates, Burrell said, and Harry also admitted to ITV that some distance had grown between them. "Harry said that (he and William) are on different paths. I know what he means by that. William and Kate have a map in front of them. They're headed for the monarchy," Burrell said, adding that the Queen and Charles have left Harry to find his way. "There's no guidance. There's no support. There's no rulebook," Burrell said. To escape the glare, Harry and Meghan are considering buying a home in California, British media have said. "I hope we don't lose Harry and Meghan (to California) because they are a tremendous asset to the royal family, and to Britain," Burrell said.

Love will help Harry and Meghan avoid fate of Charles and Diana, ex-butler says

The Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry is walking in the footsteps of his late mother Princess Diana who helped in transforming the global perspective on HIV and AIDS. 
 
On his royal Africa tour, Prince Harry paid a visit to the Born Free to shine project in Luanda, Angola on Saturday and met a group of to-be mothers and also hung out with HIV+ teens. 
 
His meet-up with the teens comes after a visit to a landmine field in Angola, just as his mother did in 1997. He then headed to the exact site where his mother walked 22 years ago in Huambo. 
 
"It has been emotional retracing my mother's steps along this street 22 years on, and to see the transformation that has taken place, from an unsafe and desolate place into a vibrant community of local businesses and colleges," Harry said in a speech at the site. 
<img alt=" UK's Prince Harry " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="56f277ac-63b6-4df0-8f64-eb93ef2ae76a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2840%29.jpg" /> 
He continued, "I am incredibly proud as I know my mother would've been, of the role that the United Kingdom has played in this transformation through funding and the expertise brought by UK specialist organisations such as the HALO Trust and Mines Advisory Group". 
 
His mother had also visited the London Middlesex Hospital to open UK's first unit dedicated to treating people with HIV and AIDS back in April 1987". 
 
When, that April, she shook the hand of a 32-year-old man with HIV, in front of the cameras, she knew exactly what she was doing," People quoted Prince Harry in a speech made while accepting the Attitude Legacy Award on his mother's behalf in 2017". 
 
She was using her position as Princess of Wales, the most famous woman in the world, to challenge everyone to educate themselves, to find their compassion, and to reach out to those who need help instead of pushing them away," he added. 
 
Next week, the Prince will rejoin wife Meghan Markle and son Archie in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry is walking in the footsteps of his late mother Princess Diana who helped in transforming the global perspective on HIV and AIDS.

The Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry is walking in the footsteps of his late mother Princess Diana who helped in transforming the global perspective on HIV and AIDS. On his royal Africa tour, Prince Harry paid a visit to the Born Free to shine project in Luanda, Angola on Saturday and met a group of to-be mothers and also hung out with HIV+ teens. His meet-up with the teens comes after a visit to a landmine field in Angola, just as his mother did in 1997. He then headed to the exact site where his mother walked 22 years ago in Huambo. "It has been emotional retracing my mother's steps along this street 22 years on, and to see the transformation that has taken place, from an unsafe and desolate place into a vibrant community of local businesses and colleges," Harry said in a speech at the site. He continued, "I am incredibly proud as I know my mother would've been, of the role that the United Kingdom has played in this transformation through funding and the expertise brought by UK specialist organisations such as the HALO Trust and Mines Advisory Group". His mother had also visited the London Middlesex Hospital to open UK's first unit dedicated to treating people with HIV and AIDS back in April 1987". When, that April, she shook the hand of a 32-year-old man with HIV, in front of the cameras, she knew exactly what she was doing," People quoted Prince Harry in a speech made while accepting the Attitude Legacy Award on his mother's behalf in 2017". She was using her position as Princess of Wales, the most famous woman in the world, to challenge everyone to educate themselves, to find their compassion, and to reach out to those who need help instead of pushing them away," he added. Next week, the Prince will rejoin wife Meghan Markle and son Archie in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Walking in Princess Diana's footsteps, Prince Harry meets HIV positive teens in Angola

Britain's Prince Harry honoured his late mother Princess Diana, who died in a Paris car crash 20 years ago, whilst speaking at a mentoring event in London on Tuesday.

Britain's Prince Harry remembers Diana at mentoring summit

Netflix’s ‘The Crown’ is likely to make a comeback later this year and we have news on who will be playing Princess Diana in the drama series.&nbsp;

Newcomer actress Emma Corrin will play the late Princess’s role in the fourth season. The announcement was made as part of a press note by the streaming service on Wednesday.&nbsp;

The creator of the show, Peter Morgan said that Corrin had the innocence and complexity to play Diana. He said, “Emma is a brilliant talent who immediately captivated us when she came in for the part of Diana Spencer.”

Sharing her excitement, Corrin said, “Beyond excited and honoured to be joining The Crown for its fourth season.” She added, “Princess Diana was an icon, and her effect on the world remains profound and inspiring. To be given the chance to explore her through Peter Morgan’s writing is the most exceptional opportunity, and I will strive to do her justice!”

Corrin was seen in an episode of the British series ‘Grantchester’ that came out in 2014.&nbsp;

The first two seasons had Claire Foy play the role of Queen Elizabeth, who is currently the monarch of England. It was announced last year that oscar-winning actress olivia Colman will replace Claire in the third season as the Queen ages and another chapter in her life and those around her is shown.&nbsp;

We earlier told you that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/entertainment-this-actress-will-play-princess-anne-in-the-crown-season-3-147005">Princess Anne will be portrayed by Erin Doherty</a> of the fame ‘Call the Midwife’ while <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/entertainment-actor-tobias-menzies-roped-in-to-play-prince-philip-in-netflixs-the-crown--126995">Tobias Menzies will play the role of Prince Philip</a>, replacing Matt Smith who played Philip in the first two seasons.&nbsp;

Among other changes in the cast, Helena Bonham Carter will play the Queen’s sister, Princess Margaret, replacing Vanessa Kirby.&nbsp;

Netflix’s ‘The Crown’ is likely to make a comeback later this year and we have news on who will be playing Princess Diana in the drama series. Newcomer actress Emma Corrin will play the late Princess’s role in the fourth season.

Netflix’s ‘The Crown’ is likely to make a comeback later this year and we have news on who will be playing Princess Diana in the drama series. Newcomer actress Emma Corrin will play the late Princess’s role in the fourth season. The announcement was made as part of a press note by the streaming service on Wednesday. The creator of the show, Peter Morgan said that Corrin had the innocence and complexity to play Diana. He said, “Emma is a brilliant talent who immediately captivated us when she came in for the part of Diana Spencer.” Sharing her excitement, Corrin said, “Beyond excited and honoured to be joining The Crown for its fourth season.” She added, “Princess Diana was an icon, and her effect on the world remains profound and inspiring. To be given the chance to explore her through Peter Morgan’s writing is the most exceptional opportunity, and I will strive to do her justice!” Corrin was seen in an episode of the British series ‘Grantchester’ that came out in 2014. The first two seasons had Claire Foy play the role of Queen Elizabeth, who is currently the monarch of England. It was announced last year that oscar-winning actress olivia Colman will replace Claire in the third season as the Queen ages and another chapter in her life and those around her is shown. We earlier told you that Princess Anne will be portrayed by Erin Doherty of the fame ‘Call the Midwife’ while Tobias Menzies will play the role of Prince Philip, replacing Matt Smith who played Philip in the first two seasons. Among other changes in the cast, Helena Bonham Carter will play the Queen’s sister, Princess Margaret, replacing Vanessa Kirby.

Newcomer actress Emma Corrin to play Princess Diana in 'The Crown' season 4

What will Britain's Prince Harry and his wife Meghan name their child?

With the former actress in the last stage of her pregnancy, punters are having a flutter on the baby's gender, weight, date and birthplace. One of the most popular wagers is for the name. For a boy, Arthur is leading the pack at bookmakers William Hill but if it's a girl, many expect the Duke and Duchess of Sussex could pay tribute to Harry's late mother.

"Diana (is) 10/1 red hot favourite, no great surprises there," William Hill spokesman Rupert Adams said. "But the recent move is for Victoria also 10/1, (people) really like it."

Queen Elizabeth's grandson and his American wife, who married last May, announced in October they were expecting their first child this spring.

In January, Meghan told well-wishers she was six months pregnant, adding the couple did not know the baby's gender.

William Hill odds were 8/11 for a girl and evens for a boy earlier this week. At Betfair, the odds have shortened on a girl, and the favourite name is Diana at 5/1, Betfair Media Relations Manager Katie Baylis said.

Baylis said another possibility was Alice, a name that was among those speculated when Prince William and his wife Kate were expecting their third child last year. Kate eventually gave birth to a boy, Prince Louis.

"Punters feel that there will at some point be an Alice in the royal family and so we've seen plenty of interest in that name as well," she said.

The mother of Harry's grandfather Prince Philip was called Alice.

Betfair has odds of 8/1 for Arthur. Alice, Victoria, Grace, James and Edward each stand at 14/1. Diana and Arthur are also among favourites at other bookmakers.

Other wagers have included who will be godparents to the baby, the date and time of birth, and if Meghan will have twins.

"Comparative to (Prince William and Kate) the Harry betting is significantly more at this stage, so 30 odd per cent (more) ... in real terms that's huge," Adams said.

Outside Buckingham Palace, sightseers shared their name preferences.

"I would put money on a girl and Victoria (as a name) because we could call her Tori," tourist Sarah Owens said.

Fellow sightseer Danni Ma picked Mary: "(It) sounds very old fashioned but it is Meghan and Harry (combined)."

What will Britain's Prince Harry and his wife Meghan name their child? With the former actress in the last stage of her pregnancy, punters are having a flutter on the baby's gender, weight, date and birthplace.

What will Britain's Prince Harry and his wife Meghan name their child? With the former actress in the last stage of her pregnancy, punters are having a flutter on the baby's gender, weight, date and birthplace. One of the most popular wagers is for the name. For a boy, Arthur is leading the pack at bookmakers William Hill but if it's a girl, many expect the Duke and Duchess of Sussex could pay tribute to Harry's late mother. "Diana (is) 10/1 red hot favourite, no great surprises there," William Hill spokesman Rupert Adams said. "But the recent move is for Victoria also 10/1, (people) really like it." Queen Elizabeth's grandson and his American wife, who married last May, announced in October they were expecting their first child this spring. In January, Meghan told well-wishers she was six months pregnant, adding the couple did not know the baby's gender. William Hill odds were 8/11 for a girl and evens for a boy earlier this week. At Betfair, the odds have shortened on a girl, and the favourite name is Diana at 5/1, Betfair Media Relations Manager Katie Baylis said. Baylis said another possibility was Alice, a name that was among those speculated when Prince William and his wife Kate were expecting their third child last year. Kate eventually gave birth to a boy, Prince Louis. "Punters feel that there will at some point be an Alice in the royal family and so we've seen plenty of interest in that name as well," she said. The mother of Harry's grandfather Prince Philip was called Alice. Betfair has odds of 8/1 for Arthur. Alice, Victoria, Grace, James and Edward each stand at 14/1. Diana and Arthur are also among favourites at other bookmakers. Other wagers have included who will be godparents to the baby, the date and time of birth, and if Meghan will have twins. "Comparative to (Prince William and Kate) the Harry betting is significantly more at this stage, so 30 odd per cent (more) ... in real terms that's huge," Adams said. Outside Buckingham Palace, sightseers shared their name preferences. "I would put money on a girl and Victoria (as a name) because we could call her Tori," tourist Sarah Owens said. Fellow sightseer Danni Ma picked Mary: "(It) sounds very old fashioned but it is Meghan and Harry (combined)."

Baby Diana or little Arthur? Bets on for royal baby name for Harry and Meghan's firstborn

Tracing the birth of British royal babies: From now Queen Elizabeth to youngest member Prince Louis

For all those who keep a tab on upcoming musicals would know that a new feature is being made on the life of Princess Diana. Actress Jeanna de Waal has been signed as the lead actress of the musical, set to play Princess of Wales.&nbsp;

Jeanna has previously been a part of Broadway in Kinky Boots and American Idiot.&nbsp;

About the musical on Princess Diana’s life, it is set to begin in February next year at San Diego’s La Jolla Playhouse.&nbsp;

After Jeanna was offered Di’s role, Jeanna admitted to feeling both intimidated by the role and thrilled. She said, "To bring Diana to life onstage is obviously a huge privilege. I feel very daunted by the prospect, but I hope people who didn't know about her and weren't aware of her journey leave the theatre with an idea of what she did for the world. She made everyone feel special, from the highest person to the lowest-ranking person, and I think we want to celebrate her."

The musical will be set in the year 1981, the year that Diana wed Prince Charles and became a member of the British royal family. It will then explore her growing up years, her relationship with Charles, as well as his affair with Camilla Parker-Bowles.&nbsp;

The musical is written by Joe DiPietro.&nbsp;

For all those who keep a tab on upcoming musicals would know that a new feature is being made on the life of Princess Diana. Actress Jeanna de Waal has been signed as the lead actress of the musical, set to play Princess of Wales.

For all those who keep a tab on upcoming musicals would know that a new feature is being made on the life of Princess Diana. Actress Jeanna de Waal has been signed as the lead actress of the musical, set to play Princess of Wales. Jeanna has previously been a part of Broadway in Kinky Boots and American Idiot. About the musical on Princess Diana’s life, it is set to begin in February next year at San Diego’s La Jolla Playhouse. After Jeanna was offered Di’s role, Jeanna admitted to feeling both intimidated by the role and thrilled. She said, "To bring Diana to life onstage is obviously a huge privilege. I feel very daunted by the prospect, but I hope people who didn't know about her and weren't aware of her journey leave the theatre with an idea of what she did for the world. She made everyone feel special, from the highest person to the lowest-ranking person, and I think we want to celebrate her." The musical will be set in the year 1981, the year that Diana wed Prince Charles and became a member of the British royal family. It will then explore her growing up years, her relationship with Charles, as well as his affair with Camilla Parker-Bowles. The musical is written by Joe DiPietro.

This actress confirmed to play Princess Diana in musical

Britain's Queen Elizabeth has given her formal consent to the marriage of her grandson Harry to American actress Meghan Markle in a historic document made of vellum that is decorated with symbols representing the lives of the couple.

Reading "Now know ye", the hand-written Instrument of Consent carries the Queen's signature, "Elizabeth R" and is sealed with the Great Seal of the Realm which is attached to the foot of the document by woven cords.

Prince Harry, the sixth in line to the throne, and Markle, best known for her role in US&nbsp;TV drama "Suits", are due to marry&nbsp;next Saturday&nbsp;at Windsor Castle, home to kings and queens for nearly 1,000 years.

"NOW KNOW YE that We have consented and done by these Presents signify Our Consent to the contracting of Matrimony between Our Most Dearly Beloved Grandson Prince Henry Charles Albert David of Wales, KCVO, and Rachel Meghan Markle," it reads.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/when-harry-weds-meghan-a-week-until-britains-royal-wedding-136343">A week until Britain's royal wedding</a>

The 92-year-old queen gave her blessing for the marriage in accordance with the 2013 Succession to the Crown Act, and the elaborately illuminated document incorporates references to the couple who met in 2016.

The design to the left of the text incorporates the red dragon of Wales along with the UK's floral emblems. It also includes three tiny red escallops from the Spencer family Arms, the family of Harry's mother, the late Princess Diana.

Representing Markle, the design to the right of the text includes the rose, the national flower of the United States, while two golden poppies are the state flower of California, where Markle was born.

The document, which will be given to the couple after the wedding, is drafted by the Crown Office and illuminated on vellum, a fine parchment made from the skin of a calf that is only used for important state documents.

It was made by one of a panel of scrivener artists.

Prince Harry will marry Megan Markle on Saturday. Reading 'Now know ye', the hand-written Instrument of Consent carries the Queen's signature, 'Elizabeth R', and is sealed with the Great Seal of the Realm

Britain's Queen Elizabeth has given her formal consent to the marriage of her grandson Harry to American actress Meghan Markle in a historic document made of vellum that is decorated with symbols representing the lives of the couple. Reading "Now know ye", the hand-written Instrument of Consent carries the Queen's signature, "Elizabeth R" and is sealed with the Great Seal of the Realm which is attached to the foot of the document by woven cords. Prince Harry, the sixth in line to the throne, and Markle, best known for her role in US TV drama "Suits", are due to marry next Saturday at Windsor Castle, home to kings and queens for nearly 1,000 years. "NOW KNOW YE that We have consented and done by these Presents signify Our Consent to the contracting of Matrimony between Our Most Dearly Beloved Grandson Prince Henry Charles Albert David of Wales, KCVO, and Rachel Meghan Markle," it reads. Also read: A week until Britain's royal wedding The 92-year-old queen gave her blessing for the marriage in accordance with the 2013 Succession to the Crown Act, and the elaborately illuminated document incorporates references to the couple who met in 2016. The design to the left of the text incorporates the red dragon of Wales along with the UK's floral emblems. It also includes three tiny red escallops from the Spencer family Arms, the family of Harry's mother, the late Princess Diana. Representing Markle, the design to the right of the text includes the rose, the national flower of the United States, while two golden poppies are the state flower of California, where Markle was born. The document, which will be given to the couple after the wedding, is drafted by the Crown Office and illuminated on vellum, a fine parchment made from the skin of a calf that is only used for important state documents. It was made by one of a panel of scrivener artists.

When Harry weds Meghan: Queen gives formal consent to marriage

Princess Diana would approve of her son Prince Harry's marriage to U.S. actress Meghan Markle, according to author Andrew Morton whose famous biography of the late royal caused an uproar in Britain some 25 years ago. Like Diana's union to heir-to-the-throne Prince Charles in 1981, Markle and Harry's wedding next month has captivated the world`s media and drawn inevitable comparisons between the two.&nbsp; 
 
And there are indeed many similarities, said Andrew Morton whose explosive book about Diana in 1992 first blew apart the myth of a fairytale marriage and who has now penned "Meghan: A Hollywood Princess", a biography of the new royal-to-be.&nbsp; 
 
"Diana died at 36, Meghan comes into the scene at 36. In a way she's picked up Diana's baton - she's both elegant, she's glamorous and also she's a humanitarian," he told Reuters. "So Diana would have very much have approved of Meghan and seen that kind of working of fate almost." 
 
Morton`s biography of Diana was an international best-seller, revealing her union with Prince Charles was broken beyond repair and that she had suffered eating disorders and been driven to suicide attempts by the misery of her life with Charles. After her death in a Paris car crash in 1997, Morton revealed she had been his prime source and had smuggled tape recordings out of the palace to him. 
 
In his latest book about Markle, which he describes as a snapshot, said a fuller picture would probably emerge in 10 years&nbsp;time, he has had to rely on those who knew her growing up in California where he conveniently has a home, some family members and colleagues as well as people who work at the palace. "I still have my ins there," he said.

 
Extracts from the book include how Ninaki Priddy, a childhood friend of Markle said the actress had been fascinated by the royal family. "She wants to be Princess Diana 2.0," Priddy is quoted as saying.&nbsp; It`s not a description Morton shares. 
 
"Her friend was rather exaggerating," he said. "I think Meghan wants to be Meghan 1.0, that is to say, known for being Meghan not for being in the shadow of somebody else. "That is not to say she was unaware of Harry's mother, who was described as the world's most photographed woman before her death.&nbsp; 
 
"She certainly knew about Diana, she watched the funeral, she was very affected by it, she and her friends collected toys to give to needy children in response," Morton said.&nbsp; 
 
In a TV interview given after their engagement was announced last November, Harry said Markle and his mother would have been best friends and as "thick as thieves", disclosing that the ring he gave his fiancee and which he designed contained diamonds from jewellery once owned by Diana. 
 
HALO RELATIVELY INTACT 
Extracts from Morton's book published in the media have given the impression of Markle as a social climber who has turned her back on friends and even on her first husband in a quest for fame and success, even sending her wedding ring back in the mail. 
&nbsp; 
"Some people have fallen out with her, some people adore her," said Morton, who has also penned biographies of actor Tom Cruise, singer Madonna and Monica Lewinsky, The White House intern whose affair with Bill Clinton almost toppled the U.S. president. 
 
"As people who`ve read the book say, she`s emerged with her halo relatively intact." 
 
Whereas Diana famously found adapting to royal life incredibly difficult, Morton thinks Markle will find the change much simpler. Being photographed on red carpets had prepared her for the royal walkabouts and meeting the public.&nbsp;"I think the royal family has changed. I think the impact of Diana has been to make the royal family more accessible both inside and outside Buckingham Palace," he said. 
 
"Here is a woman who is camera-ready, not camera-shy, a woman who is very confident who is very assertive, who took control of the engagement interview for example. "However, he suggests some royal protocol will be hard to get used to. 
 
"This is a girl who was a gender equality advocate for the United Nations having to bow and courtesy to the queen and even Kate Middleton (wife of Harry's elder brother William) in private occasions," he said. 
 
"I think Meghan will cope but she will find some of the flummery difficult to bear."

UK royal biographer Andrew Morton says Diana would approve of Meghan marriage to her son Prince Harry

Princess Diana would approve of her son Prince Harry's marriage to U.S. actress Meghan Markle, according to author Andrew Morton whose famous biography of the late royal caused an uproar in Britain some 25 years ago. Like Diana's union to heir-to-the-throne Prince Charles in 1981, Markle and Harry's wedding next month has captivated the world`s media and drawn inevitable comparisons between the two. And there are indeed many similarities, said Andrew Morton whose explosive book about Diana in 1992 first blew apart the myth of a fairytale marriage and who has now penned "Meghan: A Hollywood Princess", a biography of the new royal-to-be. "Diana died at 36, Meghan comes into the scene at 36. In a way she's picked up Diana's baton - she's both elegant, she's glamorous and also she's a humanitarian," he told Reuters. "So Diana would have very much have approved of Meghan and seen that kind of working of fate almost." Morton`s biography of Diana was an international best-seller, revealing her union with Prince Charles was broken beyond repair and that she had suffered eating disorders and been driven to suicide attempts by the misery of her life with Charles. After her death in a Paris car crash in 1997, Morton revealed she had been his prime source and had smuggled tape recordings out of the palace to him. In his latest book about Markle, which he describes as a snapshot, said a fuller picture would probably emerge in 10 years time, he has had to rely on those who knew her growing up in California where he conveniently has a home, some family members and colleagues as well as people who work at the palace. "I still have my ins there," he said. Extracts from the book include how Ninaki Priddy, a childhood friend of Markle said the actress had been fascinated by the royal family. "She wants to be Princess Diana 2.0," Priddy is quoted as saying. It`s not a description Morton shares. "Her friend was rather exaggerating," he said. "I think Meghan wants to be Meghan 1.0, that is to say, known for being Meghan not for being in the shadow of somebody else. "That is not to say she was unaware of Harry's mother, who was described as the world's most photographed woman before her death. "She certainly knew about Diana, she watched the funeral, she was very affected by it, she and her friends collected toys to give to needy children in response," Morton said. In a TV interview given after their engagement was announced last November, Harry said Markle and his mother would have been best friends and as "thick as thieves", disclosing that the ring he gave his fiancee and which he designed contained diamonds from jewellery once owned by Diana. HALO RELATIVELY INTACT Extracts from Morton's book published in the media have given the impression of Markle as a social climber who has turned her back on friends and even on her first husband in a quest for fame and success, even sending her wedding ring back in the mail. "Some people have fallen out with her, some people adore her," said Morton, who has also penned biographies of actor Tom Cruise, singer Madonna and Monica Lewinsky, The White House intern whose affair with Bill Clinton almost toppled the U.S. president. "As people who`ve read the book say, she`s emerged with her halo relatively intact." Whereas Diana famously found adapting to royal life incredibly difficult, Morton thinks Markle will find the change much simpler. Being photographed on red carpets had prepared her for the royal walkabouts and meeting the public. "I think the royal family has changed. I think the impact of Diana has been to make the royal family more accessible both inside and outside Buckingham Palace," he said. "Here is a woman who is camera-ready, not camera-shy, a woman who is very confident who is very assertive, who took control of the engagement interview for example. "However, he suggests some royal protocol will be hard to get used to. "This is a girl who was a gender equality advocate for the United Nations having to bow and courtesy to the queen and even Kate Middleton (wife of Harry's elder brother William) in private occasions," he said. "I think Meghan will cope but she will find some of the flummery difficult to bear."

Princess Diana would have approved of her son Prince Harry's marriage to Meghan Markle

From her engagement to Prince Charles as a shy teenager to her roles as doting mother, humanitarian and global celebrity, Diana&#39;s turbulent life still captivates people around the world.

Young, beautiful and fun, she seemed refreshingly informal when she married the heir to the throne in 1981 at age 20, after what the media and palace officials portrayed as a fairytale romance.

But the acrimonious breakdown of her relationship with Charles, during which every salacious detail was played out in the world&#39;s newspapers, would shake the monarchy to the core and drive her to self-harm.

For many people, the public image of Diana remains fixed as she was in an extraordinary 1995 interview in which she spoke out about her feelings over her husband&#39;s affair with Camilla Parker Bowles, her own infidelity and her history of self-harm.

The way she spilled secrets, stripping the monarchy of its mystique and casting doubt on Charles&#39;s ability to be king, drew horror in some parts of the British establishment.

But for many ordinary people, her troubles -- revived once again in a slew of new documentaries and interviews -- made her only more popular.

&quot;Like Marilyn Monroe, she has frozen in time. She was like a creature locked in a piece of amber. There forever -- beautiful, young, vulnerable and damaged,&quot; said royal biographer Penny Junor.

Before and after the royal wedding

Born on July 1, 1961, Diana grew up in an aristocratic family with ties to the monarch -- her father worked for the late king George VI and Queen Elizabeth II.

She grew up with three siblings, in a childhood marred by the bitter break-up of her parents.

She left school at 16 with no qualifications and went to finishing school in Switzerland, before getting a job in a nursery in London.

From the moment she was linked to Charles, however, her life changed.

The prince was under increasing pressure to find a bride, and at the age of 32, he proposed -- perhaps too soon.

Diana said they only met 13 times before their wedding.

She quickly fulfilled her primary duty as princess, with the birth of an heir, William, the following year, followed by Harry two years later.

Diana was a hands-on, adoring mother, and also possessed a remarkable empathy that drew people to her. Coupled with a strong sense of style, she rode a wave of popular and media enthusiasm for the monarchy.

She used her position to champion some of the most marginalised groups in society, shaking hands with patients with AIDS and leprosy, who were viewed as pariahs at the time.

But beneath the surface, she was in turmoil, plagued by bulimia and wracked by self-doubt made worse by the feeling that her husband did not love her -- and the rest of the royals did not care.

End of a fairytale 
 
Rumours that the marriage was in trouble broke into the open in 1992, after Andrew Morton lifted the lid on Diana&#39;s misery with a revelatory book, tactically endorsed by the princess herself.

That year ended with the bombshell announcement that the royal couple would separate.

The scandal only deepened with further recriminations and allegations appearing in the media, before first Charles and then Diana admitted to being unfaithful.

In her 1995 interview with the BBC&#39;s Panorama programme, Diana gave her version of events, admitting her affair with army officer James Hewitt, but also criticising the royals and questioning her husband&#39;s ability to be king.

This crossed a line. A few weeks later, the queen, who had already publicly expressed her sadness at the situation, wrote to both Charles and Diana urging them to seek a divorce.

On August 28, 1996, the divorce was granted and Diana was stripped of her title of Her Royal Highness. The fairytale was over.

End of an era 
 
Still a princess, Diana remained in the public eye.

She found new love in Dodi Fayed, the son of millionaire businessman Mohamed Al Fayed, who was also killed with her on August 31, 1997, as their car was chased by paparazzi through the streets of Paris.

The outpouring of public grief was immense.

Millions of flowers were left outside her home at Kensington Palace, and thousands lined the streets of London to pay their last respects at her funeral.

Much of the popular anger over her death was directed at the royal family, fuelled by the queen&#39;s initial refusal to return to London to greet the crowds, and there was a surge of republicanism.

Two decades on, public support for the monarchy is as strong as ever and Charles -- with Camilla -- has to a large extent been rehabilitated.

But neither will likely ever match the popularity of his first wife, the self-styled &quot;queen of people&#39;s hearts&quot;.

In her interview in 1995, Diana gave her version of events, admitting her affair with an army, but also criticising the royals and questioning her husband's ability to be king.

From her engagement to Prince Charles as a shy teenager to her roles as doting mother, humanitarian and global celebrity, Diana's turbulent life still captivates people around the world. Young, beautiful and fun, she seemed refreshingly informal when she married the heir to the throne in 1981 at age 20, after what the media and palace officials portrayed as a fairytale romance. But the acrimonious breakdown of her relationship with Charles, during which every salacious detail was played out in the world's newspapers, would shake the monarchy to the core and drive her to self-harm. For many people, the public image of Diana remains fixed as she was in an extraordinary 1995 interview in which she spoke out about her feelings over her husband's affair with Camilla Parker Bowles, her own infidelity and her history of self-harm. The way she spilled secrets, stripping the monarchy of its mystique and casting doubt on Charles's ability to be king, drew horror in some parts of the British establishment. But for many ordinary people, her troubles -- revived once again in a slew of new documentaries and interviews -- made her only more popular. "Like Marilyn Monroe, she has frozen in time. She was like a creature locked in a piece of amber. There forever -- beautiful, young, vulnerable and damaged," said royal biographer Penny Junor. Before and after the royal wedding Born on July 1, 1961, Diana grew up in an aristocratic family with ties to the monarch -- her father worked for the late king George VI and Queen Elizabeth II. She grew up with three siblings, in a childhood marred by the bitter break-up of her parents. She left school at 16 with no qualifications and went to finishing school in Switzerland, before getting a job in a nursery in London. From the moment she was linked to Charles, however, her life changed. The prince was under increasing pressure to find a bride, and at the age of 32, he proposed -- perhaps too soon. Diana said they only met 13 times before their wedding. She quickly fulfilled her primary duty as princess, with the birth of an heir, William, the following year, followed by Harry two years later. Diana was a hands-on, adoring mother, and also possessed a remarkable empathy that drew people to her. Coupled with a strong sense of style, she rode a wave of popular and media enthusiasm for the monarchy. She used her position to champion some of the most marginalised groups in society, shaking hands with patients with AIDS and leprosy, who were viewed as pariahs at the time. But beneath the surface, she was in turmoil, plagued by bulimia and wracked by self-doubt made worse by the feeling that her husband did not love her -- and the rest of the royals did not care. End of a fairytale Rumours that the marriage was in trouble broke into the open in 1992, after Andrew Morton lifted the lid on Diana's misery with a revelatory book, tactically endorsed by the princess herself. That year ended with the bombshell announcement that the royal couple would separate. The scandal only deepened with further recriminations and allegations appearing in the media, before first Charles and then Diana admitted to being unfaithful. In her 1995 interview with the BBC's Panorama programme, Diana gave her version of events, admitting her affair with army officer James Hewitt, but also criticising the royals and questioning her husband's ability to be king. This crossed a line. A few weeks later, the queen, who had already publicly expressed her sadness at the situation, wrote to both Charles and Diana urging them to seek a divorce. On August 28, 1996, the divorce was granted and Diana was stripped of her title of Her Royal Highness. The fairytale was over. End of an era Still a princess, Diana remained in the public eye. She found new love in Dodi Fayed, the son of millionaire businessman Mohamed Al Fayed, who was also killed with her on August 31, 1997, as their car was chased by paparazzi through the streets of Paris. The outpouring of public grief was immense. Millions of flowers were left outside her home at Kensington Palace, and thousands lined the streets of London to pay their last respects at her funeral. Much of the popular anger over her death was directed at the royal family, fuelled by the queen's initial refusal to return to London to greet the crowds, and there was a surge of republicanism. Two decades on, public support for the monarchy is as strong as ever and Charles -- with Camilla -- has to a large extent been rehabilitated. But neither will likely ever match the popularity of his first wife, the self-styled "queen of people's hearts".

'Frozen in time': Princess Diana's fairytale ended in tragedy

Two decades on from the death of princess Diana, her sons Princes William and Harry are working to keep her legacy alive with unusually emotional tributes after years of official silence.

As the 20th anniversary of her death on August 31 approaches, the brothers have opened up for the first time about their mother, her life, and her impact on them and on the causes she championed.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/the-secret-life-of-diana-queen-of-hearts-378">Also see:&nbsp;The secret life of Diana, Queen of Hearts</a>

William was 15 and Harry 12 when Diana died in a car crash in Paris in 1997.

How deeply their loss affected them is something they have only recently begun to discuss.

&quot;Twenty years on, Harry and I felt that it was an appropriate time to open up a bit more about our mother,&quot; William said.

&quot;We won&#39;t speak as openly or publicly about her again.&quot;

The pair featured in a 90-minute programme entitled &quot;Diana, Our Mother: Her Life and Legacy&quot; broadcast by British channel ITV earlier this year.

&quot;This is the first time that the two of us have ever spoken about her as a mother. Arguably, probably a little bit too raw up until this point. It&#39;s still raw,&quot; said Harry.

Harry recently revealed that he sought help in the last few years as he struggled to deal with his suppressed grief.

Celebrating Diana&#39;s life

In 2007, the princes staged a benefit concert at Wembley Stadium and a memorial service at which Harry gave a tribute.

But this year marks the first time that the brothers have spoken in such emotional depth.

In an interview with Newsweek magazine, Harry opened up about the trauma of having to walk behind his mother&#39;s coffin through London for her funeral.

&quot;I don&#39;t think any child should be asked to do that, under any circumstances. I don&#39;t think it would happen today,&quot; he said.

In those tense days 20 years ago, many Britons voiced anger at a perceived lack of empathy from the royal establishment.

Some feel the royals have been happy to see Diana replaced in the limelight.

Patrick Jephson, Diana&#39;s former private secretary, said the princess had been airbrushed out.

&quot;There had been a period since her death during which the royal establishment has been uncertain how to treat the memory of Diana,&quot; he told AFP.

&quot;For much of the last two decades she has been the name that cannot be spoken in royal circles.

&quot;Therefore it is with a note of slight defiance and determination that her children have said &#39;no, there&#39;s lots of good to remember, let&#39;s celebrate her life&#39;.&quot;

Kensington statue planned

The brothers have commissioned a statue of Diana which will go in the public grounds of Kensington Palace, their home which was also their mother&#39;s base.

A garden has been created at the London palace in her honour.

The princes also attended a private service on July 1 to rededicate their mother&#39;s grave at her ancestral home on what would have been her 56th birthday.

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, the spiritual leader of the world&#39;s Anglicans, officiated at the grave, to which the public does not have access.

In their royal duties, William, 35, and Harry, 32, have also taken up the baton for their mother&#39;s causes.

Diana&#39;s visit to a minefield in Angola helped the movement towards the 1997 landmine ban treaty.

In the 1980s, during bedside visits to AIDS patients, she made a point making physical contact. It was a remarkable gesture at the time that helped break down the stigma attached to the disease.

Harry&#39;s push on landmine clearance and HIV testing are directly aimed at continuing his mother&#39;s campaigns, as is William&#39;s work with homeless shelters and on child bereavement.

Their joint work on mental health -- which saw Harry reveal his need for treatment to cope with the trauma of her death -- also touches a cause Diana championed.

Harry said the princes wondered what Diana would be doing now were she still alive.

&quot;There&#39;s not a day that William and I don&#39;t wish that she was still around. We wonder what kind of a mother she would be now and what kind of a public role she would have and what a difference she would be making,&quot; he said.

Jephson said Diana&#39;s greatest legacy was her sons themselves.

He said: &quot;We can see in them many of the attributes that she had -- principally her ability to combine royalty with the common touch.&quot;

The brothers have commissioned a statue of Diana which will go in the public grounds of Kensington Palace, their home which was also their mother's base

Two decades on from the death of princess Diana, her sons Princes William and Harry are working to keep her legacy alive with unusually emotional tributes after years of official silence. As the 20th anniversary of her death on August 31 approaches, the brothers have opened up for the first time about their mother, her life, and her impact on them and on the causes she championed. Also see: The secret life of Diana, Queen of Hearts William was 15 and Harry 12 when Diana died in a car crash in Paris in 1997. How deeply their loss affected them is something they have only recently begun to discuss. "Twenty years on, Harry and I felt that it was an appropriate time to open up a bit more about our mother," William said. "We won't speak as openly or publicly about her again." The pair featured in a 90-minute programme entitled "Diana, Our Mother: Her Life and Legacy" broadcast by British channel ITV earlier this year. "This is the first time that the two of us have ever spoken about her as a mother. Arguably, probably a little bit too raw up until this point. It's still raw," said Harry. Harry recently revealed that he sought help in the last few years as he struggled to deal with his suppressed grief. Celebrating Diana's life In 2007, the princes staged a benefit concert at Wembley Stadium and a memorial service at which Harry gave a tribute. But this year marks the first time that the brothers have spoken in such emotional depth. In an interview with Newsweek magazine, Harry opened up about the trauma of having to walk behind his mother's coffin through London for her funeral. "I don't think any child should be asked to do that, under any circumstances. I don't think it would happen today," he said. In those tense days 20 years ago, many Britons voiced anger at a perceived lack of empathy from the royal establishment. Some feel the royals have been happy to see Diana replaced in the limelight. Patrick Jephson, Diana's former private secretary, said the princess had been airbrushed out. "There had been a period since her death during which the royal establishment has been uncertain how to treat the memory of Diana," he told AFP. "For much of the last two decades she has been the name that cannot be spoken in royal circles. "Therefore it is with a note of slight defiance and determination that her children have said 'no, there's lots of good to remember, let's celebrate her life'." Kensington statue planned The brothers have commissioned a statue of Diana which will go in the public grounds of Kensington Palace, their home which was also their mother's base. A garden has been created at the London palace in her honour. The princes also attended a private service on July 1 to rededicate their mother's grave at her ancestral home on what would have been her 56th birthday. Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, the spiritual leader of the world's Anglicans, officiated at the grave, to which the public does not have access. In their royal duties, William, 35, and Harry, 32, have also taken up the baton for their mother's causes. Diana's visit to a minefield in Angola helped the movement towards the 1997 landmine ban treaty. In the 1980s, during bedside visits to AIDS patients, she made a point making physical contact. It was a remarkable gesture at the time that helped break down the stigma attached to the disease. Harry's push on landmine clearance and HIV testing are directly aimed at continuing his mother's campaigns, as is William's work with homeless shelters and on child bereavement. Their joint work on mental health -- which saw Harry reveal his need for treatment to cope with the trauma of her death -- also touches a cause Diana championed. Harry said the princes wondered what Diana would be doing now were she still alive. "There's not a day that William and I don't wish that she was still around. We wonder what kind of a mother she would be now and what kind of a public role she would have and what a difference she would be making," he said. Jephson said Diana's greatest legacy was her sons themselves. He said: "We can see in them many of the attributes that she had -- principally her ability to combine royalty with the common touch."

20 years on, William and Harry lead tributes to mother Diana

Britain&#39;s Prince Harry suffered &quot;total chaos&quot; before eventually seeking help to deal with the death of his mother Princess Diana, he said in an interview published Monday.

Speaking to The Telegraph newspaper, the 32-year-old prince said he had spent years trying to ignore his emotions following Diana&#39;s death in 1997 when he was just 12.

&quot;My way of dealing with it was sticking my head in the sand, refusing to ever think about my mum, because why would that help? It&#39;s only going to make you sad. It&#39;s not going to bring her back,&quot; he said.

It was not until the age of 28 that he sought help from mental health professionals after encouragement from others, including &quot;huge support&quot; from his older brother Prince William.

&quot;It was 20 years of not thinking about it and then two years of total chaos...I didn&#39;t know what was wrong with me,&quot; he said.

While Harry has referred to grief in the past and supported mental health charities, he is acutely sensitive about media attention and it is rare for him to speak openly about his personal experience.

Diana and her boyfriend Dodi Fayed were killed in a car crash in a Paris underpass on August 31, 1997, along with their French driver Henri Paul as they tried to outrun chasing photographers.

Her death triggered a mass outpouring of public grief and Harry walked behind her coffin during a funeral which was broadcast around the world.

Harry said he recently confronted the grief of losing his mother as well as tackling the pressures of a royal life including overcoming a feeling of &quot;fight or flight&quot; during engagements.

&quot;I generally don&#39;t know how we (royals) stay sane. I don&#39;t have any secrets, I&#39;ve probably been very close to a complete breakdown on numerous occasions,&quot; he said.

&nbsp;

Boxing &#39;saved me&#39;&nbsp;

During a decade in the British army Harry served twice in Afghanistan and went on to meet soldiers in a recovery unit, an experience he said had an impact on his health.

&quot;You park your own issues, because of what you are confronted with,&quot; he told The Telegraph.

Describing himself as &quot;a problem&quot; through much of his twenties, Harry said as well as seeking treatment he found taking up boxing helped.

&quot;Everyone was saying boxing&#39;s good for you and it&#39;s really good for letting out aggression. That really saved me, because I was on the verge of punching someone. Being able to punch someone with pads was certainly easier,&quot; he said.

Prince William and his wife Kate are campaigning along with Harry to end stigma around mental health, supporting charities through their Heads Together initiative.

Harry said once he started talking about how he felt he discovered he was &quot;part of quite a big club&quot; and encouraged others to open up.

&quot;What we&#39;re trying to do is normalise the conversation to the point of where anyone can sit down and have a coffee and say, &#39;You know what, I&#39;ve had a really sh*t day. Can I just tell you about it?&#39;&quot; he said.

(AFP)

Only 16 years later did he seek help from mental health professionals after 'huge support' from his older brother, Prince William

Britain's Prince Harry suffered "total chaos" before eventually seeking help to deal with the death of his mother Princess Diana, he said in an interview published Monday. Speaking to The Telegraph newspaper, the 32-year-old prince said he had spent years trying to ignore his emotions following Diana's death in 1997 when he was just 12. "My way of dealing with it was sticking my head in the sand, refusing to ever think about my mum, because why would that help? It's only going to make you sad. It's not going to bring her back," he said. It was not until the age of 28 that he sought help from mental health professionals after encouragement from others, including "huge support" from his older brother Prince William. "It was 20 years of not thinking about it and then two years of total chaos...I didn't know what was wrong with me," he said. While Harry has referred to grief in the past and supported mental health charities, he is acutely sensitive about media attention and it is rare for him to speak openly about his personal experience. Diana and her boyfriend Dodi Fayed were killed in a car crash in a Paris underpass on August 31, 1997, along with their French driver Henri Paul as they tried to outrun chasing photographers. Her death triggered a mass outpouring of public grief and Harry walked behind her coffin during a funeral which was broadcast around the world. Harry said he recently confronted the grief of losing his mother as well as tackling the pressures of a royal life including overcoming a feeling of "fight or flight" during engagements. "I generally don't know how we (royals) stay sane. I don't have any secrets, I've probably been very close to a complete breakdown on numerous occasions," he said. Boxing 'saved me' During a decade in the British army Harry served twice in Afghanistan and went on to meet soldiers in a recovery unit, an experience he said had an impact on his health. "You park your own issues, because of what you are confronted with," he told The Telegraph. Describing himself as "a problem" through much of his twenties, Harry said as well as seeking treatment he found taking up boxing helped. "Everyone was saying boxing's good for you and it's really good for letting out aggression. That really saved me, because I was on the verge of punching someone. Being able to punch someone with pads was certainly easier," he said. Prince William and his wife Kate are campaigning along with Harry to end stigma around mental health, supporting charities through their Heads Together initiative. Harry said once he started talking about how he felt he discovered he was "part of quite a big club" and encouraged others to open up. "What we're trying to do is normalise the conversation to the point of where anyone can sit down and have a coffee and say, 'You know what, I've had a really sh*t day. Can I just tell you about it?'" he said. (AFP)

Prince Harry suffered 'total chaos' over Diana's death

Britain&#39;s Prince William and his younger brother Harry have commissioned a statue in honour of their mother Princess Diana who died in a Paris car crash 20 years ago to be erected outside their official London home, their office said on Saturday.

Diana, the first wife of the brother&#39;s father the heir-to-the-throne Prince Charles, was killed when the limousine carrying her and her lover Dodi al-Fayed crashed in a Paris tunnel in August 1997.

William was 15 and Harry was 12 at the time.

&quot;It has been 20 years since our mother&#39;s death and the time is right to recognise her positive impact in the UK and around the world with a permanent statue,&quot; William, 34, said in a statement.

The princes have formed a committee to advise on the sculptor and to raise private funds to pay for the statue which will be located in a public garden at Kensington Palace.

Work on the statue will begin soon and it is hoped that the statue will be unveiled before the end of the year, the statement from their office said.

The first permanent memorial to her, a 210-metre (689-foot) long fountain was unveiled in Hyde Park in 2004 after years of bureaucratic wrangling and squabbling over the design.

It had to be closed down a number of times after its opening and a committee of lawmakers later said it was &quot;ill-conceived and ill-executed&quot;.

William announced earlier this month that he would move into Kensington Palace with his wife Kate and children, George and Charlotte, from his current home in eastern England when he gives up his job as an air ambulance pilot to focus on royal duties full-time later this year.

(Reuters)

The statue will be located in a public garden at Kensington Palace

Britain's Prince William and his younger brother Harry have commissioned a statue in honour of their mother Princess Diana who died in a Paris car crash 20 years ago to be erected outside their official London home, their office said on Saturday. Diana, the first wife of the brother's father the heir-to-the-throne Prince Charles, was killed when the limousine carrying her and her lover Dodi al-Fayed crashed in a Paris tunnel in August 1997. William was 15 and Harry was 12 at the time. "It has been 20 years since our mother's death and the time is right to recognise her positive impact in the UK and around the world with a permanent statue," William, 34, said in a statement. The princes have formed a committee to advise on the sculptor and to raise private funds to pay for the statue which will be located in a public garden at Kensington Palace. Work on the statue will begin soon and it is hoped that the statue will be unveiled before the end of the year, the statement from their office said. The first permanent memorial to her, a 210-metre (689-foot) long fountain was unveiled in Hyde Park in 2004 after years of bureaucratic wrangling and squabbling over the design. It had to be closed down a number of times after its opening and a committee of lawmakers later said it was "ill-conceived and ill-executed". William announced earlier this month that he would move into Kensington Palace with his wife Kate and children, George and Charlotte, from his current home in eastern England when he gives up his job as an air ambulance pilot to focus on royal duties full-time later this year. (Reuters)

UK princes commission statue to honour late mother Princess Diana

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