Remembering Princess Diana on Her 28th Death Anniversary: Photos Then and How She Would Look Today According to AI

From bright-eyed toddler to global icon — and now, an imagined vision of the woman she might have become.

On August 31, 1997, the world lost Diana, Princess of Wales, in a tragic accident that shocked millions. 28 years later, her memory remains as vivid as ever.

This collection of photographs traces her journey from childhood to one of her final public moments, alongside AI-generated images imagining how she might have looked in 2025.

1963

Long before she became a global icon, Diana, Princess of Wales, was simply Diana Spencer, a young girl growing up in the English countryside.

This precious photo from 1963 shows her as a toddler in a stroller — an innocent, wide-eyed child, offering an early glimpse into the life of the little girl who would one day capture the world's heart.

1967

1970

As she grew, Diana, Princess of Wales, enjoyed a lively and active upbringing. Around 1970, she was photographed playing croquet in Itchenor, England.

The image captures her carefree spirit and love of outdoor play — a rare look into her early years, before royal life placed her firmly in the public eye.

1971

1974

By her early teens, she was spending summers in Scotland with her mother. In 1974, she was photographed with a pony — a quiet reflection of her enduring love for animals and the outdoors, two passions that would remain with her for life.

1980

1981

In February 1981, Diana and King Charles III posed outside Buckingham Palace to announce their engagement. At just 19 years old, she stepped into the global spotlight, her sapphire and diamond ring becoming instantly iconic as the world prepared to welcome a new royal.

1983

1985

By the mid-1980s, Princess Diana had grown into her role as a working royal. In 1985, she visited the Royal College of Music in London, England, where her warmth and charisma shone as brightly as her sense of style.

Public appearances like this cemented her reputation as a modern, relatable royal — a woman who redefined the monarchy for a new generation.

1990

1991

In November 1991, she attended the London premiere of "Hot Shots!" Her striking red gown paired with a pearl choker showcased her evolving sense of style — one that balanced elegance with boldness.

By this time, she had become a global fashion icon, her every look admired and emulated around the world.

1992

1993

In January 1993, she was photographed on the beach during a holiday on the island of Nevis. The relaxed setting showed a different side of the royal — away from official duties, where her natural warmth and playful spirit came to the forefront.

1994

1995

In 1995, the princess traveled to Japan, where she visited the Peter Pan Children's Fund in Tokyo. Her compassion and ability to connect with others, especially children, shone through during international engagements — reinforcing her role as a figure of kindness and empathy on the world stage.

1996

1997

On August 31, 1997, she was photographed at the Royal Brompton Hospital in London. It would be one of her final public appearances before the tragic car crash that took her life later that day in Paris. The image, now etched in history, serves as a poignant reminder of the lasting impact she left on the world.

20 years after the princess died, Xavier Gourmelon, the heroic firefighter who had performed CPR on her at the site of the crash, opened up about the People's Princess's final words.

"Diana said to me, 'My God, what's happened?' […] I can still picture the whole scene. It's something I'll never forget and that I always think about at this time of year," he recalled.

2025

Nearly three decades after her passing, technology allows us to imagine Princess Diana as she might have looked today.

In this rendering, she is pictured holding a bouquet, surrounded by children — a fitting tribute to her lifelong dedication to compassion and humanitarian work.

It captures not only how she may have appeared in 2025, but also the enduring spirit of kindness that defined her life.

Another imagined glimpse into 2025 shows Diana, Princess of Wales, on horseback — a nod to her lifelong love of the countryside and animals.

The serene setting reflects the joy and freedom she so often found in nature, reminding us of the down-to-earth qualities that endeared her to millions.

This imagined portrait of Diana, Princess of Wales, envisions her in 2025 with a gentle smile and timeless elegance.

The soft setting and natural look recall her approachable charm, suggesting how she might still have carried herself with warmth and grace in her later years.

In this imagined scene, she is pictured by the seaside, her smile as radiant as ever. The serene backdrop mirrors the sense of peace many hoped she would find later in life.

Though only a vision of what might have been, it is a reminder of her timeless presence and the lasting place she holds in the hearts of people around the world.

Another rendering imagines Princess Diana tending to a garden in 2025. The peaceful moment reflects her well-known appreciation for simple joys and the natural world.

It suggests how she might have embraced a quieter life, still rooted in care and grace, had she been here today.

In another imagined moment, Diana, Princess of Wales, is pictured among greenery, dressed with her trademark elegance.

The scene suggests how she might have continued blending public life with personal passions, carrying the same poise and empathy that defined her throughout her years in the spotlight.

The last imagined portrait shows Diana, Princess of Wales, surrounded by flowers, her expression calm and kind.

It is easy to picture her finding joy in simple moments like this, even decades later. Though only a vision, it speaks to the grace and humanity she embodied — qualities that continue to inspire across generations.

From her early years to her final days, Diana, Princess of Wales, left a mark that remains unmatched. These photographs, paired with imagined glimpses of who she might have been today, reflect both her enduring legacy and the timeless impact of her life.