More than 20 years after it was initially written, a poignant letter Princess Diana had given to an unidentified woman was discovered.
It goes without saying that Princess Diana and Prince Charles’ relationship was rocky. Even after The People’s Princess’ untimely passing in 1997, their relationship (and eventual divorce) has been well-documented over the years.
Now, though, some people have discovered an old letter that Diana wrote. This letter, which contains boundless compassion and love for others, even during one of her most trying times, may provide us additional insight into her mind.
In 2018, a Los Angeles auction firm put up for auction a handwritten letter from Diana to a woman named Erika. The three-page letter seems to be Diana’s reaction to Erika’s letter asking for counsel and solace in her own relationship.
Erika was motivated to write after witnessing Diana give a 1995 interview to Panorama in which she discussed everything from bulimia to postpartum depression. She also said there were “three persons” in her marriage: herself, Charles, and Camilla Parker Bowles, whom Charles later wed in 2005.
“My dear Erika, The Princess of Wales replied, “I have got your letter and of course read it with worry and a willingness to support you in any manner I can. She said, “There is a lot of suffering inside you, which is why the block, as you put it, is a natural reaction for someone who has been through the experiences you’ve encountered.
Reading between the lines of your letter, I get the impression that a very exceptional lady is having self-esteem issues as a result of all the emotional and physical trauma you experienced.
“I do know that it takes great courage to write as you did and with that honesty and clarity the light will appear in your tunnel”. – PRINCESS DIANA
Three years after Diana and Prince Charles’ separation and one year before their legal divorce, this letter is dated November 1995. Looking back, it’s simple to see what a strong lady Diana truly was to have penned a letter like this to someone while experiencing those types of difficulties personally.
Some would even contend that she is referring about herself and her own trauma experiences in this letter, or that she is covertly offering the counsel she wishes someone had given her. It naturally becomes much more touching as a result. Who was Erika, though?
According to Martin Nolan of Julien’s Auctions at the time, who was quoted by Marie Claire UK, “Our understanding is that Erika was a member of the public who was experiencing a troubled time and she wrote to Diana for advice and support as she herself had experienced a difficult time with the break-up of her marriage.”
Given Diana’s history of putting others before herself, demonstrating boundless compassion via humanitarian work, and establishing genuine connections with people at events and during speaking engagements, that sounds about appropriate.
Diana is really kind and generous, and she gives Erika great hope that there will be relief at the end of the dark tunnel, said Nolan.
Even though Diana’s story didn’t exactly have a happy ending, the way she overcame adversity to demonstrate compassion and support others inspires people long after she left this world.
It serves as a crucial reminder that we are not alone in life’s most challenging experiences. Sometimes being vulnerable and sharing your experience can be just what another person going through a difficult moment needs to be inspired or motivated.
Your words can make all the difference, whether you discuss a challenge you’ve overcome or are presently facing on social media, donate your time to a support group that is meaningful to you, or even share your own experiences the next time a friend or family member opens up.
Princess Diana was aware of this, and as a result, her inspiration is still felt today.
