Chapter 34 2. Public life and photo scandal

After separating from Charles, Diana had to arrange various activities to pass the depressing days in Kensington Palace. Buckingham Palace, on the other hand, has intentionally reduced her activities and transferred those tasks to Prince Charles. On December 3, 1993, at a large event held for charity, Diana announced to the philanthropists who had lunch with her that she was withdrawing from all social activities and relieved most of the responsibilities of the royal family on the grounds that the outside world The attention to her private life has become unbearable for her.She also said that both Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip agreed that she would stay out of the spotlight.

During the 5-minute emotional speech, Diana almost shed tears.She told people how she felt about her social life for 13 years, praying for a little "time and space" for herself.The short 5-minute speech revealed the great pain in her heart. In her speech, she said that she would continue to work tirelessly for the charities she cared about, sponsoring Baby Birth Expediency, but that she would refrain from participating in any social activities until at least the summer of 1994. Here are a few passages from Diana in her statement: A year ago, I said that I would continue to do my job as always.In the past less than a year, I have carried out this work with the same enthusiasm as before, and I have never changed my plan.Sadly, life changed and circumstances changed with it.I would like to take this opportunity to tell you that I am deeply sorry that I have had to reschedule the action plan that I worked out with all of you, and I ask for your forgiveness.

Twelve years ago, when I was just starting out in the social world, I thought it was inevitable that the media might take an interest in what I did, and certainly our private lives, and I realized it. But I never thought that the media would pay so much attention to my life and spread it with overwhelming force.This not only prevents me from fulfilling my public obligations, but also seriously interferes with the order of my life in an unacceptable manner. By the end of this year, after completing the scheduled work plan, I will narrow the scope of my social activities, support the activities of social charity organizations on the original basis, and selectively support the construction of certain areas.Over the next few months, I will be looking for a more effective way to integrate my social life with my private life and hopefully enjoy my personal life more.

My first thoughts are my two children, William and Henry, who deserve my love and concern and need my care.In addition, it is necessary for them to inherit and identify their living traditions, and all this needs my help. ... I sincerely hope to get everyone's understanding and give me more time and space to make up for what is missing in my life recently. To be honest, I would not be able to stand here today and make this statement without everyone's support. Because of your generosity, kindness and heartfelt love, I have survived the most difficult period safely.It is precisely because of your care and love that I can easily embark on the journey of life.For this, I thank you all for your support from the bottom of my heart.

A few days before the statement was made, the "Daily Mirror" published extensively exposed photos of the princess' gym.The media, which had been chasing Diana relentlessly, found that Buckingham Palace was no longer Diana's backing, and treated her like an ordinary star, publishing indecent photos without scruple. After the British "Mirror" published a photo of Princess Diana wearing a shorts and a vest in the gym doing limb stretching exercises on November 7, 1990, it caused a great uproar.Angry Diana entrusted her lawyer to the court to sue the "Mirror" group and L*9. A*9. Gym owner Taylor, who secretly took photos, violated her privacy, and even went to court to confront the defendant.

Originally, Diana and her legal advisers were determined to fight the lawsuit to the end, thinking that they had the trump card in their hands and would definitely win the case.But Taylor, who secretly took photos, was not an idler. With the help of his "military advisers", he suddenly adopted a counter-attack strategy, planning to accuse Diana himself of giving up his privacy and the press for a long time. Collude with each other for self-promotion.The examples he gave mainly include that Diana allowed photographers to take photos of her in a "bikini" three-point swimsuit when she was on vacation at the seaside, which was published by many newspapers and magazines. The exposed body parts on it were much more than those wearing sportswear in the gym; She also poured out her inner pain and all kinds of secrets to the close journalist Andrew Morton and encouraged him to visit her friends who knew her well. Later, Morton published "Diana—Her True Story" which shocked the world .Taylor also deliberately listed a dozen relevant people to testify in court, including Diana's driver.

Circumstances had changed, and Taylor was able to use all her skills to expose Diana's weaknesses in court.For the sake of her own reputation and influence on the royal family, Diana can be said to be cautious. The Sunday Times, February 12, 1992, stated: The privacy lawsuit has been resolved, with Diana and the two defendants agreeing to a private settlement. The conditions for the out-of-court settlement are: Diana accepts the apology from the "Mirror" Group; Institutional donation 2 * 95,000 pounds; Diana received Taylor's photos and negatives about her, as well as Taylor's remuneration for selling these photos at home and abroad (estimated at 300,000 pounds); Taylor was paid £250,000 as a condition of the purchase of the photographs.

When the news came, everyone talked a lot, thinking that Diana was the big winner, while the "Mirror" was a complete failure.But for Diana, it was almost a complete failure.She couldn't decide when she wasn't disturbed by the media and exposed to the public.She is still a doll at the mercy of the media.What shocked her even more was that she used the media to attack Charles and reveal her tragic situation, which became a sharp sword against her. She is helpless, under the huge news effect and the temptation of money, every relationship she strives for will turn into smoke and leave.Hewitt betrayed her, Gilbein was extremely embarrassed by the phone call incident, and others were afraid to face the enormous pressure of the media.

The reporter is still chasing her, persistently.In her last interview with reporters, she once said that "the media is cruel" and they "deliberately want to hurt me". However, you have to admit that the royal family gave her the power to exercise, and the media gave her the space to live. She is without a doubt one of the most media-savvy celebrities.