Diana Francis Spencer who was later known as Diana, Princess of Wales, was born on July 1, 1961 in Norfolk England. She was born at Park House, a ten bedroom home in the country on the grounds of the Sandrigham house. Diana's parents were named Edward John and Frances Burke Spencer, the Viscount and Viscountess Althorp. Later in life, Edward became known as Earl Spencer. Diana was the fourth out of five children. She had three younger sisters and one older brother. When Diana was born, her parents were hoping for a boy. Since they came from a long line of English nobility, they wanted a son to carry on the family traditions and inherit the family name and wealth. Three years after Diana was born, her brother Charles was born. When he was baptized, the Queen was named his godparent.

When Diana was young, she lived a very aristocratic life. Along with her siblings, they were surrounded by maids and servants. They were taken care of by their nannies, and they very seldom saw their parents. They ate all their meals with their nannies, not their parents. They had minimal contact with their parents, but it was normal for children to be raised like that by families who had some royalty in their family. Diana enjoyed her life at Park House. During their free time, Diana and her brother and sisters enjoyed hiking and playing in the open fields, playing hide and seek, taking summer trips to the seaside, swimming, playing in tree houses, and riding horses.

At the age of six, Diana's life was drastically changed. Her parents went through a terrible divorce. There was a long period where there was bitterness and fighting throughout the family. Her parents never talked about the divorce. Their mother had an affair with another man and so full custody was given to the father. For members of nobility to get a divorce was a great embarressment. Diana and her siblings were left hurt and scarred by their parents' break up. It was said that the pain Diana went through during her parents' divorce, was the factor that fueled her determination to have a successful marriage and the devotion and attention that she gave to her children.

Diana's first education came from a governess at Park House, but when she was six years old she started attending Silfield School. When she turned nine she was sent to a boarding school, as most British girls her age were. She went to Riddlesworth Hall Preparatory School in Norfolk. In the beginning she felt sad, betrayed, and lonely, but eventually she felt more at home and prospered in things that she did. While she attented Riddleworth she enjoyed swimming and horseback riding. She took ballet lessons and became a good dancer. She was allowed to keep her pet guinea pig, Peanuts. She was very friendly and poplular with the other students. She was a passable student who was mostly known for her athletic abilities, her love for animals, and her kindess and helpfullness.

At the age of twelve, Diana started attending West Heath School in Kent, where her two older sisters were already going. The school emphasized character and confidence as well as education. During her years in school she concentrated more on sports than she did on her studies. She also became interested in boys, she even had a crush on none other than Prince Charles. After two years at West Heath school, she had had enough of academics.