Imagining Princess Diana as a Tomboy Without Royal Bounds
It is interesting to ponder how Princess Diana’s life would have unfolded had she not married into the royal family. Would she still have chosen to embrace a tomboy identity, or would her life have taken a different path?
Defining a TOMBOY IDENTITY
The term 'tomboy' is often used to describe a young woman who exhibits characteristics typically associated with boys, such as an adventurous and rugged lifestyle. One might argue that a tomboy is a self-identified term. However, it is important to recognize that an individual may exhibit tomboy-like traits without necessarily using the term to describe themselves. So, the question of whether Princess Diana would have identified as a tomboy if she hadn't married Charles is one only she could have answered.
Diana's Early Life
Princess Diana grew up on a country estate, which meant she spent significant time outdoors, climbing trees, and nurturing a love for animals. Her nanny, who was part of her childhood, described her as a tomboy. It is clear that by her teenage years, she would have matured out of this phase of childhood.
Childhood Tomboy Traits
According to her nanny, Princess Diana was indeed a tomboy during her childhood. This suggests that even if she had not married into the royal family, her tomboy-like traits would still have been a part of her. However, it is important to remember that everyone matures at their own pace, and the concept of tomboyism can evolve over time.
Relationships and Choices
Princess Diana's career as a teacher's assistant in a nursery school, where she cared for children aged 2 to 5, provides insight into her interests and talents. There are instances where she was seen wearing boyish clothing, which suggests a certain level of attitude towards traditional gender norms.
It is also noteworthy that despite her dewy-eyed view of young children, she likely lacked the drive or inclination to be a tomboy over the long term. She was given a flat by her mother to live in, and shared it with two friends. Her life choices point towards a more settled and conventional path, suggesting that she may not have prioritized embracing tomboyism in her personal life.
Beauty and Self-Discovery
Regardless of whether she married Charles or not, it is safe to say that Princess Diana would still have been beautiful. There are pictures of her that show a tomboy-like quality to her demeanor. These pictures, however, do not necessarily indicate a lifelong tomboy identity. Rather, they suggest that like all women, Princess Diana likely needed time to get comfortable in her own skin, and once she did, her identity would have evolved.
Princess Diana’s journey from a tomboy child to a royal figure reflects the broader theme of self-discovery and growth. It is a reminder that every individual’s path is unique, and the way they define themselves can change over time. The legacy of Princess Diana remains a powerful testament to her strength and the impact she had on those around her.