![Diana, Princess of Wales on purple background with purple polka dots](https://www.rd.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/diana_ft.jpg?fit=700%2C700)
The People’s Princess—in her own words
Even before Princess Diana’s wedding day, she had won the hearts of people around the world with her grace, compassion, and generosity. Here are 26 of our favorite Princess Diana quotes that speak to all those qualities.
These are some of her most powerful words. They make Princess Diana’s death all the more poignant, but they also reveal her enduring legacy.
![Princess Diana quote](https://www.rd.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/diana1.jpg?fit=700%2C700)
On human dignity
“Everyone needs to be valued. Everyone has the potential to give something back.”
![Princess Diana quote](https://www.rd.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/diana2.jpg?fit=700%2C700)
On giving back
“Anywhere I see suffering, that is where I want to be, doing what I can.”
![Princess Diana quote](https://www.rd.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/diana3-copy.jpg?fit=700%2C700)
On compassion
“Every one of us needs to show how much we care for each other and, in the process, care for ourselves.”
RELATED: Secrets About Princess Diana No One Knew Till After Her Death
![Princess Diana quote](https://www.rd.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/diana4.jpg?fit=700%2C700)
On family
“Family is the most important thing in the world.”
![Princess Diana quote](https://www.rd.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/diana5.jpg?fit=700%2C700)
On improving our world
“Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you.” These Princess Diana quotes are as stunning as these rarely seen photos of her.
![Princess Diana quote](https://www.rd.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/diana6.jpg?fit=700%2C700)
On love
“If you find someone you love in life, you must hang onto it, and look after it, and if you were lucky enough to find someone who loved you, then you must protect it.”
![Princess Diana quote](https://www.rd.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/diana7.jpg?fit=700%2C700)
On world issues
“I think the biggest disease the world suffers from in this day and age is the disease of people feeling unloved.”
![Princess Diana quote](https://www.rd.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/diana8.jpg?fit=700%2C700)
On her purpose
“Nothing brings me more happiness than trying to help the most vulnerable people in society. It is a good and essential part of my life, a kind of destiny.”
RELATED: Facts About Princess Diana You Probably Didn’t Know
![Princess Diana quote](https://www.rd.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/diana9.jpg?fit=700%2C700)
On being a royal
“I’d like to be a queen in people’s hearts, but I don’t see myself being queen of this country.”
![Princess Diana quote](https://www.rd.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/diana10.jpg?fit=700%2C700)
On raising her sons
“I want my boys to have an understanding of people’s emotions, their insecurities, people’s distress, and their hopes and dreams.”
![Princess Diana quote](https://www.rd.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/diana11.jpg?fit=700%2C700)
On happiness
“When you are happy, you can forgive a great deal.”
![Princess Diana quote](https://www.rd.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/DIANA12.jpg?fit=700%2C700)
On her personality
“I am a free spirit. Some don’t like that but that’s who I am.”
![Princess Diana quote](https://www.rd.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/diana13.jpg?fit=700%2C700)
On success
“People think that at the end of the day a man is the only answer. Actually, a fulfilling job is better for me.”
![Princess Diana quote](https://www.rd.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/diana14.jpg?fit=700%2C700)
On leadership
“I don’t go by the rule book. I lead from the heart, not the head.”
RELATED: The Full Story Behind Princess Diana’s Iconic Haircut
![Princess Diana quote](https://www.rd.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/diana15.jpg?fit=700%2C700)
On being a princess
“Being a princess isn’t all that it’s cracked up to be.”
![Princess Diana quote](https://www.rd.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/diana16.jpg?fit=700%2C700)
On money
I don’t want expensive gifts; I don’t want to be bought.
![Princess Diana quote](https://www.rd.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/diana17.jpg?fit=700%2C700)
On helping anyone
“Whoever is in distress can call on me. I will come running wherever they are.” These Princess Diana quotes are iconic, just like her most famous fashion moments.
![Princess Diana quote](https://www.rd.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/diana18.jpg?fit=700%2C700)
On the monarchy
“It’s vital that the monarchy keeps in touch with the people. It’s what I try and do.”
![Princess Diana quote](https://www.rd.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/diana19.jpg?fit=700%2C700)
On her sons
“I live for my sons. I would be lost without them.”
![Princess Diana quote](https://www.rd.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/diana20.jpg?fit=700%2C700)
On tolerance
“The greatest problem in the world today is intolerance. Everyone is so intolerant of each other.” Find out the secrets you didn’t know about Charles’ and Diana’s wedding.
![Princess Diana quote](https://www.rd.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/diana21.jpg?fit=700%2C700)
On herself
“Call me Diana, not Princess Diana.”
![Princess Diana quote](https://www.rd.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/diana22.jpg?fit=700%2C700)
On being a humanitarian
“I am not a political figure, I am a humanitarian figure, always was, always will be.”
![Princess Diana quote](https://www.rd.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/diana23.jpg?fit=700%2C700)
On hugs
“Hugs can do great amounts of good—especially for children.”
![Princess Diana quote](https://www.rd.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/diana24.jpg?fit=700%2C700)
On being called an icon
“Don’t call me an icon. I’m just a mother trying to help.”
![Princess Diana quote](https://www.rd.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/diana25.jpg?fit=700%2C700)
On listening to your heart
“Only do what your heart tells you.”
![Princess Diana quote](https://www.rd.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/diana26.jpg?fit=700%2C700)
On action
“I want to do, not just to be.”
RELATED: 30 Photos of Young Princess Diana—Before She Became the People’s Princess