 "History Today: When Princess Diana died in a tragic crash and left the world in tears")
Princess Diana was one of the most popular and loved British Royals around the world. While her married life was always a matter of interest , it was her people skills that made her popular among the masses. So, the news of her sudden death on August 31, 1997, was bound to shock Britain and the rest of the world. A high-speed car crash in Paris led to her death.
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On this day in 1998, North Korea stunned the international community by announcing the launch of its first satellite, Kwangmyongsong-1 (meaning “Bright Star 1”).
Here is all that happened on this day.
Princess Diana killed after a car crash in Paris
The world was shaken by the tragic death of Princess Diana, often called the “People’s Princess,” in a car crash in Paris on August 31, 1997. At just 36 years old, Diana’s sudden passing cut short the life of a woman admired globally for her compassion, humanitarian work, and ability to connect with people beyond the confines of royalty.
The accident took place shortly after midnight in the Pont de l’Alma tunnel. It was here that the car carrying Diana, her companion Dodi Fayed, and their driver Henri Paul crashed while being pursued by paparazzi. While Dodi and Henri were killed instantly, Diana succumbed to her injuries hours later in a Paris hospital. Diana’s bodyguard, Trevor Rees-Jones, was the sole survivor of the accident.
The British Royal’s death sparked an unprecedented outpouring of grief across the world. Outside Kensington Palace and Buckingham Palace, seas of flowers, letters, and tributes lined the streets as millions mourned. The British royal family, initially criticised for its subdued response, eventually addressed the nation, with Queen Elizabeth II paying tribute in a rare televised broadcast.
Diana’s funeral on September 6, 1997, was watched by an estimated two and a half billion people worldwide, making it one of the most viewed events in television history. Her sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, then just 15 and 12 years old respectively, walked behind her coffin in a deeply emotional moment that left a lasting imprint on the world.
Beyond her royal duties, Diana had redefined the monarchy’s image by championing causes such as HIV/Aids awareness, leprosy, and landmine clearance. Her warmth and ability to break traditional barriers made her beloved across cultures.
North Korea announced the launch of its first satellite
North Korea stunned the world when it announced the launch of its first satellite, Kwangmyongsong-1 (also called Bright Star 1). The announcement marked a historic moment, as Pyongyang claimed it had joined the ranks of space-faring nations, though the launch immediately sparked controversy and scepticism abroad.
The rocket carrying the satellite was a Taepodong-1, a three-stage ballistic missile. According to North Korean officials, the satellite successfully entered orbit, transmitting revolutionary songs praising the late leader Kim Il Sung and the ruling ideology of Juche. State media hailed the event as a ‘great victory’ that elevated North Korea’s prestige on the global stage.
However, the United States, Japan, and South Korea questioned the claim, with analysts arguing that the satellite never achieved orbit. Instead, they suggested the launch was more likely a ballistic missile test disguised as a peaceful space program. The incident heightened regional tensions, particularly in Japan, where the rocket flew over parts of its territory, triggering widespread alarm.
The launch had profound diplomatic consequences. It threatened to derail ongoing US–North Korea talks aimed at curbing Pyongyang’s missile and nuclear programs and intensified fears of an emerging missile race in East Asia. Japan responded by accelerating its missile defence initiatives, while Washington condemned the move as a provocation.
This Day, That Year
Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff was impeached and removed from office after the country’s Senate on this day in 2016.
In 1991, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan declared independence from the Soviet Union.
With inputs from agencies
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