Lady Diana Spencer: SIGNIFICANT DATES

July 1, 1961: Lady Diana Francis Spencer is born, the daughter of the eighth Earl of Spencer.

July 29, 1981: Marries Prince Charles, the heir to the British throne, at St. Paul’s Cathedral, while millions watch the “fairy tale wedding.”

June 21, 1982: Prince William is born.

September 15, 1984: Prince Harry born.

June 15, 1992: After months of speculation about the state of the royal marriage. Andrew Morton’s book “Diana: Her True Story,” says Charles has had a longtime affair with a married woman, Camilla Parker-Bowles, driving Diana to injury herself and attempt suicide .

Aug. 25, 1992: The Sun newspaper print transcript of a phone call monitored in December 1989 between Diana and a man who affectionately called her ‘Squidgy.’

Dec. 9, 1992: Prime Minister John Major announces to Parliament that Diana and Charles are separating but that there are no plans for divorce.

Jan. 12, 1993: The Sun publishes transcript of intimate phone call said to be between Camilla and Prince Charles, reportedly monitored December 1989.

June 29, 1994: Charles admits adultery in TV interview.

Oct. 3, 1994 Ann Pasternak’s “A Princess in Love” says Diana had a five-year affair with her riding instructor, James Hewitt.

August 1995: Reports link Diana and rugby star, Will Carling. Carling and wife separate Sept. 29

Nov. 20, 1995: In a television interview, Diana admits adultery with Hewitt.

December 1995: Charles receives letter from Queen Elizabeth II urging divorce, and he agrees.

Feb. 28, 1996: Diana agrees to divorce.

Aug. 28, 1996: Final decree of divorce.

Aug. 31, 1997: Diana killed in Paris automobile accident. Her companion, Dodi Fayed, also is killed.

Sources: Los Angeles Times and wire stories.

Compiled by MALOY MOORE / Los Angeles Times Editorial Library