She charmed the world with her shy smile and bright blue eyes, and had she lived Princess Diana would have been 50 today.

Born into privilege and wealth on July 1, 1961, Lady Diana Spencer grew up a sheltered and shy girl who became engaged at the young age of 19 to the future King of England.

Diana and Prince Charles announced their engagement in February 1981 when he gave her the sapphire and diamond engagement ring that would eventually go to her son William’s bride Kate Middleton.