Life and times of Princess Diana

Dec 10: Following is a chronology of the life and times of Princess Diana who died aged 36 on August. 31, 1997 in a car crash in Paris: July 1, 1961 - Born into an aristocratic family, third of four children of Lord and Lady Althorp.

1977 - Met Prince Charles, heir to the British throne, at Althorp.

February 24, 1981 - Engagement to Charles announced.

-- July 29, 1981 - Charles and Diana married in sumptuous ceremony at St Paul's Cathedral in London.

June 21, 1982 - First child born, William Arthur Philip Louis, known as Wills. Diana suffered post-natal depression.

September. 15, 1984 - Second child born, Henry Charles Albert David, known as Harry.

1985 - First reports of difficulties in royal marriage.

1986 - Charles renewed his relationship with Camilla Parker Bowles, a woman he later referred to as ''the love of his life''.

Diana developed slimming disorder bulimia nervosa. Royal couple continued public duties, but in private, led separate lives.

June 1992 - ''Diana -- Her True Story'', by tabloid reporter Andrew Morton, is published. Diana cooperated, through friends, in the writing of the book which showed her trapped in a loveless marriage and attempting suicide to attract Charles' attention.

-- August. 25, 1992 - Newspapers publish excerpts of taped telephone conversation between Diana and James Gilby, who called her ''Squidgy'' and told her repeatedly that he loved her.

-- December. 9, 1992 - Prime Minister John Major announced formal separation of the couple in parliament.

September. 1994 - ''Princess In Love'' by Anna Pasternak published, telling of an affair between Diana and cavalry officer James Hewitt. Book condemned, but Diana later confirmed she had had an affair with Hewitt and said she adored him.

November. 20, 1995 - Princess of Wales gave television interview in which she admitted adultery with Hewitt and said she doubted Charles' ability to handle the responsibility of being king.

-- December. 20 - Buckingham Palace confirmed Queen Elizabeth had written to Charles and Diana urging them to divorce.

Febuary. 28, 1996 - Diana agreed to a divorce.

-- July 12 - Charles and Diana agreed divorce terms. Diana was to get a reported 17 million pound (26 million dollars) settlement, but was stripped of the title ''Her Royal Highness''.

-- August 28 - Charles and Diana granted a decree absolute ending their 15-year marriage.

August. 7, 1997 - First media reports that Diana had found a new love - Dodi Al Fayed.

-- August. 31 - Diana killed in car crash with Al Fayed hours before returning home to Britain.

Reuters