On the evening of August 30th, 1997, Princess Diana  – known far and wide as The People’s Princess for her kindness, generosity and unshakable connection to both commoner and aristocrat alike – was the victim of a high speed car crash in the Pont de l’Alma tunnel in Paris.

Diana, 36, was pronounced dead in the early hours of August 31st, alongside her then partner Dodi Fayed and driver Henri Paul. 

A firestorm of celebrity-hounding, blood-sucking paparazzi had chased the couple’s black Mercedes Benz from the Ritz Hotel in Paris to their inevitable fate against the 13th pillar of the Pont d’Alma tunnel. 

It was a tragic end to a beloved and – realistically – deeply troubled life for a figure who seemingly never fit the mold of the prim, proper, and perfectly conformed British Royal.

Diana, rather, was a trend-setter, a norm-buster, opting to connect to the people rather than stand aloft from them. 25 years following her horrifically unjust end, The People’s Princess is still looked at in deity-like status, with fascination on her life, loss and legacy still at a fever pitch all these years removed from her final moments.

Discovering Diana

Fascination has not wained in the two and a half decades since Diana Spencer left this mortal coil. Rather, it has only grown. In the last three years, for example, Diana has been immortalized in film and television, with the recently acclaimed HBO max documentary The Princess buoyed by stunning portrayals in The Crown by Emma Corrin (and soon to be Elizabeth Debicki), as well as an Oscar nominated-turn by Kristen Stewart in the biopic Spencer.

A Breathe Of Fresh Air

Many royal pundits have viewed the entry of Diana into the royal household as a breathe of fresh air for the, at times, stuffy and seemingly unreachable British monarchs. The wedding of Diana and Charles, for example, was viewed by 17 million viewers around the globe. But it would not stop there.

Something as simple as opting for round tables as opposed to tradition regal banquet halls, and eating standing up in the kitchen, were down-to-earth and very human qualities that endeared Diana to Britain and beyond, earning her the title ‘The People’s Princess. It has been said that Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle have taken up some of Diana’s trait of bucking royal norms.

Diana’s Pride

By all accounts, Diana Spencer had no love in her life more profound than that for her sons, William and Harry. Royal observers have often speculated that, if she were still alive today, Diana would be a doting grandmother to what would be her five grandchildren, Prince George, Prince Louis, Princess Charlotte and Archie and Lilibet. 

Giving Back

Charitable organizations were always close to the heart of Princess Diana. Among her many philanthropic endeavours over the years, Diana’s Lady Diana Foundation continues on today with the mission to continue the Samaritan deeds of the People’s Princess, with a fond memory of her bright personality and the ability to unify people in a single cause – the development and prosperity of humankind as a whole, as per the organization itself. A continued nod to her kind heart.

A Symbol of Life

There are monuments and symbols dedicated to the life and lasting love and legacy of Princess Diana across from globe. Just last year one particularly poignant memorial was erected in London. Prince’s William and Harry gathered in the Sunken Garden at Kensington Palace in commemoration of what would have been their mother’s 60th birthday. 

The statue unveiling, which was sculpted by Ian Rank-Broadley, “aimed to reflect her warmth, elegance and energy, in addition to her work and the effect she had on many people,” according to spokespersons at Kensington Garden. 

This is just one of many gestures and tokens that reflects the warm, laughter and love Diana Spencer brought to everyone she met throughout her brief life.

It’s a tradition that spans over two centuries, interrupted by two world wars, the Great Fire of 1892 and, most recently, a global pandemic.

In 2020, the Royal St. John’s Regatta was cancelled due to the global pandemic, the first time the event was suspended since 1940 – the first full year of the Second World War.

The Regatta, of course, is the biggest single gathering in the province with between 30-50,000 people showing up at Quidi Vidi Lake for the first Wednesday in August – therefore the postponement seemed inevitable with the country battling Covid.

Health care guidelines

The Regatta returned in 2021 but looked much different without the garden party atmosphere. The vendors and games of chance were absent and spectators were asked to stay at home to follow health care guidelines. The races, though, went on.

Yes, it was a year of sacrifice for the sport and those who enjoy the annual event.

However, the tradition continues with Come Home Year 2022 – featuring commemorative medals to mark the Platinum Jubilee Royal St. John’s Regatta.

“Both the Regatta and Come Home 2022 are about, ‘reconnection.’ We’ve spoken about Come Home reuniting Newfoundlanders and Labradorians with their family and friends who are living away,” says Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation. “And this year, with the races and the traditional garden party component of the event going ahead, the Regatta is reconnecting Newfoundlanders and Labradorians with the long-held tradition of spending a day ‘at the races’ cheering on the athletes and enjoying some concessions and games.”

As expected, Covid-19 left an indelible mark. Some crews opted out last year and, well, registration numbers are down with just over 70 crews registered right now compared to the well over 100 just several years ago.

However, those numbers are impressive and there’s a renewed excitement at Quidi Vidi Lake.

“There’s so much energy down around the lake. We also have big plans for Regatta Day Eve, leading into the big day, and it’s going to be a great day for rowers, spectators and vendors,” says Ashley Peach, Vice-President of the Regatta Committee and Captain of the Course. “Everyone is so excited.”

Over 200 years

Even after over 200 years, there’s still room to make history. For the first time ever, women can row the full course. Until now, women have been directed to a short course of 1,225 metres, half of the 2,450-metre length of the full course. 

Women have been advocating for the change for decades and it’s a new era. The Studio Verso team are regarded as favorites with a crew of talented rowers. 

“The feedback has been incredible,” says Peach. “Everyone is so excited to see this come to fruition on Regatta Day.”

It’s a year of breaking down barriers. At its virtual AGM earlier this year, the Royal St. John’s Regatta Committee elected a new Board of Directors, marking history with the first time both the President and Vice-President roles were held by a female, simultaneously. 

Noelle has been elected into the role of President for the 204th Anniversary Royal St. John’s Regatta. A prestigious position, which hasn’t been encompassed by a female since Gail Malone served a two-year term, ending in 2005. 

Peach, a seasoned volunteer,  championship rower and former coxswain/coach has been elected as the fifth female Vice-President, succeeding a list of strong female leaders – Siobhan Coady, Sharon Tiller, Gail Malone and Noelle Thomas-Kennell.

“I am thrilled to have been elected as the second female President of the Royal St. John’s Regatta Committee and am honoured to lead our team in planning the province’s oldest sporting event,” said Noelle Thomas-Kennell. 

 The top men’s and women’s crews are back to defend their titles. They proved it at time trials. The top women’s crew for the short course turned out to be last year’s Regatta winners, Hyflodraulic, with a time of 5:13:86.

This crew has emerged one of the greatest to ever compete.

The NTV Men’s Crew came in at 9:39:85 to claim the top stake in the men’s long course race. 

As for the women’s long course race, three crews participated during time trials, with Studio Verso coming out on top, with a time of 11:05:11.

The 204th running of the regatta is scheduled for Aug. 3, weather pending.