Princess Diana
Princess Diana broke several royal protocols because she's not one to follow a rule book. Pictured: Princess Diana is seen during the official Madame Tussauds' wax effigy of HRH Prince William is unveiled at London's Marylebone Road tourist attraction on August 3, 2005 in London, England. Getty Images/MJ Kim

Princess Diana broke the royal protocol and rules when she was still alive.

In her BBC interview, the Princess of Wales admitted to doing things differently than the other members of the royal family. The mom of two shocked everyone when she personally chose her engagement ring from a catalog. Traditionally, engagement rings are custom-made.

Prince William and Prince Harry’s mom also changed her wedding vows to Prince Charles. Princess Diana didn’t say anything about obeying her husband during their wedding in 1981. Josie Griffiths, a journalist for The Sun, said that Princess Diana was the first royal to break this tradition.

Back in the ‘90s, Princess Diana also sported above the knee dresses which wasn’t typical of female royals. Despite the criticism she received, the Princess of Wales still stayed true to her style.

Prince Charles’ wife also broke another tradition by wearing a beautiful emerald and diamond choker that was given to her by Queen Elizabeth II. However, Princess Diana wore the choker as a headpiece multiple time.

Princess Diana was also the one responsible for sending Prince William to a public school. Prior to this, most members of the royal family were homeschooled.

George Hackett, a journalist, told Newsweek in 1985, “The decision to have William, 3, develop his finger-painting skills among commoners showed the influence of Diana, Princess of Wales, who had worked in a nursery school herself when she was just a lady.

Princess Diana was also known for encouraging her two sons to live normal lives even though they are royals. Paul Burrell, a former royal butler, said that the late princess typically allowed Prince William and Prince Harry to order takeout food from McDonald’s.

And unlike other royals, Princess Diana never shied away from sharing intimate details about her life. In 1995, she told BBC’s Martin Bashir that she doesn’t think she will ever become Queen because she doesn’t have the support of the royal family.

“I do think differently because I don’t go by a rule book because I lead from the heart, not the head. And albeit, that’s got me into trouble in my work, I understand that. But someone’s got to out there and love people – and show it,” she said.

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