Politics

Britain's "Diana moment"

July 25, 2007
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With the tenth anniversary of Diana's death approaching rapidly, brace yourselves for the next wave of Dianamania—Tina Brown's recent Diana Chronicles is merely the most high-profile of at least 14 new Diana titles this year. But while Diana's character flaws or the conspiracy theories surrounding her death continue to enthrall some, perhaps the most interesting question is not about the woman herself, but about the public reaction to her death and what it told us about modern Britain.

For the August issue of Prospect, Andrew Marr and Joan Smith debate whether the "Diana moment" was a change for the better. Yes, says Marr: Diana's death turned Britain into an emotionally healthier country. No, says Smith: it was the first example of the trend of turning private grief into public spectacle.

Click here to read the debate, and let us know your thoughts on the meaning of the "Diana moment" below.