Happy Birthday, Princess Diana: 50 Rare Images of an Icon

Wedding Party
Under the Queen's watchful eye, Diana talks to bridesmaids Clementine Hambro, Sarah Jane Gaselee, India Hicks and Sarah Chatto on her wedding day.

To commemorate the 50th anniversary of Diana Spencer's birth, LIFE has assembled a celebratory chronicle of her too short yet vibrant time in the public eye. You can get a copy of LIFE's Diana at 50 here.

• Why Princess Diana Mattered