Princess Diana's "Revenge Dress" & Earl Spencer's book 'Swan Song'
Join us in celebrating Diana, the People’s Princess, and remembering her remarkable life, warmth and compassion. These dementia-friendly CST activities include photographs, conversation prompts, quizzes, music and reminiscence - encouraging everyone to share memories, express opinions and enjoy taking part together.
We start by taking a look at Diana's early life and engagement to Charles.
Next we look at the wedding of Prince Charles & Lady Diana Spencer, asking people to share their memories of the day.
Next we discuss Diana's love of music and dance and look at her famous dance at the Whitehouse with John Travolta in 1985. There is an opportunity for a song break here. As Diana & John Travolta danced to a medley of songs from 'Saturday Night Fever', I've included a songalong link to a lyric video of 'How Deep Is Your Love' by The Bee Gees. You could ask the question, "Just how deep was their love from the outset?", as Charles surprisingly said in response to being asked if this was true love at their engagement interview "Whatever love is!"
Next we take a look at Diana's good causes and her commitment to improving people's lives.
We delve next into the fun side of Diana. Her visits to a local pub in Kensington and her friendships with Freddie Mercury & Kenny Everett.
There is another quiz element next, asking members to identify and name some of her closed friends ...
There is a break from Diana in asking members to complete these royal quizzes. But at the end of this section there is a 25 item "Diana Quiz".
Some Royal Quizzy Bits
In this first quiz, as well as asking members to names the current working royals, you could ask them to comment on their contribution to society and their likeability.
We pause the quizzes to look at the most famous & best royal contributions to society. Have any members been touched or impressed by any of them?
Next is a recognition and naming quiz about the previous generation of royals. Make time for discussion about Queen Elizabeth 11 and Prince Philip especially.
Next we ask members to name the royal palaces & the royal flag which flies when the king is at home.
Here is the "Diana Quiz" for members to enjoy. Take time in between questions for discussion and remembering.
Diana's Life In Photos
Next there is an opportunity to listen to Diana's favourite song, whilst watching a photo montage slide show of moments from her life.
Perhaps take a pasue here to allow time for your group to share their memories of Diana, before we look at her final years.
"The Revenge Dress"
Next we look at the irretrievable breakdown of Charles & Diana's marriage and their shocking TV interviews which rocked the nation.
And now we take a look at "The Revenge Dress", which is in the news this week.
Ask members to guess at how much it will fetch.
Ask members if they have any royal memorabilia or collectibles. How much do they think they are worth?
We move on to look carefully and respectfully at Diana's death and funeral, allowing time for members to share their own memories of feeling grief and loss at her passing.
We now look at the cataclysmic 2006 movie 'The Queen' and how the royal family was nearly broken by Diana's death and the handling of it by the palace.
Diana's Legacy
Next we look at Diana's legacy, the charity founded in her name and of course her boys and their children, whom she sdaly never got to meet. What do members think of the statue at Kensington Palace, and the rift between her sons?
Finally
We look at the other reason Diana is back in the new this week, that is the publication of 'Swan Song: Diana, my sister' by her brother Earl Spencer and the row which has erupted between him and the palace.
We finish with Elton John's funeral song for Diana, 'Candle In The Wind' - the best selling single of all time in the UK.
I would dearly love to hear from you about how this session went down with your group. Please do let me know in the comments below.
Also, just to let you know there is a video version of this blog available here -
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