To many, Princess Diana seemed to have it all, but in reality she was privately miserable. The level of suffering she experienced wasn’t known to the world until far later.
Now that we know of the tragedy that became her life, looking back at old photos holds a greater significance.
Sleeping beauty
There’s one photo of Diana early in her marriage, sitting in a chair, asleep during an event she was attending as the Princess of Wales. While it may seem strange – and perhaps rude – that the princess would fall asleep at an important media event, there was a reason. Shortly after, it was revealed that she was pregnant with Prince William!
Diana was exhausted, trying to adapt to life as a new wife and new royal. The adjustment wasn’t easy. A new baby on the way was surely going to make things different, at least for a while.
Baby on the way
The first trimester of pregnancy is known to be exhausting, which explains why she fell asleep in the most unexpected of places. After that moment, the palace knew they had to reveal the truth to the curious public. Buckingham Palace released the official announcement that the Prince and Princess of Wales were expecting their first child shortly thereafter.
Sadly, we know now that even though she went on to become mother to the heir to the British throne, she never felt wanted or welcome. Between her strained relationship with the royals and media harassment, she often had suicidal thoughts.
Loving mother
Diana loved her sons William and Harry, and in motherhood, she found the purpose that had been so lost to her. However, as we all know, she didn’t get the happy ending we all hoped for – and she died when her boys were still teenagers.
Things aren't always as they seem
But that moment, and that photo, it tells a story - and it might not be the story we think it is at first glance. It's a reminder we never truly know what is going on with someone -- and we should always give them all the compassion we can provide, because we never know...it just may be exactly when they need it.
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Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.