Diana, Princess of Wales divorced on August 28, 1996 after 4 years of marriage.
Diana , Princess of Wales ( Diana Frances ; née Spencer ; 1 July 1961 -- 31 August 1997 ) , was the first wife of Charles , Prince of Wales , who is the eldest child and heir apparent of Queen Elizabeth II . Diana remained the object of worldwide media scrutiny during and after her marriage , which ended in divorce on 28 August 1996 .