The Lady Diana Frances Spencer (Diana Frances Mountbatten-Windsor, née Spencer) (1 July 1961–31 August 1997) was the first wife of Charles, Prince of Wales. From her marriage in 1981 to her divorce in 1996 she was styled Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales. After her divorce in 1996, Diana ceased to be a Royal Highness and The Princess of Wales and instead was styled Diana, Princess of Wales. She was often called Princess Diana by the media and the public, but this was incorrect both during and after her marriage, as she was only ever a Princess by marriage, not by birth.'