ALS signed “Diana,” both sides of her 6 x 4 red-bordered personal Kensington Palace correspondence card, June 27, 1995. Diana writes to Simon Barnes. In full: “I got a lovely surprise when Jean gave me your present of The Tibetan Book of Living & Dying—a title just up my street & I have no doubt that the contents will be fascinating. You are so kind to have thought of me on the birthday, thank you. With love from, Diana.” Accompanied by the original transmittal envelope bearing Barnes’s name in Diana’s hand and initialed by her at lower left, “D.” In very fine condition.
The recipient of Diana’s thanks, Simon Barnes of Malvern, had injured his spinal cord on an army assault course in 1984, which led to his involvement with a British charity organization called Spinal Research. Barnes made headlines in 1986 when he and two other paraplegics embarked on an 800-mile wheelchair ride. It was through this event that Barnes met the Princess of Wales, who eventually became Spinal Research's Royal Patron. For the next decade, Simon met Diana many times, including occasional visits to Kensington Palace.
The gift referenced by Diana, The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying, written by Sogyal Rinpoche, gives a comprehensive presentation of the teachings of Tibetan Buddhism, exploring such topics as the message of impermanence, how to care for and show love to the dying, and spiritual practices for the moment of death. The way that Diana lived her life—showing compassion for those less fortunate—remains one of her legacies. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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