Roger-Luc Chayer
(Photos: Princess Diana: Terence Donovan / Camera Press / Redux. Stéphanie of Monaco: Bernard Charlon / Gamma-Rapho. Princess Anne Windsor: Glyn Kirk / AFP / Getty Images)
For centuries, the monarchy has captivated the public, and in the age of social media, this phenomenon is truer than ever. Millions of images circulate daily on Facebook, Instagram, X, and other platforms, often accompanied by snippets of information, sometimes more or less verified. However, in a context where misinformation dominates, the truthfulness of facts often seems to take a backseat.
Where this fascination peaks is in the popularity of princesses within the gay community, which holds these royal figures in high esteem. According to various studies and surveys, the three princesses most adored and admired by gay men are Princess Diana, Princess Stéphanie of Monaco, and Princess Anne of England. But what explains this intense admiration?
Princess Diana
According to Wikipedia and ChatGPT, Princess Diana, born Diana Frances Spencer in 1961, is an iconic figure of the 20th century. From an aristocratic British family, she grew up in a world blending privilege and family instability, marked by her parents’ divorce. In 1981, her marriage to Prince Charles thrust Diana into the global spotlight, making her the « People’s Princess » from her very first steps in the royal sphere.
Although she embodied elegance and a modern fairytale, her private life was far from idyllic. Diana had to navigate the rigid expectations of the royal family, relentless media pressures, and the challenges of a tumultuous marriage. Despite these trials, she transformed her role as a princess into a humanitarian mission, using her fame to champion important social causes. Her compassion for AIDS patients, her efforts to combat landmines, and her human approach to charity work left a lasting impact. Princess Diana was the first public figure in Britain to visit and shake hands with AIDS patients at a time when the disease was still largely misunderstood.
Diana was a devoted mother, prioritizing her sons, William and Harry, above all. She worked hard to provide them with as normal a childhood as possible, away from royal constraints. Her spontaneity and sensitivity made her a figure that resonated with the people, in contrast to the perceived coldness of the monarchy.
Tragically, her life was cut short in 1997 in a car accident in Paris. Her death sparked a global wave of grief, revealing just how deeply she was loved. Diana remains an eternal icon, embodying both glamour, vulnerability, and hope.
Princess Stéphanie of Monaco
Princess Stéphanie of Monaco, born on February 1, 1965, is the youngest daughter of Rainier III, Prince of Monaco, and the famous actress Grace Kelly. From a young age, Stéphanie distinguished herself by her rebellious spirit and refusal to follow convention, contrasting with the more traditional image of her family.
Her life was marked by tragedy in her adolescence when she survived the car accident that claimed the life of her mother in 1982. This dramatic event deeply affected Stéphanie, shaping her view of life and her relationship with the public. Refusing to conform to the traditional role of a princess, she embraced an artistic career and became a singer in the 1980s. Her song « Ouragan » became a massive hit in Europe, solidifying her status as a star outside the royal circles.
Stéphanie is also an accomplished fashion designer, launching her own swimwear line, and actively engaging in social causes. Very committed to humanitarian values, she became involved in the fight against HIV/AIDS, supporting associations and awareness campaigns.
Her personal life has often been under the media spotlight due to her unconventional romantic relationships and bold life choices, which have sometimes attracted criticism. However, Stéphanie has remained true to herself, asserting her independence and freedom.
Today, as a mother of three, she continues to live on her own terms, discreet yet always active in charitable and cultural initiatives.
Princess Anne Windsor
Princess Anne, born on August 15, 1950, is the only daughter of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. From a young age, she stood out for her independence, frankness, and commitment to royal duties, qualities that shaped her public image throughout her life.
Passionate about equestrianism, Anne became a renowned rider. In 1971, she won a European championship in eventing, and in 1976, she became the first member of the British royal family to compete in the Olympic Games, representing the UK in this discipline. This connection to equestrian sport also shaped her commitment to various organizations linked to horses and agriculture.
Princess Anne is best known for her tireless humanitarian work. Since 1970, she has been closely associated with Save the Children, an organization she has helped promote globally. She is also involved in over 300 associations and charitable causes, making her one of the most active members of the royal family in terms of public duties.
Her personal life, although private, has occasionally attracted media attention. She was first married to Captain Mark Phillips, with whom she had two children, Peter and Zara, before marrying Vice-Admiral Timothy Laurence in 1992. Through these trials and changes, Anne has remained true to her reputation as a hard worker and a key member of the monarchy.
She particularly stood out after the death of her mother, Queen Elizabeth, demonstrating exceptional strength of character and offering unwavering support to the other family members.
Anne supports several charitable organizations and initiatives related to health, including those focused on awareness and support for people living with HIV/AIDS.
She has notably worked with organizations such as the Terrence Higgins Trust, one of the first British organizations dedicated to HIV/AIDS. True to her pragmatic and discreet approach, Princess Anne focuses on concrete work and support for causes, without seeking the media spotlight that often accompanies other members of the royal family.
Why Such Popularity Among Gay Men?
The popularity of Princess Diana, Princess Stéphanie of Monaco, and Princess Anne among gay men can be explained by a unique combination of their charisma, personalities, and extraordinary journeys. Each, in their own way, embodies qualities and experiences that resonate deeply within the gay community.
Gay men have always admired and respected strong women who combine beauty, charm, and intelligence. These qualities often reflect the attributes that gay men must embody, in their own way, in a world where they are not always respected for who they are. Recent decisions by President Trump, particularly regarding the near-erasure of LGBTQ+ communities in the United States, demonstrate this clearly.
Diana, nicknamed the « People’s Princess, » is undoubtedly the most iconic. Her natural elegance and timeless style quickly elevated her to the status of a glamour model. However, what truly touched the gay community was her humanity and commitment. Diana broke taboos by visiting AIDS patients at a time when the stigma was overwhelming, sending a powerful message of compassion and inclusion.
Princess Stéphanie of Monaco, on the other hand, captivates with her rebellious spirit and her will to break conventions. Refusing to conform to the expectations of a classic princess, she followed her own path, embracing a career in music, fashion, and leading a love life without fear of criticism. Stéphanie embodies freedom and authenticity, values highly cherished in gay culture.
Finally, Princess Anne stands out for her strength of character and pragmatic approach. Although she is less glamorous than Diana or Stéphanie, she is respected for her unwavering dedication to royal duties and charitable engagements. Her straightforward and authentic nature inspires sincere admiration.