It's important to remember that narcissists' thoughts and views on others, including Princess Diana, can vary significantly based on individual characteristics and motivations. Narcissists typically see people as either sources of narcissistic supply or threats to their grandiose self-image. Here are some possible ways a narcissist might perceive a person like Princess Diana, who was widely regarded as beautiful, compassionate, and loved by many:
Envious admiration: A narcissist may admire Princess Diana's beauty, charisma, and popularity, but this admiration is often mixed with envy. They may wish to be as admired and adored as she was, and their envy might lead to feelings of resentment or hostility towards her.
Objectification: Narcissists tend to objectify people, viewing them as tools for their own gratification. They might see Princess Diana primarily as a means to boost their own status by associating themselves with someone so revered and beloved.
Threat to their self-importance: If Princess Diana's popularity overshadows or challenges the narcissist's sense of superiority, they might feel threatened by her. In such cases, the narcissist may resort to devaluing her in an attempt to diminish her significance and maintain their own self-importance.
Seeking proximity for narcissistic supply: Some narcissists might seek out connections with famous or admired individuals like Princess Diana to bask in their reflected glory. Being associated with a well-regarded person can provide the narcissist with an ego boost and the attention they crave.
Exploitation and manipulation: A narcissist might try to exploit Princess Diana's compassion and empathy for their own gain. They may attempt to draw her into their orbit, using her kindness to extract attention and admiration or to further their own agenda.
Devaluation and criticism: If the narcissist perceives Princess Diana as a threat to their self-esteem or a potential rival, they may engage in devaluation and criticism to undermine her reputation and diminish her positive qualities.
It's essential to recognize that these perceptions and reactions stem from the narcissist's distorted view of the world and their relationships. Princess Diana's qualities of beauty, compassion, and popularity were genuine and widely appreciated by many, but a narcissist's perspective on her would be colored by their own insecurities and self-centeredness.