Rare letters reveal new side to Princess Diana
As the 20th anniversary of Princess Diana’s tragic death approaches, never-before-seen letters unearthed by Vanity Fair reveal a new side to the people’s princess.
The letters, written shortly after the then 20-year-old’s extravagant wedding to Prince Charles, show just how exhausted the Princess was after the ceremony which was broadcast to more than 750 million people around the world.
In one penned from the Royal Yacht Britannia to her personal secretary, Jane Parson, Diana writes, “The honeymoon was a perfect opportunity to catch up on sleep.”
The notes also reveal how caring and considerate Princess Di was. After Prince William’s birth in June 1982, the family were inundated with well wishes and gifts – approximately 4,500 presents and 24,000 thank you notes, but the former Princess of Wales was at lengths to make sure that her staff weren’t. “exhausted, overworked and underpaid”.
Princess Diana wrote, “I have never been more confused than on my birthday as presents and telegrams were pouring in for W at KP as well as my own – so at the moment I just seem to be churning out letters!”
Ultimately though, the notes reveal just how good a mother the people’s princess was to her children. In one, Princess Di revealed how relieved she was to be reunited with her then young son after a royal tour of Australia in 1983.
Princess Diana wrote, “William recognised us instantly, which was a relief as sometimes children resent their parents leaving them! It’s marvellous to be home again and hopefully we won’t have to do any more travelling this year… Wishful thinking!”