Rare photos of a youthful Princess Diana during her school days have surfaced for auction. These images, captured by her schoolmate Katherine Hanbury at West Heath Girls’ School in Kent between 1973 and 1977, depict a 16-year-old Diana in various candid moments within the school premises and outdoors with her companions.
Taken in 1977, just before Diana’s initial encounter with Prince Charles, the photos have been preserved meticulously by Hanbury over the years. This exclusive collection, accompanied by personal letters from Diana, is currently up for sale at Gorringe’s Auctioneers in East Sussex for £4,000. According to Albert Radford, a specialist at Gorringe’s, this archive offers a unique insight into Diana’s early life, portraying her before the weight of royal obligations and public attention took hold.
The collection includes a handwritten note by Diana to Hanbury, sent during her honeymoon with Charles in Balmoral following their grand wedding at St Paul’s Cathedral in London on July 29, 1981. The three-page letter, dated September 27, 1981, reveals Diana’s joy and contentment during the initial phase of her marriage, particularly highlighting their picturesque honeymoon on the Royal Yacht Britannia. Diana expressed her preference for rural life and reflected on adjusting to the formalities of royal protocols, showcasing her genuine and positive outlook on her new role.
The Diana archives, expected to fetch between £4,000 and £6,000, are scheduled for auction on July 7, offering a rare glimpse into the personal and early married life of the beloved Princess of Wales.