Princess Diana won over hearts around the world, but there’s so much more to her than the public ever saw. Behind the cameras and headlines, she had secret talents, quiet battles, and a rebellious streak that often clashed with royal expectations. These surprising facts uncover the real woman behind the crown, the one who laughed loudly, loved deeply, and lived with purpose even under intense scrutiny.
Whether you admired her bravery, her kindness, or her unapologetic authenticity, this list peels back the layers to reveal why Diana is still cherished all these years later. From her hobbies to bold moments, these stories remind us that she was not just a princess: she was truly unforgettable.
1, She Was A Breakthrough Activist For HIV Awareness
In a groundbreaking moment in April 1987, Princess Diana helped change public understanding of HIV when she opened the UK’s first dedicated HIV/Aids unit at London Middlesex Hospital. On that same day, she was famously photographed shaking the hand of an HIV patient without wearing gloves. This simple, powerful act did much to educate people about the illness and challenge the prevailing stigma surrounding it.
2, She Always Wrote A “Thank You” Card
Today, some of Princess Diana’s handwritten letters can sell for a lot of money at auction, anywhere from $2,000 to $20,000, depending on what’s in the note and how unique it is. This is because she was famous for always writing thank you cards to anyone who gave her a gift. She even reportedly sent thank you notes to the thousands of people who brought gifts for Prince William after he was born.
3, Her Dresses Raised Millions For Charity
Princess Diana effectively used her influence as a fashion icon to support charitable causes, alongside her duties as an official royal patron for numerous organizations focused on medical funding. A significant example of this occurred just months before her passing when she held a Christie’s auction featuring 79 of her most iconic dresses. The proceeds from this auction went to benefit AIDS and cancer charities, and one of the most famous items sold was the “Travolta dress”—a velvet blue gown she wore while famously dancing with John Travolta at a White House gala.
Being part of the royal family isn’t all tiaras and fairy tales; it comes with a surprising set of rules. One quirky tradition? Family members are reportedly weighed before and after their Christmas dinner. Gaining weight is actually encouraged, as it’s seen as a sign they truly enjoyed their meal. Talk about festive pressure with a royal twist.
Royal travel isn’t as carefree as a last-minute getaway. Harper’s Bazaar reports that direct heirs to the throne are forbidden from flying together. This old-school rule aims to protect the royal lineage in case of an accident. Preserving tradition sometimes means flying solo, literally. Even vacations have to bow to protocol.
4, She Coined The Term “Cleavage Bags”
Designer Anya Hindmarch, who often collaborated with Princess Diana, recalled how they “used to laugh when we designed what she called her ‘cleavage bags,’ little satin clutches which she would cover her cleavage with when she stepped out of cars.” This clever use of her small clutch bags became a signature move for Diana. With cameras constantly documenting her every move, she employed these accessories as a shield to prevent photographers from capturing an unwanted glimpse down her top, particularly when exiting vehicles to attend events.
5, Her Wedding Dress Was Record-Breaking
With a train stretching an impressive 25 feet, one of the longest royal trains ever witnessed, Diana’s wedding dress was a sight to behold. The iconic ivory taffeta gown, embellished with over 10,000 pearls, was the creation of husband-and-wife design team David and Elizabeth Emanuel. Its enduring legacy is such that the dress even has its own dedicated page on Wikipedia.
6, Diana’s Iconic ‘Revenge Dress’
Princess Diana’s iconic “revenge dress” became one of the most unforgettable fashion statements in royal history, worn on the very night Prince Charles admitted to infidelity on national television. On June 29, 1994, she stepped out for a gala at London’s Serpentine Gallery in a striking black, off-the-shoulder dress with an asymmetrical hemline and chiffon train, an ensemble that broke from royal tradition and grabbed headlines worldwide. Originally planning to wear a Valentino gown, she opted instead for a bold dress by designer Christina Stambolian, which had sat in her closet for three years. The outfit marked not only a significant shift in Diana’s public image but also a powerful silent response to the televised revelation of her husband’s affair. Her appearance at the Vanity Fair-hosted event turned the narrative in her favor, showing confidence, poise, and quiet defiance. The dress later became a symbol of reclaiming control and dignity during personal turmoil. Diana eventually auctioned off the now-famous dress for charity, raising $65,000 for cancer and AIDS-related causes. In 2017, the dress was displayed in Ireland’s Museum of Style Icons to commemorate her legacy, and a replica was later worn by Elizabeth Debicki in The Crown, further cementing its place in pop culture and royal history.
PDA might be cute in the movies, but it’s off-limits for the royal family, especially on international trips. They’re expected to keep things ultra-reserved in public, out of respect for cultures where affection is private. So if you’ve ever wondered why royal couples seem extra formal, now you know. A hug or handhold could cause headlines overseas. Royal love is often quietly regal.
7, She Wanted To Be A Ballerina, But Was Too Tall
Princess Diana harbored a passion for ballet and aspired to become a professional dancer, though her height ultimately prevented her from pursuing this dream. Her ballet teacher, Anne Allan, recalled in 2017, “she had dance in her soul. I realized the pure enjoyment that it gave her. She loved the freeness of being able to move and dance… I could see it helped to alleviate her emotional life.”
8, Her Parenting Style Was Very Unconventional For A Royal
Patrick Jephson, who served as Princess Diana’s chief of staff for six years, noted, “She made sure that they experienced things like going to the cinema, queuing up to buy a McDonald’s, going to amusement parks, those sorts of things that were experiences that they could share with their friends.” This approach reflected Diana’s unconventional parenting style for a royal. She was determined to raise Prince William and Prince Harry with a sense of normalcy, which included sending them to public school, using public transportation, and even visiting fast-food restaurants.
9, Her Engagement Ring Was Chosen From A Catalogue
Unusually for a royal, who typically have jewels custom-designed, Diana selected her engagement ring from a Garrard’s catalogue. This iconic piece, a 12-carat oval sapphire surrounded by 14 solitaire diamonds, now belongs to Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge. Prince William chose to propose to Kate with his mother’s ring in 2010, explaining, “Obviously she’s not going to be around to share all the fun and excitement, so this is my way of sort of keeping her close to it all.”
Here’s a language tip if you’re ever dining with royalty: never say “toilet.” According to Jerramy Fine, author of ‘Regal Rules for Girls,’ the word is considered shockingly low-class in upper-crust British society. Royals prefer euphemisms like “lavatory” or “loo.” Yes, even bathroom talk is governed by etiquette.
10, She Called Prince William “Wombat”
The nickname “Wombat” was affectionately given to Prince William by his mother, Diana, when he was just two years old. In a 2007 interview, William explained the origin: “When we went to Australia with our parents, and the wombat, you know, that’s the local animal. So I just basically got called that.” He then humorously added, “Not because I look like a wombat. Or maybe I do.” The nickname stuck after their trip where they encountered the cute native Australian creature.
