Princess Diana once hoped for a fairy-tale future with then-Prince Charles. Unfortunately, that dream unraveled. Katherine Hanbury, a former schoolmate of Diana, is partnering with the UK auction house Gorringe’s to auction off photographs and letters beginning July 7. These items, containing fond memories and personal insights, offer a glimpse into the life of the beloved princess and her aspirations for a family.
“She was completely hopeful,” Hanbury shared, describing Diana as someone who dreamed of a happy, loving life with her prince. Diana’s longing for a family came from her caring nature. As Hanbury explained, “She was such a lovely, caring girl. Having a family of her own was what she truly desired.”
“Its wonderful being married – I think its safe to say that after two months…” Diana wrote in a letter to Hanbury.
Hanbury kept Diana’s letters and photos safely in her desk for decades. She feels now is the time to share these cherished memories with others. Looking back at their school days, Hanbury recalled Diana as “good fun” and “very ordinary” in the best sense. “She was very giggly, very caring, a young girl who was absolutely delightful,” Hanbury said of Diana.
Diana was remembered for her love of domestic tasks and outdoor activities like cleaning, organizing, swimming, and tennis. Hanbury fondly remembered simple joys shared with Diana, like riding bikes down a hill and making noise together. Despite being Lady Diana Spencer, she was simply “Diana” among her friends.
After leaving school at 16, Diana stayed in touch with Hanbury. Their friendship remained strong even as Diana’s life took a dramatic turn. “I remember her going home for the weekend and coming back so excited,” Hanbury recounted about Diana meeting Prince Charles. Their romance, initially revealed in the papers, ended in a highly publicized marriage on July 29, 1981.
The auction highlights include “The Honeymoon Letter,” written by Diana during her 1981 honeymoon in Balmoral, Scotland. In this letter, she wrote of the blissful time and noted adapting to royal life as “a case of playing with grown-ups!” Hanbury reflected on Diana’s youth and adjustment to a new world. “She was so young. It was all new for her,” Hanbury remarked.
Diana was recognized for her genuine kindness and care for others. Despite being thrust into the royal family and under constant public scrutiny, Diana remained true to herself. Her marriage to Prince Charles faced many challenges, culminating in divorce in 1996. Following their separation, Diana continued to be lovingly remembered by the public.
On August 31, 1997, Diana died tragically in a car crash in Paris at the age of 36. The world mourned her loss. “You could smell the flowers in London from miles away,” Hanbury remembered of the outpouring of grief and love from the public.
Today, as Hanbury prepares to auction the letters and photographs, she hopes they will reveal a deeper understanding of Diana. “She was the real deal,” Hanbury said, emphasizing Diana’s authenticity and the lasting impact of her compassion and kindness. The world knew and loved Diana, and her legacy continues to resonate today.
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