Princess Diana’s Letters Reveal Insights Into Her Early Life and Marriage

Princess Diana once anticipated a fairy-tale future with Prince Charles. Her dream, however, took a different turn. Katherine Hanbury, Diana’s schoolmate from West Heath Girls’ School from 1973 to 1977, is working with the U.K. auction house Gorringe’s to auction off photos and letters starting July 7.

“She was full of hope,” Hanbury shared. “She believed she had found her prince. Like anyone starting a marriage, she dreamed of a lifelong partner, children, and happiness.”

A letter from Diana, written during her 1981 honeymoon with Charles, is part of the auction.

“I’ve held onto these letters and photos for about 45 years,” Hanbury said. “I’m getting older, and I want others to enjoy them as I have.”

In the letter, Diana wrote to Hanbury, saying, “It’s wonderful being married. I think it’s safe to say that after two months…” This was her way of expressing joy in her new life.

At school, the two became close friends. Hanbury recalls Diana as “good fun” and “very ordinary.”

“She enjoyed typical girl activities,” Hanbury noted. “She was giggly and caring. My memories are of a delightful young girl, just Diana among us.”

Hanbury remembered Diana’s interest in domestic tasks. “She liked organizing, and she enjoyed sports. She was skilled in swimming and loved tennis,” Hanbury recalled.

“I remember thrilling bike rides with her,” Hanbury said. “It was such simple fun, just like any other girls.”

Diana left West Heath at 16 but stayed connected with Hanbury. Charles and Diana began dating in 1980, marrying on July 29, 1981.

Hanbury recalls Diana’s excitement upon meeting Charles. “She came back thrilled from a weekend at Althorp where Charles was,” Hanbury said.

The romance eventually made headlines, surprising everyone, as Diana was so young.

Among the auction items is “The Honeymoon Letter,” where Diana described the honeymoon as “blissful” and mentioned being in Scotland, which she loved.

“Just two months into marriage, Diana was settling into royal life,” Hanbury explained. Diana wrote about the new challenges and feeling as if she was playing with “grown-ups.”

Hanbury describes Diana as always caring and kind. “She wanted love and respected everyone. Her kindness was genuine,” Hanbury stated.

While Diana’s life took a royal path, Hanbury focused on education and a quieter life, yet never forgot Diana.

Hanbury admitted, “There was always hope for Diana despite her challenges.”

Sadly, Diana and Charles’ marriage ended in separation in 1992, finalizing a divorce in 1996.

Diana passed away in a car crash on August 31, 1997, at age 36.

“The grief was overwhelming. The world shared in the sadness,” Hanbury said.

Today, Hanbury hopes the auction’s letters and photos will introduce Diana’s authentic self to the public.

“She remained true to herself,” Hanbury reflected. “That’s rare in the royal family today.”