Remembering Princess Diana – 20 Years On

Today marks the 20th Anniversary since the tragic death of Princess Diana, the ‘People’s Princess’. In January, six heartwarming handwritten letters from Princess Diana to Cyril Dickman, sent whilst he served as Head Palace Steward at Buckingham Palace, were auction off by Cheffins auctioneers in Cambridge. The tender, intimate and poignant letters highlight a period in Diana’s life of happiness, joy and excitement. 

One particularly touching letter dated September 20, 1984 from Diana to Cyril reads:

‘Dear Cyril, it was so very kind of you to have sent us such a lovely card, on the arrival of our small son – we both were greatly touched by your thoughtfulness and enormously appreciated it. William adores his little brother and spends the entire time swamping Harry with an endless supply of hugs and kisses, hardly letting the parents near!…’ 

Another dated October 17, 1992, notes how mischievous Prince Harry was:

‘The boys are well and enjoying boarding school a lot, although Harry is constantly in trouble!’

To celebrate Princess Diana on the 20th anniversary of her death, her sons Princes William and Harry shared their personal memories of their loving mother they suddenly and so tragically lost when William was 15 and Harry was just 12. In the documentary ‘Our Mother: Her Life and Legacy’, the Princes looked through their personal childhood photo albums and spoke to some of the many people who loved her. Through her letters, photographs and memories, the legacy of Diana’s kindness and compassion continues to live on. 

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Lead photo credit: Mario Testino

Letter Images: Cheffins