Princess Diana’s Hairdresser Unveils Her Remarkable Response to ‘Scandal’ That Incensed Prince Charles
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The late Princess of Wales, Princess Diana, and then Prince Charles found themselves embroiled in a royal commotion during a tour of New Zealand. Richard Dalton, the revered hairdresser who catered to Princess Diana from 1981 to 1990, has divulged intriguing details about a particular incident that left Prince Charles seething while sparking a contrasting reaction from the beloved princess.
Describing the turmoil that ensued during their April 1983 visit to New Zealand, Dalton recounts a significant uproar amidst anti-monarchist Māori rights protests at the time. One Māori activist boldly expressed his dissent by mooning Princess Diana during a traditional Māori greeting ceremony known as haka, intended to welcome the royal couple.
Dalton vividly recalls the aftermath of the incident, sharing that Prince Charles was visibly irate as he overheard him venting his frustration next door while he awaited his turn to style Diana’s hair and adjust her tiara. On the other hand, Princess Diana’s response was surprisingly light-hearted as she found humour in the situation, contrasting sharply with Charles’ indignation.
The captivating narrative surrounding this “total scandal” has been captured in Dalton’s memoir, ‘It’s All About The Hair – My Decade with HRH Diana Princess of Wales,’ a collaboration with Renae Plant. Plant describes Diana as incredibly humorous, fondly remembering her penchant for sharing cheeky and amusing cards with a mischievous sense of fun.
During the protests against Diana and Charles’ visit to New Zealand, headlines such as “Maori moon shines on royals” made waves. A protester boldly breached police lines, donning a grass skirt and baring his posterior in a gesture of dissent towards the royal couple. Such acts of protest against their visit prompted public and media attention during their short stay in the country.
Subsequent revelations from documents archived in Britain’s National Archive, released by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office in 2021, shed additional light on the controversial incident. A confidential letter from then New Zealand High Commissioner Sir Richard Stratton described the protester’s actions as a provocative gesture directed at Their Royal Highnesses, eliciting a mix of shock and amusement.
The New Zealand tour marked the sole visit Princess Diana would make to the country, which is one of the 56 nations within the British Commonwealth. Dalton’s memoir offers an intimate glimpse into his tenure as Princess Diana’s personal hairstylist, reflecting on the highs and lows of that decade-long professional relationship.
The revealed anecdotes provide a captivating insight into the dynamics between Princess Diana and Prince Charles during a tumultuous moment in their public life. Dalton’s recollections offer a rare glimpse behind the scenes, showcasing the contrasting reactions of the royal couple to a moment that captured the attention of the world.
In conclusion, Princess Diana’s ability to find humour and grace in the face of adversity, juxtaposed with Prince Charles’ evident displeasure, underscores her remarkable spirit amidst the challenges of royal life. The narrative serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities and human experiences that lie beneath the glamorous facade of royalty.
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