A rare collection of personal memorabilia belonging to the late Princess Diana is set to go under the hammer at Gorringe’s auction house next month. This unique assortment includes never-before-seen photographs from her school years and intimate correspondence with a childhood friend, offering a glimpse into the formative years of the beloved royal.
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The collection features materials from Katherine Hanbury, who attended West Heath Girls’ School alongside Diana from 1973 to 1977. The auction is scheduled to commence on July 7. Among the highlights are four candid colour photographs capturing the young Diana in various settings, including her dormitory and a group shot where she is seen relaxing outdoors with her classmates.
One of the photographs, which depicts Diana enjoying time outside with her peers, showcases her engaging in simple yet joyful moments that a young girl would experience at school. Two other images offer a more personal glimpse into her daily life within the confines of the school, while the fourth features the school’s sports field as a backdrop.
Included in the collection is a handwritten birthday card from Diana to Hanbury, inscribed with “Diana (S),” which suggests there may have been other girls with the same name in their class. This small artifact provides insight into her friendships during her youth and serves as a reminder of her personal connections prior to her public life.
Albert Radford, Books & Manuscripts Specialist at Gorringe’s, commented on the significance of the collection, stating it provides a rare opportunity to see Diana as she was before she became a global icon. He expressed that the archive reflects Diana’s unassuming nature and her aspirations, which were often centered around family and the simple joys of life rather than royal duty.
Radford elaborated on Diana’s character, citing accounts of her volunteering to help the headmistress with household chores and highlighting her down-to-earth disposition. He noted that this portrayal contrasts sharply with the public image crafted around her later in life, revealing a young woman who was navigating the complexities of love and identity amidst the pressures of her eventual royal status.
Academically, Diana struggled during her time at West Heath, facing challenges that led her to leave the school at the age of 16. In the same year, she met her future husband, then-Prince Charles, although they did not begin dating until 1980. Their marriage in July 1981 would propel her into the public eye, but these items from her early life reflect a different era, filled with hope and youthful innocence.
As part of this unique offering, the auction will also include a touching letter written by Diana during her honeymoon, addressed to Hanbury. Dated September 27, 1981, the three-page letter conveys her gratitude for a birthday card and describes her blissful honeymoon experience in Scotland. The letter, written on embossed stationery featuring the royal crest, captures Diana’s warmth and affection for her childhood friend.
Of particular note, the original envelope bearing royal postmarks is part of the collection, showcasing the historical links between Diana’s private life and her identity as the Princess of Wales. This small yet poignant element adds an extra layer of significance to the letter and further connects it to Diana’s life as a royal.
Lastly, the auction will feature an order of service from a thanksgiving service held at St. Martin-in-the-Fields in November 1997, two months after Diana’s tragic passing. This programme serves as a reminder of the public mourning that followed her untimely death and is a poignant keepsake reflecting the depth of grief experienced by her family, friends, and millions of admirers.
The auction of these personal items, part of the Fine Art & Interiors sale, is estimated to generate between £4,300 and £6,500. The timing of the sale is particularly notable, coinciding with the anniversary of Diana’s marriage to Charles on July 29 and the date that would mark her 65th birthday on July 1.
This rare opportunity to glimpse into the early life of one of the most beloved figures of the 20th century will surely attract collectors and admirers of Princess Diana alike, as they seek to acquire a piece of her legacy and personal history.