Rare photographs capturing Princess Diana during her school years have surfaced and are up for auction. The images, taken by her schoolmate Katherine Hanbury at West Heath Girls’ School in Sevenoaks, Kent, between 1973 and 1977, depict a youthful Diana in various settings such as her school dorm, the school grounds, and enjoying leisure time with friends.
The photos, dating back to 1977, were snapped just before Diana’s initial encounter with Prince Charles. Katherine Hanbury carefully preserved these candid snapshots over the years. The collection, which includes letters penned by Diana, is currently being auctioned by Gorringe’s Auctioneers in Lewes, East Sussex, with an asking price of £4,000.
Describing the collection, Albert Radford, a specialist in books and manuscripts at Gorringe’s, highlighted the intimate portrayal of Diana as a modest and family-oriented individual before her royal responsibilities took precedence. Recollections from their school days paint a picture of a young Diana characterized by humility and a desire for a simple life centered around family.
Included in the auction archives is a handwritten note from Diana to Katherine Hanbury, written during her honeymoon with Prince Charles at Balmoral. The couple tied the knot at St Paul’s Cathedral in London on July 29, 1981, and remained married for five years until their divorce in August 1996.
Diana’s note, dated September 27, 1981, reflects her joy during the early days of marriage, particularly highlighting their blissful honeymoon aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia. She fondly recalls their travels to destinations like Egypt and the Greek Isles, expressing a preference for rural life in Scotland over city living.
The auction also features insights into Diana’s adjustment to royal life, with the young princess navigating the formalities and responsibilities that came with her new status. The Diana archives are anticipated to fetch between £4,000 and £6,000 during the auction scheduled for July 7.