A 2020 YouGov poll found that Diana remains the most popular member of the British royal family, with 66% of Britons viewing her favorably.1
But how well do we know the woman behind the tiara? From her academic struggles to her secret nightclub adventures, these 15 lesser-known facts about Diana will challenge everything you thought you knew about the beloved princess.
1. Diana was a School Dropout
Long before she became royalty, Diana struggled academically. Despite her privileged upbringing, she failed her O-level exams twice and left school at age 16.
This early setback didn’t define her, however. Diana went on to work as a kindergarten teacher before her marriage to Prince Charles, becoming the first royal bride to have held a paying job.
Diana’s academic challenges highlight how even those who seem to “have it all” can face difficulties.
Her ability to overcome these early struggles and succeed in other areas of life inspires many who may not excel in traditional educational settings.
2. She Had More English Royal Blood Than Prince Charles
While Diana was often seen as an outsider to the royal family, she had deeper English royal roots than her husband. Diana’s lineage included illegitimate offspring of Kings Charles II and James II.
This aristocratic Spencer bloodline gave Diana more English royal ancestry than Prince Charles, whose family has strong Germanic ties.
This little-known fact adds an intriguing layer to Diana’s relationship with the royal family.
Despite being viewed as a commoner in some ways, Diana’s heritage connected her to the English monarchy in ways that even her husband couldn’t claim.
3. Diana Went Clubbing with Freddie Mercury
The demure princess had a wild side that few knew about. According to actress Cleo Rocos, Diana once joined her, comedian Kenny Everett, and Queen frontman Freddie Mercury for a night out at a gay bar.
Disguised in sunglasses and a cap, Diana snuck into the club unrecognized and reportedly “loved it.”
This escapade reveals Diana’s playful, adventurous side, sharply contrasting with her public image.
It shows how she sought moments of normalcy and fun away from the constant scrutiny of royal life, connecting with people from all walks of life.
4. She Gave Birth to Prince William Standing Up
Diana broke royal tradition by giving birth in a hospital, but that’s not the only way she revolutionized royal childbirth.
When it came time to deliver Prince William, Diana stood up to give birth. She opted for a natural birth without pain medication, with Prince Charles by her side.
This unconventional approach to childbirth demonstrates Diana’s strength and determination.
It also reflects her desire to do things her way, even during personal and significant moments.
5. Diana was the First English Royal Bride in 300 Years
When Diana married Prince Charles, she made history in more ways than one. She was the first English bride to marry into the royal family in three centuries.
Before Diana, the royals had made strategic marriages with other European royal houses, resulting in a predominantly German background for Prince Charles.
This fact underscores Diana’s unique position within the royal family.
As an English aristocrat, she brought a fresh perspective and connection to British roots that hadn’t been seen in the monarchy for generations.
6. Her Grave Has Been Attacked Four Times
Even in death, Diana’s legacy has faced challenges. Her brother, Earl Charles Spencer, shared that there have been four attempts to rob Diana’s grave.
Located on a small island at her family’s Althorp estate, the gravesite is not open to the public, but that hasn’t deterred would-be intruders.
These disturbing incidents highlight the ongoing fascination with Diana and the lengths some will go to connect with her memory.
They also demonstrate the family’s ongoing efforts to protect her final resting place and preserve her privacy even after death.
7. Diana Struggled with Mental Health Issues
Behind the glamorous facade, Diana battled serious mental health challenges. She openly discussed her struggles with bulimia and depression, breaking royal taboos around mental illness. Diana’s openness about these issues helped destigmatize mental health problems and encouraged others to seek help.
Her willingness to speak about her personal struggles unprecedentedly humanized the royal family.
It also paved the way for future generations of royals, including her sons, to be more open about mental health issues.
8. She was a Talented Pianist
While Diana may have struggled academically, she excelled in other areas. She was a gifted pianist and showed a particular talent for music during her school years.
This artistic side of Diana is often overshadowed by her humanitarian work and fashion icon status.
Diana’s musical abilities reveal a creative, sensitive side to her personality. It’s a reminder that her character had many facets beyond what was seen in the public eye.
9. Diana’s Parents Took a Week to Name Her
When Diana was born, her parents had been hoping for a boy. They were so focused on having a male heir that they hadn’t prepared a girl’s name.
It took a whole week before they settled on Diana Frances, with Diana chosen as a nod to the Spencer family tree.
This delay in naming highlights Diana’s family’s pressure to produce a male heir, a theme that would resurface in Diana’s marriage.
It also shows how Diana defied expectations from the beginning of her life.
10. She Considered Starring in a Sequel to “The Bodyguard”
In an unexpected twist, Diana was reportedly in talks to star in a sequel to the hit movie “The Bodyguard.” While the project never materialized, it shows that Diana was open to unconventional opportunities and had ambitions beyond her royal role.
This little-known fact reveals Diana’s interest in entertainment and her desire to explore new avenues.
It also suggests that she considered redefining her public image and career after her divorce.
11. Diana’s Memorial Garden Was Made from Mourners’ Bouquets
After Diana’s death, the outpouring of grief was immense. The flowers left by mourners were put to use in a touching tribute. Diana’s memorial garden at Kensington Palace was created using compost from the thousands of bouquets left after her death.
This beautiful gesture transformed the public’s expressions of grief into a lasting memorial.
It’s a fitting tribute to a woman who touched so many lives and continues to be remembered with such fondness.
12. She was a Distant Cousin of Prince Charles
In a twist of fate, Diana and Charles were related before marriage. They were 16th cousins, once removed, and descendants of Tudor King Henry VII. This distant connection adds an ironic element to their ill-fated union.
While not uncommon among aristocratic families, this familial link between Diana and Charles is often overlooked.
It serves as a reminder of royal lineages’ complex and intertwined nature.
13. Diana was an Accomplished Diver
Despite her height, which prevented her from pursuing a career in ballet, Diana excelled in other physical pursuits. She was an accomplished diver and even invented her signature dive called “The Diana.”
This little-known talent showcases Diana’s athleticism and competitive spirit.
Her diving prowess adds another dimension to our understanding of Diana’s capabilities. It’s a reminder that she was not just a fashion icon or humanitarian but a woman of many talents.
14. She Had a Secret Nickname for Prince Charles
In private, Diana had a playful nickname for Prince Charles that few knew about. She reportedly called him “Fred,” while he called her “Gladys”.
These pet names offer a glimpse into the more lighthearted moments of their relationship.
This intimate detail humanizes the royal couple and shows that, despite their public struggles, there were moments of affection and humor in their relationship.
15. Diana’s Wedding Dress Had a Hidden Good Luck Charm
Diana’s iconic wedding dress held a secret that wasn’t revealed until years after her death. The designers, David and Elizabeth Emanuel sewed a tiny 18-carat gold horseshoe studded with white diamonds into the dress as a good luck charm.
This hidden detail adds a touch of whimsy and superstition to one of history’s most famous wedding dresses.
It’s a reminder of the care and thought that went into every aspect of Diana’s public image, even in details that weren’t meant to be seen.
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Martha A. Lavallie
Martha is a journalist with close to a decade of experience in uncovering and reporting on the most compelling stories of our time. Passionate about staying ahead of the curve, she specializes in shedding light on trending topics and captivating global narratives. Her insightful articles have garnered acclaim, making her a trusted voice in today's dynamic media landscape.
