Few members of the British royal family have captivated the world quite like Princess Diana. Known for her grace, compassion, and modern approach to royal life, she became an icon whose influence extended far beyond palace walls. From her groundbreaking humanitarian work to her love of fashion and rebellious spirit, Diana’s life was filled with fascinating details that many people may not know.
Despite being constantly in the public eye, there were still aspects of her personality, achievements, and personal struggles that remained hidden from the spotlight. From her secret hospital visits to her surprising connections to U.S. presidents, Diana was full of unexpected stories that make her legacy even more remarkable.
In this list, we uncover 25 little-known facts about the People’s Princess, shedding light on her extraordinary life and the lasting impact she left on the world.
1. She Almost Became a Professional Ballerina
Diana had a deep passion for ballet and dreamed of becoming a professional dancer. She trained extensively but was ultimately considered too tall at 5’10” for a career in classical ballet. Despite this setback, she remained involved in the arts, becoming a patron of the English National Ballet. Her love for dance never faded, and she continued to support young dancers and attend performances throughout her life.
2. She Was the First Royal to Have a Job Before Marriage
Before joining the royal family, Diana worked as a kindergarten assistant at the Young England School in London. This made her the first woman in British royal history to have held a paying job before becoming a princess. Her experience working with children highlighted her natural warmth and compassion, traits that later defined her approach to humanitarian work. Her down-to-earth background endeared her to the public, setting her apart from other royals.
3. She Picked Out Her Own Engagement Ring
Unlike most royal brides, who receive a custom-designed ring, Diana selected hers from a Garrard jewelry catalog. The stunning sapphire and diamond ring was not unique, as it was available for purchase to anyone who could afford it. This unconventional choice set her apart from royal tradition. Decades later, Prince William proposed to Kate Middleton with the same ring, adding another layer of historical significance to the iconic piece.
4. She Broke Tradition With Her Wedding Vows
During her wedding to Prince Charles in 1981, Diana made a subtle but groundbreaking decision—she omitted the word “obey” from her vows. This departure from royal custom signaled her independent spirit and a shift toward modern values. Her decision set a precedent for future royal brides, including Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle, both of whom followed in her footsteps. It was a small but powerful statement about her beliefs on marriage and equality.
5. She Sent Her Sons to Public School
Diana made sure that Prince William and Prince Harry had a childhood as normal as possible. One of her boldest moves was sending them to public school instead of opting for private tutoring at the palace. Prince William became the first heir to the British throne to attend nursery school outside of the royal household. This decision marked a major shift in royal parenting, helping to bridge the gap between the monarchy and everyday families.
6. She Was a Skilled Pianist
Diana had a natural talent for music and was an accomplished pianist. She played frequently as a child and continued to enjoy music throughout her life. Her skills were so impressive that she once sat down at a piano during a visit to a music school and played beautifully, surprising onlookers. Music remained one of her lifelong passions, and she often used it as a way to relax and express herself.
7. She Sent Thank-You Notes to Everyone
Diana was known for her kindness and personal touch, often sending handwritten thank-you notes to people who helped her. Whether it was a palace staff member, a friend, or even a stranger, she made sure to express her gratitude. Her thoughtful gestures left a lasting impression on those who received them, reinforcing her reputation as one of the most compassionate royals in history.
8. She Once Danced With John Travolta at the White House
In 1985, during a gala dinner hosted by President Ronald Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagan, Diana had a now-iconic dance with John Travolta. Wearing a stunning midnight-blue gown, she twirled across the White House floor with the Hollywood star. The moment was captured in photographs that became some of the most famous images of her life. The dress she wore that night later sold at auction for hundreds of thousands of dollars.
9. She Was Buried on a Private Island
After her tragic passing in 1997, Diana’s family chose to lay her to rest on a secluded island at Althorp, her family’s estate in Northamptonshire. The private burial site ensures that her grave remains a peaceful place, visited only by her close relatives. A memorial dedicated to her stands nearby, allowing the public to pay their respects without disturbing her final resting place. The location symbolizes the privacy and serenity she often longed for in life.
10. She Worked as a Nanny Before Becoming a Princess
Before her engagement to Prince Charles, Diana worked as a nanny for an American family living in London. Her job included looking after their baby and performing everyday household tasks. She was paid just $5 an hour for her work, a humble beginning for someone who would later become one of the most famous women in the world. This experience helped shape her hands-on approach to parenting, making her an especially devoted mother to William and Harry.
11. She Had a Close Friendship With Elton John
Diana and Elton John shared a strong friendship that lasted for years. They bonded over their love of music and charity work, particularly their mutual dedication to AIDS awareness. Though they had a brief falling out, they reconciled shortly before her tragic passing in 1997. After her death, Elton reworked his song Candle in the Wind as a tribute, performing it at her funeral. The song went on to become one of the best-selling singles of all time, forever linking his music to Diana’s legacy.
12. She Was an Advocate for AIDS Awareness
In the 1980s, HIV/AIDS was heavily stigmatized, and misinformation about the disease was rampant. Diana took a bold stand in 1987 when she publicly shook hands with an AIDS patient without wearing gloves, challenging the widespread fear that the disease could be transmitted through touch. This act helped change perceptions and sparked global conversations about the importance of compassion and understanding. She continued her advocacy for AIDS research and care until her passing, visiting hospitals and fundraising for those affected.
13. She Survived a Horrific Skiing Accident
Diana loved skiing and frequently took vacations to the Alps. However, during a 1988 trip to Switzerland, she experienced a terrifying tragedy when an avalanche struck. While she survived unscathed, her friend Major Hugh Lindsay, a former aide to the Queen, was killed. The accident deeply affected her, and she later spoke about the emotional toll it took. Despite this traumatic experience, she continued to enjoy skiing but became even more cautious about safety during her trips.
Read More: King Charles’ Strange Lunch Request That’s Left The Royal Staff Baffled For Years
14. She Was Related to Several U.S. Presidents
Diana’s aristocratic lineage connected her to many historical figures, including several American presidents. She was a distant cousin of George Washington and Franklin D. Roosevelt, as well as both George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush. Her family’s ties to U.S. history fascinated royal watchers, adding another layer to her global influence. These distant relationships highlight how interconnected aristocratic bloodlines are across different countries.
15. She Sent William and Harry to McDonald’s
Diana was determined to give her sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, a childhood that felt as normal as possible, even if it meant breaking royal traditions. One of her most famous acts of rebellion against palace formality was taking them to McDonald’s. While royal chefs were available to cook gourmet meals for the princes, Diana believed they should experience everyday pleasures like other children their age. On several occasions, she would personally drive them to McDonald’s, where they’d order Happy Meals and enjoy a fun, informal meal together.
When a palace chef once offered to make hamburgers at home instead, Diana insisted that the trip itself was the point—it was about the experience, not just the food. These outings, along with trips to amusement parks and visits to ordinary households, showed her deep commitment to raising grounded, compassionate children who understood life beyond palace walls.
16. She Had a Nickname Growing Up
Long before she became a global icon, Diana was affectionately known by her family as Duch, short for Duchess. The nickname, given to her by her parents, playfully hinted at her aristocratic background and poised demeanor. Even though no one could have predicted she would one day marry into the royal family, the name seemed fitting for someone who would go on to become one of the most famous princesses in history.
Despite her noble heritage—coming from the Spencer family, one of Britain’s oldest and most prestigious aristocratic families—Diana had a humble and down-to-earth nature. She carried that warmth into adulthood, never letting her royal title distance her from the people she cared about. Her childhood nickname reflected the balance between her privileged upbringing and the kindness that would later define her public image.
17. She Was the First Royal to Give Birth in a Hospital
For centuries, British royals traditionally gave birth at home or within palace walls under private medical care. Diana broke this long-standing tradition by choosing to deliver both Prince William and Prince Harry at St. Mary’s Hospital in London. Her decision marked a shift toward modernization within the royal family and was a significant step in making royal motherhood more relatable to the public.
Since Diana’s historic choice, hospital births have become the new norm for royal mothers. Both Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle followed in her footsteps, giving birth to their children in hospitals instead of private royal residences. Diana’s approach to parenting was groundbreaking, as she consistently sought to break down the barriers between the monarchy and the real world.
18. She Once Posed as a Flight Attendant for a Prank
Diana had a playful, mischievous side that many people didn’t often see. One of her most memorable pranks involved dressing up as a flight attendant to surprise passengers on a Virgin Atlantic flight. The idea was orchestrated with the help of her close friend, Sir Richard Branson, the founder of Virgin Atlantic. Passengers were shocked and delighted when they realized their flight had an unexpected royal “crew member.”
This was just one of many lighthearted stunts that showed her sense of humor. Diana loved playing practical jokes on friends, family, and even royal staff. Her fun-loving nature made her incredibly relatable and broke the stiff, formal image traditionally associated with the monarchy. It was moments like these that reinforced her reputation as The People’s Princess—a royal who wasn’t afraid to have fun and connect with others in an unexpected way.
19. She Auctioned Off Her Dresses for Charity
Diana was known for her impeccable fashion sense, and her wardrobe included some of the most iconic gowns in royal history. But instead of keeping them as museum pieces, she made a powerful decision—she auctioned off 79 of her most famous dresses in 1997 to raise money for AIDS and cancer charities.
The auction, held at Christie’s in New York, raised over $5 million, with proceeds going to the causes she was most passionate about. Among the dresses sold was the famous midnight-blue velvet gown she wore while dancing with John Travolta at the White House. The auction was not just a fashion event; it was a statement of Diana’s lifelong commitment to charity. Tragically, she passed away just months later, making the event one of her last major public acts of generosity. Today, many of her dresses remain in private collections and museums, serving as a lasting tribute to her influence on both fashion and philanthropy.
20. She Had an Unofficial Title: “The People’s Princess”
Diana earned the title The People’s Princess because of her deep emotional connection with ordinary people. Unlike many members of the royal family, who often appeared distant, she was warm, approachable, and known for her genuine compassion. Whether she was visiting AIDS patients, comforting children in hospitals, or sitting on the ground with landmine survivors, she treated everyone with dignity and kindness.
This authenticity made her one of the most beloved figures of the modern era. Even politicians recognized her impact—after her tragic passing, then-Prime Minister Tony Blair famously referred to her as The People’s Princess in a speech, solidifying the nickname in history. Her legacy continues to influence the monarchy today, inspiring her sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, to lead with compassion in their own charitable work.
21. She Secretly Visited Hospitals at Night
Diana’s charity work wasn’t just for the cameras—many of her most heartfelt acts of kindness happened in secret. She often made unannounced, late-night visits to hospitals, where she would sit with terminally ill patients, listen to their stories, and hold their hands. She didn’t want publicity for these visits; instead, she felt a deep personal responsibility to bring comfort to those suffering
Doctors and nurses later revealed that Diana would sometimes arrive alone, without any security, just to talk to patients who had no visitors. These quiet, selfless moments showed her true character—she wasn’t just a royal figurehead, but someone who genuinely cared about making a difference in people’s lives.
22. She Once Took William to a Homeless Shelter in Disguise
Diana wanted her sons to understand the struggles of ordinary people, so she made sure to expose them to real-world experiences. One of her most famous lessons for Prince William came when she took him to a homeless shelter in secret. Disguised in casual clothes, they spent time talking to the residents, giving William a firsthand look at poverty and hardship.
This experience had a profound impact on him—years later, as an adult, Prince William became a patron of Centrepoint, a charity dedicated to helping homeless youth, continuing the work his mother started. Diana’s efforts to raise her children with empathy and awareness set them apart from previous generations of royals, and her influence is still visible in the way William and Harry engage with the public today.
23. She Loved Fast Cars
Diana wasn’t just a royal icon—she had a bold, adventurous side, and one of her passions was driving. Unlike most royals who relied on chauffeurs, she loved being behind the wheel herself. She owned several luxury cars, including a Jaguar XJS, a Ford Escort, and an Audi Cabriolet, which became one of her most famous vehicles.
Her love for driving wasn’t just about transportation—it symbolized her independence. At a time when much of her life was controlled by royal protocol, driving gave her a rare sense of freedom. She was even known to speed through London with music blasting, enjoying the thrill of the open road. This small act of rebellion was another way she set herself apart from the traditional royal image.
24. She Had a Fear of Public Speaking
Despite her natural charisma, Diana struggled with a deep fear of public speaking. When she first married into the royal family, she was known for her shy, soft-spoken nature, and giving speeches was one of her biggest challenges. The pressure of speaking in front of large audiences often made her nervous, and early in her marriage, she would sometimes appear visibly anxious.
Determined to overcome this, Diana took professional speech lessons to build her confidence. Over time, she became a powerful speaker, delivering heartfelt speeches on causes she was passionate about, such as landmine awareness, children’s healthcare, and AIDS research. Her transformation from a timid young woman to a confident humanitarian advocate was inspiring, and it showcased her determination to use her voice for good.
25. Her Wedding Dress Had a Secret Good-Luck Charm
Princess Diana’s wedding dress remains one of the most iconic in history, but few people know about the hidden detail that made it extra special. Designed by David and Elizabeth Emanuel, the dress featured a record-breaking 25-foot train, intricate lace detailing, and thousands of hand-sewn pearls. However, tucked inside the fabric was a tiny gold horseshoe charm—placed there as a symbol of good luck.
The dress, though breathtaking, was notoriously difficult to manage. On the day of her wedding, it was so large that it barely fit inside her carriage, and by the time she stepped out at St. Paul’s Cathedral, it was visibly wrinkled from being crushed in the tight space. Despite this, the gown became one of the most famous bridal dresses in history, influencing wedding fashion for years to come.
Final Thoughts
Princess Diana’s life was filled with moments of joy, heartbreak, and groundbreaking change. She was more than just a royal—she was a mother, a humanitarian, and a symbol of kindness in a world that often felt distant and cold. Her willingness to challenge tradition, embrace ordinary life, and connect with people from all walks of life made her one of the most beloved figures in modern history.
Even decades after her passing, Diana’s influence continues to shape the royal family and inspire millions. Her compassion for the sick, the homeless, and the marginalized set a new standard for what it means to be a public figure. Whether through her charity work, her parenting choices, or her fearless authenticity, she redefined what it meant to be a princess.
Though she is gone, her legacy lives on—not just in her sons, William and Harry, but in the countless lives she touched. The People’s Princess will always be remembered, not just for her beauty and style, but for her heart, her courage, and the lasting mark she left on the world.
Read More: The Hidden Royal Sister of the Windsor Family