Jamie Lee Curtis is recalling a close brush with Princess Diana, an experience that still touches her heart nearly three decades later. The actress, 66, shared the story in an Instagram tribute on Sunday, August 31, marking the 28th anniversary of Diana’s death.
Curtis’ Emotional Tribute To Princess Diana
(Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for dcp)Posting a photo of the late princess with her arms outstretched to embrace Prince William and Prince Harry, Curtis recalled how she “almost met” Diana in 1997 while filming Fierce Creatures, the follow-up to A Fish Called Wanda.
The Missed Meeting on Set
(Photo by Jayne Fincher/Princess Diana Archive/Getty Images)Curtis explained that Diana was set to visit the Pinewood Studios set with her two sons. But in a twist of timing, Curtis was on a break.
“She was to visit the set of the follow-up to A Fish Called Wanda, Fierce Creatures, and we were shooting at Pinewood [studios, 20 miles west of London]…” Curtis wrote.
“I jumped in a golf cart and drove the mile back to the dressing room to use the restroom. My driver started banging on the door, saying that she had arrived with her sons, and I jumped into the golf cart, and by the time I got back, she was walking away.”
A Letter to Kensington Palace
Wanting to explain her absence, Curtis wrote a letter to Diana the next day at Kensington Palace, expressing her admiration. To her surprise, the princess wrote back.
“[She was] thanking me for writing and understanding, of course, nature calling as it happens to her all the time, and that she looked forward to meeting. She died two months later,” Curtis said. “I had just returned from England. I remember watching the news…”
Remembering Diana’s Grace & Courage
(Photo by Fox Photos/Getty Images)Curtis said that when she learned of Diana’s death in a Paris car crash on August 31, 1997, she was reminded of the princess’s compassion.
“I immediately thought about Princess Diana and her learning to live wisely…. She talked about her own personal issues and demonstrated courage and compassion…” Curtis shared.
The Oscar-winning actress added that the image of Diana with her arms outstretched to greet her sons still resonates deeply with her. “I’m still moved by her grace and courage,” she concluded.
Charles Spencer Posts Emotional Tribute From Diana’s Memorial at Althorp Estate
Princess Diana’s brother, Charles Spencer, has shared an emotional update following reports that Prince William stepped back from peace talks with Prince Harry.
On September 1, Spencer posted a photo of flowers left by visitors at Diana’s Althorp memorial to mark the 28th anniversary of her passing.
“Beautiful flowers, left yesterday by Althorp’s visitors,” he wrote. Spencer also reminded followers that the memorial is open to the public each year from July 1, Diana’s birthday, until August 31, the day she died.
“We are open for July and August each year, by an arrangement reached with the UK Government in 1992,” he explained.
The Earl went on to thank the Althorp House team, adding, “who were truly outstanding again this summer – treating visitors as honoured guests of my family. Sarah P led them with quiet charm and an excellent natural feel for what matters.”
