A new collection of never-before-seen photographs and personal letters belonging to Princess Diana is giving royal fans a rare glimpse into her life before she became one of the most famous women in the world. The collection is set to go up for auction in July and includes candid images from Diana’s school days, handwritten letters to a childhood friend, and even a heartfelt letter written shortly after her royal wedding to then-Prince Charles.
Rare Photos Show Princess Diana Before Royal Life
These rare items come from Katherine Hanbury, a childhood friend who attended West Heath Girls’ School with Diana between 1973 and 1977, according to PEOPLE.
Among the most fascinating pieces are four previously unseen color photos taken during Diana’s teenage years. These photos capture a side of the future Princess of Wales rarely seen by the public.
In two of the photos, Diana can be seen relaxing in her dormitory. Another image shows her outside with the school sports field in the background. A fourth image features Diana and fellow students enjoying time together outside one of the school buildings.
Unlike the polished photographs that would later define her public image, these snapshots show a carefree teenager long before she became a global icon.
This collection also includes a handwritten birthday card Diana sent to Hanbury, signed “Diana (S),” which is a reference to her Spencer family name. It was also a possible way to distinguish herself from other students with the same first name.
Remembering the ‘Real’ Diana
This collection offers a more personal portrait of Diana than most royal fans have ever seen, according to Albert Radford, Books & Manuscripts Specialist at Gorringe’s.
In a statement to PEOPLE, Radford described Diana as “deeply unassuming and domestically minded.” He noted that she dreamed of having a family and taking pride in everyday life.
Radford also shared memories from Hanbury, who said that Diana would volunteer to help clean the headmistress’s house while attending school.
He added that this collection reveals “the real young Diana.” It presents a stark contrast to the public image that developed after she joined the royal family.
Honeymoon Letter Included
Also included in the collection is a three-page letter Diana wrote to Hanbury during her honeymoon in 1981. The letter was written shortly after Diana married Charles on July 29, 1981. It bears the royal crest at the top of each page.
In the letter, Diana thanked her friend for sending a card. She also reflected on her early days as a newlywed.
Diana wrote, “We had a blissful honeymoon with endless sun and luckily calm seas.”
The collection also includes the original envelope the letter was sent in. It shows the letter was sent by registered post from Scotland during the royal couple’s stay at Balmoral.
One Final Keepsake
The last piece of the collection is an order of service from a private thanksgiving ceremony held in London in November 1997. This was just two months after Diana’s tragic death in a Paris car crash at age 36.
While there was a globally televised funeral that was attended by millions, this smaller service offered a more intimate chance for friends and loved ones to remember the beloved princess.
The collection will be part of Gorringe’s Fine Art & Interiors sale on July 7. Auction experts estimate the collection could sell for between $5,000 and $8,000.
The timing is especially meaningful. It comes just days after what would have been Diana’s 65th birthday. Also, just weeks before the anniversary of her wedding to King Charles III.
