Unveiling Princess Diana: A Friend's Perspective Through Letters and Photographs
Princess Diana had high hopes for a fairy-tale future with Prince Charles, but her dreams were shattered. Katherine Hanbury, a childhood friend of Diana, is teaming up with U.K.-based auction house Gorringe's to auction off photographs and letters from July 7. Diana's friend recalled how she believed she had found her prince charming and wanted to build a family of her own.
Diana and Hanbury became close friends at West Heath Girls' School, where Diana was described as fun-loving and ordinary. Diana enjoyed everyday activities and was caring and sporty. Hanbury fondly remembered their simple pleasures, like riding bikes and having fun together.
After leaving school at 16, Diana stayed in touch with Hanbury. The news of Diana's engagement to Prince Charles came as a surprise to Hanbury, who remembered Diana's excitement after meeting the prince at her parents' estate. The auction includes a letter from Diana during her honeymoon, where she expressed her joy at being married and adapting to her new royal life.
Hanbury believed that Diana's caring and kind nature would define her future as a royal. Despite the challenges she faced in her marriage to Charles, Diana remained true to herself and continued to show kindness to others. Hanbury reflected on Diana's tragic death in 1997 and the immense sadness felt by people worldwide.
Today, Hanbury hopes that the letters and photographs she is auctioning will reveal another side of Diana to the public. She emphasized that Diana was genuine and true to herself, a quality that she believes is missing in the current royal family. Hanbury fondly remembered Diana as the real deal, always staying true to her authentic self.