Princess Diana dreamt of a fairy-tale future with Prince Charles, but her expectations unraveled over time. Katherine Hanbury, a schoolmate of Diana’s from West Heath Girls’ School (1973-1977), will auction off photographs and letters with UK-based auction house Gorringe’s beginning July 7.
Describing Diana as hopeful, Hanbury remembered, “She thought she’d met her prince. Everyone hopes to find someone to spend the rest of their lives with, have children, and a happy life.” A letter from Diana’s 1981 honeymoon with Charles is among those to be auctioned.
Hanbury reflected on Diana’s wish to build a loving family. “She was a caring girl who wanted a family of her own,” she said. Hanbury has kept these mementos for 45 years and believes now is the time to share them.
“It’s wonderful being married – it’s safe to say that after two months…”
Hanbury recalled Diana as “good fun” and “very ordinary”, a compliment reflecting her down-to-earth nature. She participated in everyday activities with friends and didn’t present herself as Lady Diana Spencer.
“She loved domestic life,” Hanbury said. Diana enjoyed cleaning, organizing, and was also sporty, excelling at swimming and tennis. Hanbury shared a memory of them cycling downhill, laughing and making noise, illustrating Diana’s simple joys.
Diana left West Heath at 16 but stayed in touch with Hanbury. She seemed thrilled after meeting Prince Charles at her family estate. The press revealed their romance, surprising even close acquaintances.
Hanbury recalled Diana’s youth when engaged to Charles. “She was only 20, barely out of school, and thoroughly smitten with him.” A letter from Diana to Hanbury describes their “blissful honeymoon” and preference for the outdoors over London.
“We had a blissful honeymoon with endless sun,” Diana wrote, describing life adjustments in the royal family as “playing with grown-ups.”
Hanbury noted Diana’s caring nature, stating, “She was thoughtful, kind, and loving. Diana genuinely desired to be loved and embraced her new royal world without altering who she was.”
After their marriage in 1981, Diana and Charles faced public scrutiny. They welcomed Prince William and Prince Harry but announced their separation in 1992. Their divorce finalized in 1996. Tragically, Diana passed away in a car crash the following year at age 36.
Remembering the overwhelming public mourning, Hanbury expressed, “You could smell the flowers before arriving at the palace gates. It was unbelievably sad. Diana was loved worldwide, an absolute tragedy.”
Through these personal artifacts, Hanbury aims to present a genuine image of Diana. “She was true to herself, and that’s rare today. She was Diana,” Hanbury concluded.