Her Unconventional Childhood
Diana loved dancing and wanted to be a professional ballerina, but grew too tall. She was homeschooled until she was 9 and subsequently attended boarding school to complete her education. She failed the O-Level exams twice and when she was 16, and dropped out of school.
Life Before Charles
Before Diana met Prince Charles and became a princess, she worked many odd jobs, including as a school teacher and a nanny. She made $5 an hour to do laundry, clean, and play with children. Diana also worked as a part-time kindergarten teacher in London.
An Iconic Wedding Dress
Princess Diana’s ivory taffeta wedding dress was designed by husband-and-wife duo David and Elizabeth Emanuel. The gown had a 25-foot-long train with over 10,000 pearls, and it was one of the longest royal trains seen in the world.
She Loved ABBA
The Swedish pop group ABBA was Princess Diana’s favorite band. In 2011, Prince William and Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge paid homage to Diana by playing some of ABBA’s music at their wedding party.
Diana Coined the Term “Cleavage Bags”
Designer Anya Hindmarch designed little satin clutches which Diana used to cover her cleavage with when she stepped out of cars and ensure that the cameras didn’t catch a glimpse of her down the top.
Her Ring Lives On
Diana chose her engagement ring, a 12-carat oval sapphire surrounded by 14 solitaire diamonds, out of a Garrard’s catalog, whereas most royals had their jewels custom-designed. In 2010, Prince William proposed to Kate with the ring as a perpetual symbol of Diana’s presence.