Every August 31—the tragic anniversary of Princess Diana’s death—photographs of the late royal emerge across the news, social media, and pop culture platforms, a visual ode to the royal and public figure who touched the lives of so many. After all, during her life, Diana was known for her impactful image-making: a photo of her shaking hands with an AIDS patient in London, for example, helped de-stigmatize the disease during the height of hysteria around it, while a picture of her walking through a landmine field in Angola helped raise worldwide awareness for the human rights issue. Then, there are the pictures that epitomize glamour and, well, scandal: take the little black frock Diana wore out after Prince Charles admitted to an affair on national television, cemented now in pop culture as the “revenge dress.” (It even has its own Wikipedia page.) Or consider her wedding dress, complete with puff sleeves and a 25-foot train.
Even 27 years after her death, new photos of Princess Diana continue to emerge: on March 4, 2022, two white-gloved curators hung a rarely-seen portrait of the late Princess of Wales, by David Bailey, on the walls of Kensington Palace. The black-and-white portrait is striking in its minimalism, showing simply the profile of Diana staring steadfastly ahead. A new view of the Princess, added to the cultural canon.
Below, we revisit some of the most famous images taken of the late Princess of Wales.
Lady Diana Spencer in November 1980, two months after her relationship with Prince Charles was revealed by the press.
Lady Diana Spencer, startled after stalling her new red Mini Metro outside her Earls Court flat in London just days before her engagement to Prince Charles was announced.
Prince Charles III and Lady Diana Spencer at Buckingham Palace on the day they announce their engagement in February 1981.
Lady Diana Spencer wearing her ‘Black sheep’ wool jumper by Warm and Wonderful to Windsor Polo, June 1981. 40 years later, the distinct print has once again made a fashion comeback.
Lady Diana Spencer arrives at St. Paul’s Cathedral on her wedding day, revealing to the world the wedding dresswhich had been carefully guarded during its design.
Princess Diana falls asleep during an appearance in 1981, which gave her the nickname of “Sleeping Beauty.” She would announce her pregnancy with Prince William shortly after.
The Princess of Wales, wearing a tartan dress designed by Caroline Charles and a black Tam o’ shanter style hat, attending the Braemar Highland Games on September 5, 1981 in Scotland.
Princess Diana at a state dinner in Canberra, Australia, November 1985.
Princess Diana in 1983.
Princess Diana dances with John Travolta at the White House in 1985.
The Princess of Wales at home in Kensington Palace.
Princess Diana sitting on a step at Highgrove House, in Doughton, Gloucestershire, July 18, 1986.
The Princess of Wales shakes hands with an AIDS patient as she opens a new AIDS ward at the Middlesex Hospital on April 9, 1987 in London, England.
The Princess of Wales wearing a hat by milliner Frederick Fox during a visit to Anzio, Italy.
The Princess of Wales in Hong Kong, 1989.
Princess Diana in Rome, 1985.
Princess Diana in Cannes, 1987.
Princess Diana on Armistice Day, 1988.
Princess Diana sits alone at the Taj Mahal during her visit to India in 1992. She and Prince Charles would announce their separation at the end of that year.
Princess Diana rides a log flume with her sons Prince William and Prince Harry in 1993
Princess Diana arriving at the Serpentine Gallery, London, in a gown by Christina Stambolian. Her 1994 look would later be dubbed the “Revenge Dress.”
Princess Diana, wearing a Virgin Atlantic sweatshirt, leaves Chelsea Harbour Club, London in November, 1995. Her gym style, to this day, has a cult following of fashion devotees.
Diana, wearing protective body armor and a visor, visits a minefield being cleared by the charity Halo in Huambo, Angola. Her 1997 visit brought international attention to the issue.
A 27-year-old Princess Diana sporting a camp combo of white, flowy trousers, patterned boots, a blazer jacket, and a decorated cap.
Princess Diana on Mohamed Al Fayed’s yacht in St. Tropez wearing a neon number.
The Princess and Prince of Wales with William in front of St. Mary’s Hospital in 1982.
Princess Diana and Prince Harry in 1987.
Queen Elizabeth II and the Princess of Wales attending the Opening of Parliament in 1982, with Diana wearing the Spencer tiara.
