A striking photo of Princess Diana and Michael Jackson suggests more than just a brief encounter between two legends. Beneath the surface, there was a genuine connection.
Diana, a passionate music fan, particularly loved Duran Duran and Michael Jackson, often playing his albums “Thriller” and “Bad” on repeat. Their worlds finally collided on July 16, 1988, when Diana and Prince Charles attended Jackson’s “Bad” tour at Wembley Stadium—their first and only meeting.
Before the show, Jackson nervously removed “Dirty Diana” from the setlist, fearing it would offend her. But Diana surprised him by insisting he play it. He did, and their connection only deepened from then on.
Michael later spoke about their friendship, saying that Diana often called him late at night to talk about her children and the pressures of fame. Although some of Diana’s friends disputed the extent of their contact, Jackson’s former bodyguard confirmed the singer’s deep feelings for her.
Their shared experiences with relentless media attention created a strong emotional bond. Jackson was devastated by Diana’s death in 1997. He fainted upon hearing the news and canceled a concert in Belgium. In his thanks, he said, “I love you, Diana. Shine forever, for you are the true people’s princess.”
Although he did not attend her funeral, Jackson honored her privately and spoke of her fondly for years afterward: “We could cry on each other’s shoulders about how cruel the press can be.”