Princess Diana was constantly in front of the camera, whether at royal events or photoshoots. But one particular photo, which she considered rather inappropriate, made the front pages of newspapers around the world. Now, the photographer behind the picture is revealing the full story of what happened.
Diana, known as the “People’s Princess,” was beloved worldwide, and her untimely death in 1997 deeply affected both the public and the royal family. Her sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, had to grow up without their mother, a loss that shaped their lives. As they deal with their personal struggles, they often reflect on their childhood and the mother who fiercely protected them. Despite her absence, an extensive archive of photographs from their time together remains, including many never before seen in the press.
One image in particular caught Diana’s attention for reasons she hadn’t anticipated. In the early days of her royal life, she was constantly followed by photographers. Diana had become a style icon, and every moment of her life was closely followed. One of these photographers, Arthur Edwards, captured a moment that would become infamous.
Edwards had recently joined The Sun as a royal photographer when he decided to track down Diana, who was working as a nursery school teacher in London. After some effort, he found her and asked her to pose for some photos with two children in a nearby park. Everything was going smoothly until the sun suddenly appeared and illuminated Diana’s legs under her skirt. The resulting image has been described as iconic, but Diana was horrified. She felt it gave too much away, especially given her royal status. She later remarked to Prince Charles: “I don’t want to be known as the no-fault friend.”
Although Diana was always under media scrutiny, she understood the reality of her position as royalty. Despite the tension created by the constant attention, she remained aware of the difference between paparazzi and the professional photographers who worked with her.
On July 29, 1981, Diana married Prince Charles in a globally televised ceremony. Their marriage, however, was troubled, marked by infidelity and public scandal. Despite their separation, Diana continued to be adored by the public until her tragic death.
Her legacy lives on, and her sons are actively involved in charitable causes in her honor. Prince William created the Earthshot Prize to recognize environmental innovators, while Harry founded the Invictus Games to support veterans.
Diana’s legacy also includes lighter, more personal moments, such as playful greeting cards she sent to King Constantine II of Greece. These cards, containing humorous and suggestive messages, sold at auction in May for $7,000. While the reasons for sending them remain unclear, they offer a glimpse into her fun and lighthearted side.
While William and Harry honor their mother’s memory, each continues her work in their own way. Prince William, in particular, has become a prominent figure in both the United Kingdom and the United States, drawing comparisons to his late mother. Royal expert Jennie Bond notes that William’s charm and confidence match those of Diana, further cementing his place as a beloved figure in the future of the monarchy.
Although she passed away far too soon, Princess Diana’s influence remains and her memory is cherished by many both within the royal family and around the world.