Princess Diana appeared in countless photos, whether for royal events or photoshoots. However, there was one image she considered nearly R-rated – yet it still ended up on the front page of every newspaper.
The photographer has now shared what truly happened, revealing that Diana’s response was less than appreciative.
Known as the “People’s Princess,” Princess Diana was mourned worldwide upon her passing. Her tragic death in Paris in 1997 deeply impacted the royal family, leaving Prince William and Prince Harry without a mother.
Princess Diana
Both brothers – currently amid a serious rift – had to lean on other family members during their upbringing, something they’ve frequently discussed in interviews. Still, nothing could truly take the place of their mother, who aimed to protect them as much as possible.
Though their mother is no longer here, photo archives contain hundreds of pictures of the three together. Additionally, the archives include “never-before-seen pictures” that never reached the newspapers.
Yet, on one occasion, a particular photo of Diana with two other children caused the late princess concern – all due to what she was (or wasn’t) wearing.
Throughout her royal life, Princess Diana was relentlessly pursued by paparazzi photographers and journalists eager for the most sensational story or image of her, often crossing boundaries – something many other celebrities would recognize as well.
Diana has appeared in some of the most iconic photos, which continue to be celebrated as legendary to this day.
One example is the photograph taken of her in front of the Taj Mahal in 1982, a pose that has been recreated by thousands – including William and Kate – and the bench she sat on remains known as “Lady Di’s chair.”
The true story behind Princess Diana’s “no petticoat” picture
Princess Diana became a fashion icon of her time. In 1980, a year before she married Prince Charles, 19-year-old Diana was working as a nursery school teacher in London. Her warmth and kind-hearted nature captivated the public, leading photographers to seek the best photo of her.
One of those photographers was royal photographer Arthur Edwards, who captured one of the most memorable images of Lady Diana at her job. However, what was intended as a simple portrait of the future wife of the next king took an unexpected turn.
At that time, Arthur Edwards had recently started his role as a royal photographer for The Sun. Knowing Diana was employed at a preschool in London’s West End, he decided to search for her.
After knocking on doors and asking around, the new photographer finally found the preschool. After speaking with the school’s owner, Arthur Edwards brought Diana to a nearby park along with two children.
“She posed up, and I did half a dozen pictures,” he shared with Today.
Everything seemed to be going well. Word spread quickly, and soon, other photographers joined him to capture pictures of Diana.
Then, at one point, Arthur Edwards – who would go on to document seven royal weddings, four funerals, and seven royal births – noticed the sunlight casting over the young princess. That moment changed everything.
“Everybody doesn’t believe this, but it is the gospel truth — halfway through, the sun came out and revealed those beautiful legs,” Edwards explained, describing it as an “amazing silhouette” and “iconic picture.”
“I don’t want to be known as….”
Several newspapers decided to publish the photo, and it quickly became iconic. However, Diana was taken aback. Her legs were visible under her skirt, and she felt she had exposed too much to the public.
As reported by Today, she told Charles, “I don’t want to be known as the girlfriend who had no petticoat.”
Although Diana had little privacy, she understood that being a royal came with constant public scrutiny, including being targeted by the media and paparazzi.
“There were, at times, some fractious moments, particularly with the holidays with the boys, but she understood that myself and the other guys on the newspapers had a job to do – she knew very much the difference between the paparazzi and the staff guys,” said photographer Kent Gavin, who worked with Diana for over 20 years.
On July 29, 1981, Diana and Charles got married. Their relationship was challenging, partly due to Charles’ affair with Camilla – and the infamous Tampongate.
Even after their divorce, the public’s love for Princess Diana never faded, and it remains strong, despite what some might refer to as the “R-rated” photo taken during her time at her school job.
