On what would have been Princess Diana‘s 64th birthday, we’re looking back at the early days of her life within the royal family.

From her honeymoon on the Royal Yacht Britannia to her first overseas tours, Diana’s early royal years gave the world a glimpse of the woman who would become a global icon.

Princess Diana waved to fans as she boarded the Royal Yacht Britannia for her honeymoon
Charles and Diana’s honeymoon on the Royal Yacht Britannia in 1981

Just days after their fairytale wedding in July 1981, Diana and Prince Charles (now King Charles) embarked on a 12-day Mediterranean cruise aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia.

The couple visited Gibraltar, Sardinia, Tunisia, and Greece before retreating to Balmoral in Scotland.

Diana boarded in style, wearing a matching blouse and skirt set. Her fashion was already beginning to make headlines.

Though their honeymoon would later be described by insiders as strained, public images told a different story.

Charles kissed Diana’s hand in this photoshoot taken at Balmoral
Diana and Charles at Balmoral in 1981
The final leg of their honeymoon was spent in the Scottish Highlands.

At Balmoral Castle, Diana was photographed resting her head on Charles’ shoulder. In another shot, the prince kissed her hand, gestures that, at the time, appeared to reflect newlywed affection.

Diana was quickly becoming the most popular member of the royal family
Charles and Diana smiling during their honeymoon

Shortly after their honeymoon, Diana’s popularity was undeniable.

Lady Elizabeth Anson, Queen Elizabeth II’s cousin, once recalled: “They did a visit to Wales, which was the beginning of, for Prince Charles, realising, ‘They’ve come out to see my wife, not me.’”

Diana’s transformation into an elegant, camera-ready princess had captured the hearts of the public almost instantly.

Diana joined Queen Elizabeth II for the State Opening of Parliament in 1982
Diana joined Queen Elizabeth II at State Opening of Parliament in 1982
At her first State Opening of Parliament in November 1982, Diana wore her Spencer family tiara alongside Queen Elizabeth II.

But behind the scenes, things were more complex.

Biographer Andrew Morton claimed: “In the early days, Diana was quite simply terrified of her mother-in-law. She kept the formal obsequies, dropping a deep curtsy each time they met, but otherwise kept her distance.”

Prince William was born in 1982
Diana’s touching moments with Prince William
On June 21, 1982, Diana gave birth to her first son, Prince William, introducing him to the world on the steps of St Mary’s Hospital.

Just a year later, she took William on a royal tour of Australia and New Zealand, breaking tradition by not leaving her infant son behind in London.

One photo from the 1983 tour shows William playing on the lawn of Government House in Auckland, watched lovingly by his parents.

The princess was regularly seen in tiaras and royal jewels (Credit: Photo by Wood/Shutterstock)
Diana stuns in tiara in 1983
Diana dazzled in tiaras and elegant gowns throughout her early royal years.

At a Premier Dinner in Newfoundland during a royal tour, she wore sparkling jewels from the royal collection.

This velvet gown became one of Diana’s most iconic looks
Princess Diana and John Travolta dancing in 1985
One of Diana’s most iconic moments came during a 1985 state visit to the US.

At the White House, she danced with actor John Travolta in a midnight blue velvet gown by Victor Edelstein. Travolta later called the moment “one of the highlights of my life”.

The gown, paired with a sapphire and pearl choker, became legendary.

It was later sold to Historic Royal Palaces for £264,000, cementing its place in royal fashion history.

After joining the royal family, Diana became known as a fashion icon
Princess Diana in 1989
Even on official tours, Diana’s style made headlines.

On her Gulf States trip in 1989, she wore a blue-and-white suit by Catherine Walker and a dramatic turban-style hat by Philip Somerville.

Her ability to honour local culture while remaining fashion-forward was unmatched.

Even though her marriage to Charles was fraught with challenges, Diana’s early years as a royal left an indelible mark on the monarchy and the public.

She modernised the monarchy, redefined public engagement, and brought a relatable humanity to the crown.

Today, on what would have been her 64th birthday, her memory lives on, not only in her sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, but also in the millions she inspired with her grace, strength, and compassion.

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