Photographer Doesn’t Realize What He Captured After Taking ‘Revealing’ Picture Of Diana

Note: we are republishing this story which originally made the news in November 2020.

Princess Diana may have later become one of the world’s most beloved style icons, but she first captured hearts as a modest, young nursery school teacher.

One of the early photographers to document her journey, Arthur Edwards, recently reflected on an iconic 1980 photo that accidentally made headlines.

He knew she worked at a preschool in London, so he knocked on doors until he found her location.

After gaining permission from the school’s owner, Edwards took Diana and two young students to a nearby park for some quick photos. “She struck a pose, and I snapped a few shots,” he recalled. Then, in a twist of fate, the sun emerged, backlighting her skirt and revealing her legs in silhouette. “It was purely chance,” Edwards said. “But it turned the shot into an iconic image.”

The image ran in newspapers across the U.K., much to Diana’s embarrassment. Reportedly, she told Charles she didn’t want to be remembered as “the girlfriend without a petticoat.” However, this moment was just the beginning of Diana’s complicated relationship with the press.

Despite the rocky start, Edwards continued photographing Diana as she transitioned from a shy young woman to the “people’s princess.” “She was always graceful, always kind,” Edwards said. Diana’s down-to-earth charm and compassionate work transformed public perceptions of the monarchy.

She famously hugged AIDS patients and comforted leprosy patients, actions that would forever endear her to the world.

Diana’s sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, continue her legacy of public service today, with Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, joining in their charitable efforts.

Back in 2017, Edwards had predicted the pressures Meghan Markle would face in joining the royal family, noting, “It’s a lot of pressure. If they can handle it, great, but if not, it’s best to step away.”

Sources: Today