Before She Was the People’s Princess

Before the world knew her as Princess Diana, she was a shy 19-year-old nursery teacher. In 1980, a photo of her taken in a park—sunlight revealing her silhouette through her skirt—unexpectedly thrust her into the spotlight. Though embarrassed at the time, it marked the beginning of her public life.

Photographer Arthur Edwards remembered Diana as gracious and kind, qualities she carried throughout her life. From breaking royal norms to being a devoted mother, Diana redefined what it meant to be royal.