As the 20th anniversary of Princess Diana’s death draws closer, the mother-of-two’s life has been thrown into the spotlight once again.
And now never-before-seen letters, which have been unearthed by Vanity Fair and will be auctioned in April, reveal just how exhausted the then 20-year-old newlywed was after her extravagant wedding to Prince Charles.
Her 1981 marriage to Prince Charles was dubbed the “wedding of the century” – no wonder she needed a rest.
Who can really blame her?
Being the star of a day which was broadcast to over 750 million people all the while being clad in an intricate yet cumbersome David Emanuel gown with a 25-foot train makes us knackered just thinking about it.
In a letter to her personal secretary, Jane Parsons, penned on August 15, 1981, during her honeymoon on the Royal Yacht Britannia, Diana wrote: “The honeymoon was a perfect opportunity to catch up on sleep.”
A woman who likes to nap is our kind of person.
The sweet notes also demonstrate just how caring the Princess of Wales was as a mother and as a manger.
After Prince William’s birth in June 1982, the family were inundated with well wishes and received an eye-watering 4, 500 presents and 24, 000 thank you notes.
Vanity Fair reveal Diana wanted to make sure her staff weren’t “exhausted, overworked and underpaid” during this hectic time.
With William being born on June 21 and Diana’s birthday falling on July 1, the new mother was taken aback by the support.
“I have never been more confused than on my birthday as presents and telegrams were pouring in for W at KP as well as my own – so at the moment I just seem to be churning out letters!” She wrote.
Following a royal tour to Australia in 1983, the humanitarian confessed to her trusted aide she was thrilled to be reunited with her son.
“William recognised us instantly, which was a relief as sometimes children resent their parents leaving them!” She mused.
“It’s marvellous to be home again and hopefully we won’t have to do any more travelling this year… Wishful thinking!”
The young mother struggled being away from her son, Prince William.
