Before You See Spencer, Here are 5 Things You Might Not Have Known About Diana

Last year, royalists around the world were given a first look at Kristen Stewart as Princess Diana in the upcoming film, Spencer. The shot left Stewart unrecognisable, with her staring out into the distance in a black and red outfit. The resemblance to the late Princess was uncanny.

Now, the actress is being praised for her stunning portrayal of Diana in the movie which is set at the Royal Family’s Sandringham estate in Norfolk over the Christmas period. It was during this time Diana made the decision to leave Prince Charles.

But while her marriage to Charles was heavily scrutinised, with every single detail available for the world to read, here are some things about Diana you may not know.

Diana Wanted to Be a Ballerina as an Adult

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The Princess had big dreams as a child and one of them was to become a professional ballerina. Sadly, she was forced to give up on those aspirations as she grew too tall for the profession. Diana was five feet and 10 inches. 

Diana Was an Accomplished Diver

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While she wasn’t able to continue ballet, Diana was considered a diving star at school. She went so far as to invent a signature move which was called the “Spencer Special”. After her marriage to Charles, Diana would show off her love for swimming by making laps at the pool at Buckingham Palace. 

When Princess Diana Met Prince Charles, He Was Dating Her Older Sister

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Now you may be familiar with this one if you’re a fan of The Crown, but it’s true that Charles had previously dated Diana’s sister before he married her. When the two met for the first time, she was 16 and Charles was close to 30. 

During that time, Diana’s older sister, Sarah Spencer, was rumoured to be dating the Prince. “I remember thinking what a very jolly and amusing and attractive 16-year-old she was,” Charles recalled in a 1981 interview with The Telegraph. “I mean, great fun, and bouncy and full of life and everything.”

Princess Diana Was the First Royal to Give Birth in Hospital

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On June 21, 1982, Princess Diana broke royal tradition after giving birth to Prince William and later Prince Harry at the Lindo Wing at St Mary’s hospital in London. Before that, members of the royal family chose to give birth at the palace. Kate Middleton has since gone on to give birth to all her children at the Lindo Wing.

Princess Diana Reportedly Picked Out Her Ring from a Catalog

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According to Brides, Princess Diana’s now-famous ring was chosen from a catalogue, meaning, anyone could have owned the same sapphire and diamond ring.

Designed by crown jeweller Garrard, the family is said to not have approved this decision as they didn’t want commoners to have access to the same jewels as the royals. Back then the ring cost around $36,000, today, however, it’s priceless. The ring now belongs to Kate Middleton.

Spencer is showing at HOYTS Cinemas around the country. For more details and to purchase tickets, head to the official HOYTS website.