Secret Princess Diana Photo with David Bowie Unveiled After Nearly 40 Years — And the Story Behind Its Hidden Past
Lost in Time: Rare Photo of Princess Diana and David Bowie Resurfaces After Nearly 40 Years
A newly unearthed photograph capturing Princess Diana beaming beside rock legend David Bowie at a 1987 charity concert in London has surfaced—leaving many to wonder why such an iconic image stayed hidden for nearly four decades.
The Night It All Happened
The photo was taken at Wembley Stadium during a star-studded charity event. Diana, then 25, had come specifically to see Bowie perform. The meeting was arranged by renowned concert promoter Harvey Goldsmith, and the moment was documented by Bowie’s longtime photographer, Denis O’Regan.
According to O’Regan, the Princess was eager to meet Bowie, and the rock star was just as delighted to pose with her. The resulting image shows a relaxed, radiant Diana—an unguarded glimpse of the royal icon rarely seen by the public.
So Why Was It Never Published?
The answer, it turns out, has little to do with Bowie and everything to do with a figure lurking just outside the frame: Major James Hewitt.
At the time, rumors of a romantic relationship between Diana and Hewitt were beginning to circulate. Though he didn’t appear in the photo and managed to avoid the cameras, his presence at the event was known—and sensitive. The day after the concert, Buckingham Palace contacted O’Regan with a request: the photo must not be released.
A Discreet Decision
“No one really knew who he was then, so I didn’t photograph him, and their relationship wasn’t public yet,” O’Regan told the Daily Mail. Still, the palace was determined to avoid even the hint of scandal.
Respecting their wishes—and likely wary of becoming entangled in royal drama—O’Regan quietly shelved the image. Decades later, he stands by that choice.
Now, with the photo finally seeing the light of day, it offers not only a striking image of Diana and Bowie, but a poignant reminder of the delicate balancing act between public fascination and private life in the royal world.
Diana’s Daring Look Stirred Royal Disapproval
In her own words, Princess Diana later admitted the backlash she received for her bold outfit that night — sleek black leather trousers that defied traditional royal expectations. The edgy ensemble stood in sharp contrast to the conservative fashion norms the monarchy typically endorsed.
But Diana was unapologetic. She explained that her choice was intentional — a way to relate to the younger generation and present herself as more approachable, more human. It was classic Diana: fearless, modern, and willing to bend the rules to connect with people.
The Long-Hidden Photo Finally Sees the Light
Now, nearly 40 years later, the photograph of Diana and David Bowie — once quietly tucked away — has finally been revealed in a newly released David Bowie biography. The book, featuring rare and intimate images by Bowie’s longtime photographer Denis O’Regan, offers a fresh glimpse into a brief but unforgettable moment shared between a royal icon and a music legend.
With royal sensitivities no longer a factor, the photo’s publication underscores how tightly Buckingham Palace once controlled Diana’s public image — to the point of suppressing a joyful, historic moment from public view. Today, it stands as both a nostalgic snapshot and a subtle act of reclaiming her legacy.
