Newly discovered photographs of Princess Diana and music icon David Bowie are making waves, offering a rare glimpse into a moment from nearly 40 years ago.
These photos, captured backstage at a 1987 Wembley concert, show the Princess of Wales sharing a smile with the legendary pop star.
The candid shots were taken by renowned photographer Denis O’Regan, who was working with Bowie during his 1987 Glass Spider tour.
A Historic Photo Opportunity
Denis O’Regan, speaking exclusively to MailOnline, recalled the circumstances leading up to the iconic photos.
He explained that Harvey Goldsmith, the famous music promoter, played a crucial role in making the photo happen.
“I was helping my family find a spot in the crowd,” Denis shared.
“When I returned to David, I was told Diana was on her way.
Harvey Goldsmith brought her over, and I asked if I could take a picture of her with David. He told me to ask her.”
Princess Diana, then just 25 years old, was shy about the idea of posing for a picture with Bowie.
“I wasn’t sure if he would even want a photo with me,” she said, to which Denis reassured her, “I think he would.”
The interaction was friendly and natural, reflecting the mutual respect between the two figures of pop culture royalty.
Why the Photos Were Hidden for So Long
The photos were taken in 1987, but they were not released at the time, due to a request from the Palace the following day.
However, the delay in publication wasn’t about the identity of the people in the pictures—rather, it was about who was not visible in them.
Diana was at the concert with Army Major James Hewitt, with whom she was involved in a well-known affair that lasted from 1986 to 1991.
Though rumors of their relationship had circulated, there was no photographic evidence until now.
Denis recalled that James kept a low profile that night, staying out of view of the cameras to avoid being photographed alongside Diana.
“At that time, no one knew who he was, and the relationship hadn’t been publicly confirmed yet,” he said, reflecting on his decision not to capture the moment between Diana and Hewitt.
Diana’s Casual Look at Wembley
That night, Diana’s appearance also made headlines.
She was photographed in a pair of leather trousers, which she later discussed in Andrew Morton’s biography Diana: Her True Story.
Diana confessed that she had chosen the outfit because it felt youthful and “with it,” a decision that reportedly caused a stir among royal courtiers.
“Once again, she was trying to act like Fergie, the Duchess of York, but Buckingham Palace didn’t feel leather trousers were suitable for a future queen,” Morton wrote.
Bowie and Diana’s Previous Encounters
The 1987 concert was not the first time Diana had crossed paths with David Bowie.
The two had previously met during the Live Aid concert in 1985 at Wembley.
Their connection continued through the years, and in 1993, they reunited once again at Wembley for the Concert of Hope, a charity event hosted by Bowie to raise awareness for AIDS.
Diana played a pivotal role in organizing the concert, reflecting her dedication to charitable causes.
Denis O’Regan’s Photography Legacy
Denis O’Regan, who captured the photos of Diana and Bowie, is a seasoned photographer with a rich history of working with music legends.
His upcoming photography book, David Bowie by Denis, features some of these newly revealed photos.
Denis’s career spans decades, with images of stars like Freddie Mercury, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Bob Marley gracing his portfolio.
The Princess’s Private Affair and Public Life
The photos of Diana with Bowie are a fascinating glimpse into the Princess’s private life during a period marked by personal turmoil.
Her affair with James Hewitt, which was kept under wraps for years, became public when she admitted it in her 1995 BBC Panorama interview.
Diana had married Prince Charles in 1981, but the couple separated in 1992 and divorced in 1996, shortly after the affair came to light.
As the world catches a glimpse of this behind-the-scenes moment, the newly discovered photos of Princess Diana and David Bowie offer a rare, candid look at a pop culture moment from the 1980s, with a touch of royal history woven in.