Sometimes history hides in plain sight—tucked away in dusty archives, forgotten boxes, or, in this case, a photographer’s collection.
Nearly four decades after they were taken, previously unseen photographs of Princess Diana and music icon David Bowie have surfaced—and they’re already stirring hearts and curiosity alike.
These newly revealed snapshots show a radiant Diana and an equally thrilled Bowie backstage at his 1987 Glass Spider concert at Wembley Stadium.
The man behind the lens, renowned rock photographer Denis O’Regan, recently opened up about the story behind the photos and why they stayed hidden for so long.
How Diana and Bowie Came Together for a Backstage Moment
Denis O’Regan had been working closely with Bowie on his legendary tour in 1987.
On the night of the Wembley concert, Denis was helping his father and brother find good seats when he got word that Princess Diana was on her way backstage.
The princess arrived with none other than famed music promoter Harvey Goldsmith.
Denis, seizing the moment, asked Harvey if he could take a photo of Diana and Bowie together.
Harvey simply told him, “Ask her.”
At the time, Diana was just 25 and known for her shy charm.
According to Denis, she responded with uncertainty, asking if Bowie would even want to be photographed with her.
Denis reassured her with a smile: “I think he would.”
Why the Photos Were Never Released—Until Now
Shortly after those sweet, candid moments were captured, Denis received a polite but firm request from the Palace: please don’t publish the images.
But the real reason these photos stayed buried for nearly 40 years has less to do with who was in them—and more with who wasn’t.
You see, Diana wasn’t at the concert alone.
She was there with Army Major James Hewitt, the man she famously had an affair with between 1986 and 1991.
At the time, rumors of their relationship were buzzing through the tabloids, but no photos had surfaced to confirm anything.
Denis remembers that Hewitt “kept his distance” that night, carefully avoiding being caught on camera with Diana.
The photographer admits he had no clue about Hewitt’s significance that evening, saying, “No one knew who he was, so I had no reason to picture him.”
A Night to Remember for More Than One Reason
That 1987 concert evening was even mentioned in Andrew Morton’s explosive biography Diana: Her True Story.
In it, Diana herself recalled how she went to the concert wearing tight leather trousers—something she thought was fashion-forward and fun.
“I thought that was frightfully ‘with it,’” Diana told Morton, “frightfully pleased to act my own age.”
But not everyone appreciated her edgy look.
According to Morton, royal courtiers were less than thrilled, saying Diana got “slapped wrists” for wearing something considered too bold for a future queen.
Once again, Diana was compared to Sarah Ferguson, the then-Duchess of York, who often broke with royal tradition in similarly playful ways.
Diana and Bowie: A Shared Connection Over the Years
This wasn’t the first time Princess Diana and David Bowie crossed paths.
The pair had already met in 1985 at the iconic Live Aid concert, also held at Wembley.
They met again in 1993, this time for the Concert of Hope—a charitable event aimed at raising awareness and funds for AIDS.
That concert was partly organized by Diana herself, showcasing her commitment to humanitarian causes.
The Photos Resurface in a New Tribute to Bowie
One of the newly revealed photos of Diana and Bowie is now featured in Denis O’Regan’s upcoming photography book titled David Bowie by Denis.
The book is a visual journey through Denis’s time capturing the late superstar from 1974 to 1994.
And Denis’s portfolio is nothing short of legendary.
Over the years, he’s photographed some of the biggest names in music history—Freddie Mercury, Bob Marley, Mick Jagger, and Keith Richards, to name a few.
Diana’s Complicated Life and Public Confession
Diana’s presence at the concert alongside James Hewitt hints at the deeper complexities of her life during that era.
Their five-year affair was confirmed by Diana herself in her now-famous 1995 BBC Panorama interview.
At the time of the concert, she was still married to Prince Charles, though the couple had already grown distant.
They officially separated in 1992 and divorced four years later.
A Reminder of Diana’s Enduring Spirit
These rediscovered images offer more than just a peek into a star-studded evening—they reflect Diana’s desire to live life on her own terms, even under the intense scrutiny of royal life.
Her spontaneity, warmth, and willingness to connect with people from all walks of life are part of why she’s still adored by millions.
Now, thanks to Denis O’Regan’s lens and timing, we get another rare and heartfelt glimpse of the People’s Princess in her element—joyful, bold, and effortlessly timeless.