Rare photographs capturing Princess Diana during her school years have surfaced for auction. The images, taken by her schoolmate Katherine Hanbury at West Heath Girls’ School in Kent between 1973 and 1977, depict a youthful Diana in various settings around the school campus.

These photos, dating back to 1977, offer a glimpse into Diana’s life just before she crossed paths with Prince Charles. Katherine Hanbury has carefully preserved these candid snapshots over the years, maintaining their pristine condition.

The collection, alongside personal letters penned by Diana, is now up for auction at Gorringe’s Auctioneers in East Sussex for £4,000. Albert Radford, a specialist in books and manuscripts at Gorringe’s, expressed that this intimate archive unveils a side of Diana as the Princess of Wales before she was engulfed by her royal responsibilities and public image.

Describing Diana as unpretentious and family-oriented, the archive sheds light on her aspirations for a simple life centered around family and ordinary joys. The archive also includes a handwritten note from Diana to Katherine Hanbury during Charles and Diana’s honeymoon in Balmoral, following their wedding at St Paul’s Cathedral in London on July 29, 1981.

The note, dated September 27, 1981, reflects Diana’s early married life as joyful and carefree, particularly highlighting their serene honeymoon voyage aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia through destinations like Egypt and the Greek Isles, culminating in Scotland. Diana’s letter exudes optimism and contentment in her new role as a wife and member of the royal family.

Detailing her adjustment to royal formalities and expressing a preference for rural life, Diana’s note offers a glimpse into her evolving perspective as a young royal. The Diana archives, expected to fetch between £4,000 and £6,000, are set for auction on July 7.