Rare 1968 Photo of Diana in School Uniform Has People Saying the Same Thing: "If Only..."

Trigger Warning: This article contains themes of sexual assault and child abuse that some readers may find distressing.

Princess Diana, as a child, was a fun-loving kid who played with her siblings, rocked quirky outfits, doted on her pets, and later worked random jobs like any regular teen. Though much of her life played out in the public eye, there are still lesser known details about her life—for instance, her childhood in Sandringham. One such rare photograph was shared by her brother, Charles Spencer, which featured young Diana by his side on his first day of school. Royal watchers, of course, were thrilled with the throwback.

The snap, shared while promoting A Very Private School, showed Spencer and Diana in matching red blazers. He captioned the same, “My first day of school, in September 1968. My father took this photograph of me and my sister, Diana, just before he drove us to Silfield, a really lovely primary school in King’s Lynn, Norfolk.” He further shared, “The headmistress was Miss Jean Lowe, a warm and thoughtful lady who loved her boys and girls. I was there till 1972 when I headed off to the place I call – in my memoir – A Very Private School.”

Diana wore a classic straw boater with her uniform, while Spencer, just four at the time, donned a cap. Both siblings also matched in grey knee-high socks. As the photo went viral, royal enthusiasts were thrilled by the rare glimpse into Diana’s childhood. On Instagram, a person commented, “What a graceful look and posture...eventually became a lovely princess that I believe [sic] so many like me were so passionate about her. We all saw that grace on her wedding day. Indeed, she will ever live on in our hearts. May her gentle soul...rest in peace, Amen.”

Another echoed, “I love how she was kind of average looking as a youngster, but turned into such a great beauty!” Chiming in, one gushed, “I absolutely love this photo. What a charming pair of siblings! School days....” In a similar vein, a comment also read, “Thank you for sharing such a beautiful personal photo of your beautiful and beloved People's Princess. If only we had the power to turn back the hands of time.”

Despite being close with his sister, Spencer never told Diana about the horrors that took place behind the school gate, as reported by The Independent. Instead, he opened up to his other sisters, Sarah and Jane, who were shocked to find out that he was abused by an assistant matron when he was just eleven years old. He also disclosed that the Latin master of the school would often beat him with the spikes of a cricket boot.

If you know of any children who are being subjected to abuse, please contact The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at (800) 422-4453.