Princess Diana’s Wet Hair Photo Still Remains Iconic But Not Many Know The Story Behind It

Princess Diana was known for her chic and feathered hairstyle. To this day, her short, layered bob hairstyle has women heading to salons to imitate the look. However, on one rare occasion the Princess of Wales ditched her poised look for wet, messy hair. In 1991, Diana joked about her ‘new hairstyle’ after getting drenched in the rain during a charity concert at London’s Hyde Park.

Diana, often spotted at charity events, was attending a concert alongside husband Prince Charles. Legendary opera singer Luciano Pavarotti performed at the event. Royal Photographer Anwar Hussein reflected on the memorable evening during the Princess Diana Exhibition: Accredited Access, a 'walk-through documentary' that premiered in Chicago and Los Angeles. As per People magazine he reminisced, “It was pouring down with rain. This was an outdoor concert, and everybody had their umbrellas up. It was hard for people to see, and it was difficult for Pavarotti to see his audience and get a connection with them, too.” Hussein explained that the organizers 'begged' everyone to close their umbrellas so everyone could enjoy the show.

Unsurprisingly, Diana was the first to close her umbrella, giving Pavarotti a clear view of herself. Her boldness and playful spirit quickly inspired others in the crowd, who followed suit and shut their umbrellas too. He continued, “After this, she went inside the arena to meet the singer, where the iconic photograph was clicked." Diana, who was known for her quirky sense of humor, put her hand on her head and quipped, “Do you like my new hairstyle?” The royal photographer shared that Diana didn't mind being without her signature shaggy bob. Instead she was confident and outspoken at the event— a stark difference from her otherwise shy demeanor when in front of cameras.

Pavarotti and Diana shared a close friendship, rooted in their love for music and philanthropy. The pair met multiple times, and the singer even attended the Princess' funeral. He first met her at a charity concert in Modena, Italy, to raise money for Bosnian children. Diana also attended his charity concert in 1995 at the Royal Albert Hall. He was a passionate supporter of her work and considered her a major inspiration for continuing his own philanthropic efforts.

Diana's compassion and philanthropy throughout her life, earned her the moniker ‘People’s Princess’. She supported numerous causes, including AIDS awareness, homelessness, and mental health. Diana worked with organizations like the British Red Cross and the National AIDS Trust. She also championed the rights of landmine victims, visiting countries affected by them and drawing global attention to the issue. Her charitable endeavors have left an indelible mark in people’s lives.