Queen Elizabeth and Princess Diana’s rollercoaster relationship: 10 intimate photos show the close bond between Princes William and Harry’s mum and grandma, even as King Charles’ marriage crumbled

Dec 11 , 2022

Queen Elizabeth and Princess Diana appeared to share a polite and formal relationship through the years, often seen attending official royal engagements together. Photo: AP

The late British monarch and People’s Princess shared a polite and formal relationship, according to the latter’s biographer, but have also been pictured sharing cordial kisses on the cheek

The two influential women remained close through the years, with the queen calling Diana ‘an exceptional and gifted human being’ in a speech at Buckingham Palace after the princess’ tragic death

They were two of the most influential women in Britain – and across the globe – while they were alive, and their legacies remain strong after their deaths. It’s no wonder that royal watchers and the general public are curious about what their relationship was truly like.

Here’s a glimpse into Queen Elizabeth and Princess Diana’s relationship, in pictures …

The royal family at Windsor Castle, on the day of Prince William’s confirmation in 1997. Photo: AP

Queen Elizabeth became mother-in-law to Princess Diana when the latter married Charles. The two appeared to share a polite and formal relationship through the years, according to Diana’s biographer Andrew Morton.

Lady Diana Spencer and Prince Charles pose with Queen Elizabeth at Buckingham Palace, in 1981 – the day that their wedding was sanctioned by the Privy Council. Photo: Bettmann Archive

But Princess Diana knew Queen Elizabeth long before she got engaged to then Prince Charles as she had grown up in royal circles and her father was an equerry to the queen, according to The Independent.

Lady Diana Spencer kissing her mother-in-law to be, Queen Elizabeth, in greeting before going to watch fiancé Prince Charles play polo, in 1981. Photo: Getty Images

This is evident in an image of Diana and the queen before the wedding, where they shared a kiss on the cheek.

Princess Diana’s first curtsy to Queen Elizabeth as the Princess of Wales during her wedding ceremony at St Paul’s Cathedral. Photo: Getty Images

Diana curtsied to the monarch publicly for the first time at her royal wedding at Westminster Abbey on July 29, 1981.

Prince Charles and Princess Diana on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, in 1981, surrounded by their bridesmaids and pageboys as well as Queen Elizabeth, Prince Edward and the Queen Mother. Photo: Getty Images