A Long-Lost Photo of Princess Diana and David Bowie Resurfaces—But Why Was It Hidden for Decades?
A captivating photo of Princess Diana and rock icon David Bowie, beaming side by side at a London concert, has emerged after being kept under wraps for nearly four decades. But why did this electrifying moment—blending royalty and rock ‘n’ roll—vanish from public view for so long?
The year was 1987. Diana, just 25 years old, attended a star-studded charity concert at Wembley Stadium, where Bowie was set to headline the evening. Backstage, legendary concert promoter Harvey Goldsmith arranged a quick photo-op between the People’s Princess and the Thin White Duke. Longtime Bowie photographer Denis O’Regan was called in to capture the moment.
According to O’Regan, the idea for a photo was floated and Diana hesitated at first, unsure if Bowie would go for it. He did. The result? A warm, unforgettable image of two icons sharing a candid moment. But by morning, the fairytale fizzled.
The palace stepped in with a quiet but firm request: the photo must not be released.
Why? It had nothing to do with Bowie himself, nor was there anything unseemly about the image. The issue was who Diana had arrived with that night—Major James Hewitt. Whispers of an affair between Diana and Hewitt were already swirling, and the royal family was eager to avoid fueling the growing fire. Though Hewitt kept a low profile and ducked the cameras, his presence was enough to raise red flags at the palace.
“No one knew who he was, so I had no reason to photograph him,” O’Regan told The Daily Mail. “And the word wasn’t out yet about their relationship.” Respecting the palace’s wishes—and perhaps sensing the storm beneath the surface—he chose not to publish the image and has stood by that decision ever since.
That night wasn’t just controversial behind the scenes. Diana’s fashion choice—a bold pair of leather pants—also drew criticism from within the royal circle. In her later biography, Diana revealed how her outfit became yet another flashpoint for disapproval.
Now, decades later, the resurfaced photo offers a rare glimpse into a fleeting, glittering moment—one the royal family tried to keep hidden. And it speaks volumes about the pressures Diana faced as she navigated fame, love, and rebellion under the monarchy’s watchful eye.
