12 Photos of Princess Diana as a Kid, Including Her First Birthday and Her Beloved Pony, Soufflé
12 Photos of Princess Diana as a Kid, Including Her First Birthday and Her Beloved Pony, Soufflé
Giovana GelhorenTue, August 4, 2026 at 2:47 PM UTC
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Princess DianaCredit: PA Images via Getty Images
On July 1, 1961, Lady Diana Spencer was born. The youngest daughter of John Spencer, Viscount Althorp (later the 8th Earl Spencer) and Frances Shand Kydd, she would go on to become Princess Diana, one of the British royal family’s most beloved members.
Diana was born on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk, England. Her siblings included brother Charles Spencer, 9th Earl Spencer, and sisters Lady Jane Fellowes and Lady Sarah McCorquodale. Though she grew up in a wealthy, aristocratic family, Diana later opened up about having a very “unhappy” childhood. “Too many changes over nannies, very unstable, the whole thing,” she said in Diana: Her True Story – In Her Own Words, per The Sun. “Generally unhappy and being detached from everyone else.”
In November 1977, Diana’s life changed forever when she met her soon-to-be husband, now King Charles, at Althorp House in Northamptonshire. She married the then-Prince Charles at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London on July 29, 1981. She was 20 years old at the time.
During their marriage, which lasted until their separation in 1992, Diana and Charles welcomed their sons, Prince William, born on June 21, 1982, and Prince Harry, born on September 15, 1984. Diana and Charles finalized their divorce on August 28, 1996. On August 31, 1997, Diana died tragically in a car crash in the Pont de l’Alma tunnel in Paris, France. She was only 36.
While her time as a royal was well-documented around the world, see some lesser-known pictures of Princess Diana when she was young below.
01 of 12
Princess Diana on her first birthday.
Princess DianaCredit: Daily Mirror/Daily Mirror/Mirrorpix via Getty Images
Taken in July 1962, this black and white photo sees Diana wearing in a white frock on her first birthday.
02 of 12
Her first close-up.
Princess DianaCredit: Getty Images
In this picture from her family album, a young Diana looked photo-ready in this close-up portrait. It was taken in her childhood home in Park House, Sandringham.
03 of 12
Diana in her pram in 1963.
Princess DianaCredit: PA Images via Getty Images
In this stunning photograph, a 2-year-old Diana is seen looking straight to the camera while in her navy blue pram at Park House, Sandringham. She looked beyond adorable in baby bangs and rosy cheeks.
04 of 12
Princess Diana rocking a statement red quilted jacket.
Princess DianaCredit: Central Press/Hulton Archive/Getty Images
In this picture, taken in 1964, a sassy Diana is rocking a red quilted hooded jacket. Seen pushing the same pram as in the picture above, this was also taken at Park House in Sandringham.
05 of 12
Portrait ready in 1965.
Princess DianaCredit: Central Press/Getty Images
In this photo, taken in 1965, Diana gave her signature soft smile to the camera. She had her bangs brushed to the side and wore a chic black overcoat.
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06 of 12
Diana bonding with her brother.
Princess Diana and Charles Spencer, 9th Earl Spencer.Credit: PA Images via Getty Images
In this 1968 photo, Diana and her brother Charles, 9th Earl Spencer, are showing off just how similar they are. Not only are they matching in blue, but they’re both posing with cheeky smiles.
07 of 12
Big sister mode.
Princess Diana and her brother.Credit: Hulton Archive/Getty Images
Diana was born in 1961, while her brother joined the family three years later. In their childhood photos together, it’s clear Diana and Charles were close, and that she was protective over her little brother.
08 of 12
Diana looking cute in a red dress.
Princess DianaCredit: PA Images via Getty Images
Taken in the summer of 1968, this photo sees Diana rocking a red dress with white details, a blue cardigan and a red headband to match. It was taken in Cadogan Place Gardens, London.
09 of 12
Fit for a wedding.
The Golden Wedding of the 7th Earl and Countess of Spencer.Credit: Hulton Archive/Getty Images
In this photo, Diana is seen wearing a plaid dress and a white headband on the golden wedding anniversary of her paternal grandparents, the 7th Earl and Countess Spencer. The occasion was celebrated on March 6, 1969, at their family home.
10 of 12
Time for croquet.
Princess DianaCredit: Central Press/Getty Images
In this 1970 photo, a 9-year-old Diana is holding a croquet mallet during a game at Itchenor, West Sussex. Throughout her youth, Diana was quite athletic, with a keen interest in swimming, diving, tap dancing, ballet, and was even an avid tennis player at West Heath Girls’ School.
11 of 12
A true trendsetter.
Princess DianaCredit: Hulton Archive/Getty Images
Diana has always been known for her fashion, and this photo of hers from her summer holiday in 1971 is no different. She looks incredible in a cream-colored top and a black wide-brimmed hat.
12 of 12
Diana and one of her great loves, Soufflé.
Princess DianaCredit: PA Images via Getty Images
Throughout her childhood, Diana found peace by spending time with her Shetland pony, Soufflé. “She loved animals when she was a child...She loved everything that was small and furry or had feathers,” her mother said, according to Diana: Finally, the Complete Story, by Sarah Bradford.
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