Throwback To 1991: Princess Diana Breaks Royal Protocol At Her Son’s School

From the longest-serving monarchs to powerful queens, the British Royal Family has had many influential figures. However, none are likely to be remembered as fondly as Princess Diana, often referred to as the people’s princess. Even over 27 years after her mysterious death, she remains a topic of discussion in online history forums. Recently, users on X revisited footage from a memorable moment when she broke royal protocol during the famous 1991 Mother’s Day race at her sons’ school.

The now-viral video montage showcases Princess Diana hurriedly descending a flight of stairs and swinging under a rail to join the field at Wetherby School, which Prince William and Prince Harry attended. The event occurred after a sack race, with Diana competing against fellow mothers and finishing in first place. While traditional royal etiquette discouraged handshakes or high-fives, Diana’s candid and playful demeanor made headlines, solidifying her image as a modern royal who embraced a more relaxed approach to protocol.

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This public perception has certainly stood the test of time, as seen in the comments on the video. One user remarked, “[Princess Diana] was the very definition of the ‘People’s Crown’ or what it means when they say: ‘Beloved by the People.’” Another added, “She was of the royal blood but always for the commoners.”

However, the resurfacing of the clip did spark some critical responses. Many history enthusiasts suggested that “some courtesy was involved” and argued that the other participants “clearly let her win” the race. Known for her sense of humor and humility, another viral post featured a picture of Diana reluctantly posing in front of the Egyptian pyramids after a photographer labeled her the world’s “eighth wonder.”