Note: we are republishing this story which originally made the news in November 2020.

From Nursery School Teacher to Royal Icon

Before Princess Diana became a global style icon, she stole hearts as a shy, 19-year-old nursery school teacher. One photo from that early chapter, taken by royal photographer Arthur Edwards in 1980, unintentionally launched her into the spotlight.

The Photo That Sparked a Frenzy

While Diana was still dating Prince Charles, Edwards photographed her in a London park. She wore a modest skirt, but when the sun backlit the fabric, it turned see-through—revealing the silhouette of her legs.

“It was completely innocent,” Edwards recalled. “I didn’t plan it. It was one of those rare moments every photographer hopes for—unexpected but captivating.”

A Chance Encounter

Eager to capture Diana for The Sun, Edwards tracked her down at the preschool where she worked. After securing permission from the school owner, he took Diana and two children to a nearby park for pictures.

“She posed naturally,” he said. “Then the sun broke through, and that one shot became iconic.”