Over the years, we've seen a lot of footage of the royal family out and about, whether they're at events or on tour. But it's far less likely that we get to see what their home lives look like — especially during Princess Diana's lifetime, when social media didn't exist yet. We know that her primary residence was Kensington Palace until she died in August 1997, but what was her life at home like behind closed doors?
Fortunately, in the time the Princess of Wales resided in the palace, some photos have been taken of her there — especially after Prince Harry and Prince William were born. We get to see her in her role as a mom playing with her kids, and as a royal working at her desk at home.
Here is a collection of throwback photos revealing what Diana's home life as a princess really looked like. If only there had been Instagram back then — we know she would have given us the full tour!
Playing With Baby William
Here, Diana is at home with a tiny Prince William, looking every bit like a new mom in love with her baby as she lies back and holds him over his head. The room she's in is full of elevated '80s decor — exactly what we'd expect from that time period!
An Early Family Portrait
Diana, Charles, and William didn't spend much time as a family of three before Harry came along, but it's sweet to see a photo of these two when they had just one child. During the same photo shoot, they posed on a couch with William, looking like a typical happy family at home.
Diana in Black & White
In this photo, it's so easy to see how much William really looked like Diana as a baby (and even today). This future king is staring right into the camera, but his proud mom can't help but look at her baby boy. He was so cute — how can we blame her?
At Home for Christmas
This photo was taken just days before Christmas in 1982, and of course, Diana was wearing a red dress for the occasion — what else? Considering how important tradition has always been to the royals, there's no doubt that they were off to Sandringham to celebrate shortly after.
A Portrait of Diana & Charles at Home
Most of the photos we've seen of Charles and Diana have been taken while they're out on royal tours or other obligations — it's rare that we see them posed for a photo, just the two of them, at home like this. They both look so at peace, if a bit formal.
In the Garden With William
The garden at Kensington Palace is known to have been one of Diana's favorite places (it's where her memorial statue now stands). It seems like that might have also been a favorite place for her to spend time with her boys. How cute is William in this photo from 1983?
Celebrating William's Birthday
Speaking of the Kensington Palace gardens, here's another snap of Diana in that spot — this time, celebrating William's second birthday. How sweet is this little guy in his overalls and striped shirt? Of course, his mom looks gorgeous in the background as she looks on proudly.
Swinging Away
Judging by these photos, William was having a pretty good birthday that year! Here he is playing on the swing as his dad pushes him and his mom looks on. And she looks gorgeous in her dress, proving that even hot pink was her color. How did she do it?
Piggyback Ride From Mom
This adorable photo of Diana with Harry on her back was taken at Highgrove House, one of the family's country residences. There's definitely no doubting how much Diana adored her kids — it's easy to see from photos like these.
Just a Mom & Her Kids
In another shot from Highgrove, we can really see how Diana tried to give her kids as typical of an upbringing as she could, given the circumstances — how many of us played with a house like this as children as our moms sat nearby, watching us?
At the Piano
This photo taken inside Kensington Palace is so sweet! Harry and William are just a tad too young to know how to play that piano they're sitting at when this photo was taken, but it sure does make for a pretty picture taken at home.
Working From Home
Even the royals have to work from home sometimes! This photo was taken in Diana's sitting room at Kensington Palace as she sat her desk, looking rather happy about it. In the background, we can see her tuckbox — or snack box — from boarding school, with her name, "D. Spencer," on it.
A Family of Four
Well, technically, this would be a photo of a family of five, since their dog, Tigga, also was featured in the picture from 1986! Though everyone obviously looks great, what we really love most about this pic are the giant grins on Harry and William's faces.
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Planning Her Outfits
Ever wonder what prepping for a royal tour looks like? Here it is! In this photo from inside Diana's sitting room, we can see her working with her stylist and going over swatches of fabric to prepare for a trip she was going on in 1986.
Doing Puzzles Together
And here's what a royal playroom looked like back in the '80s! Diana is pictured helping William do a puzzle at Kensington Palace, looking at him with a knowing (if not a little mischievous) smile. It seems like her moments at home with her children were some of her happiest.
The Highgrove Gardens
Here's another photo of the family of four back at Highgrove, spending time together in the gardens. This time, it's William's turn to get a piggyback ride. With no one else around, they must have enjoyed having a bit of privacy and solitude, considering how busy their lives as royals were.
Diana With a Dress
Here's a photo of Diana taken at home in Kensington Palace later in her life — in April 1997, just four months before she would die in a car crash. She was happily posing in her sitting room next to a dress that she was donating to a charity auction. So like her!
