Your stories

Anita Clark, 39, Ulverstone, Tasmania
It was 1983, and Diana and Charles were doing a walkabout in Bourke Street Mall, Melbourne.   My mother, sister, aunty, best friend and myself had waited in the front row of the barricades for hours!  Finally they appeared, but alas, Diana was on the other side of the mall.  To our wonder and delight, she looked across at us, smiled, and cut over in front of Charles and the entourage, straight to our group!  She shook hands with each of us, and spoke to us.  It was as if she knew us, and we were absolutely thrilled and in awe.  She was stunningly beautiful and her hands were so soft!  My sister and I had kept scrapbooks of Diana all through our childhood, and it was so wonderful to actually meet her.  To this day we still remember the thrill and feel it was such a privilege to shake hands with her.   Needless to say, we didn't want to wash our hands for a while!   A really lovely lady.

Ilana, 45, Double Bay, NSW
Being around the same age as Diana & having 2 sons very close in age to William & Harry I always watched Diana in admiration & felt a small connection. When she was visiting Sydney in November 1996, I waited outside the hotel where she was staying in the faint hope I may catch a glimpse. Sure enough, she was returning from her lunch at St Vincent’s hospital. What struck me as she alighted from her car was her skin... white as porcelain, her beautiful scent of roses... wonder what brand of perfume she was wearing on that day? Her eyes were quite heavily made up in a dark eyeliner. Her Joh Bailey hair do needed a bit of a touch up.. but she was every bit as beautiful in the flesh as in all her photos. Wonderful memory to have been lucky enough to have seen her which made me all the more upset when I heard of her untimely passing less than 1 year later.

Richelda Irving, 27, Glenmore Park, NSW
As I was growing up in the Philippines, Princess Diana was only known to me through information provided for us in school such as history or sociology. The Philippines was a dictatorship and the concept of Kings, Queens and Princesses was more a romantic notion than a reality.
It was not until I visited the Powerhouse Museum today that the full weight of Princess Diana's existence impacted upon me and I became very emotional at what I saw in the exhibition. Having learnt a little more about her life today made me realize that her death was a significant event in history and such a waste of a beautiful and meaningful life.

EMILIA, 19, Goa
I was in 3rd standard when we got the news of Diana’s death, I still can’t believe that she is gone. I guess she is there somewhere and she is gonna take revenge for what has happened.

Maureen, 60, Newport, NSW
In l983 I took my daughter, Susan, to meet Princess Diana and Prince Charles when they visited Parliament House Sydney where I worked as Research Officer to Premier Neville Wran. My daughter, then aged 11, gave a lovely bouquet of colourful crepe paper poppies to the Princess who accepted it with a kind smile. However, as she walked away we noticed our hands were dyed with the bright, vegetable dyes of the crepe poppies, but worse so were Diana's! She was very gracious and we joked afterwards that we had inadvertently Dyed Di! Now when we think about her and feel sad we try instead to think of that funny incident which we think she would appreciate.

Fiona, 36, Mudgee
I was living in London when Diana died in 1996. The week before her funeral was silent and surreal. With friends we gathered with the fellow mourners around Kensington Palace and Buckingham Palace. The scene of vast flowers. What not many people mention is the overwhelming smell of roses. How beautiful the smell of flowers were at that time. In front of the gates of Buckingham Palace it was close to a metre deep. She was and still remains truly unique.

Madeline, 16, Wollongong, NSW
My birthday is the same date as Princess

Diana’s Jonathan Cox, 43, Deniliquin, NSW
I met Diana when I was living in Melbourne at the time of her 1983 visit. I was right up the front of the line of people and I shook hands with her and spoke with her for a few minutes. She was the most wonderful lady I have ever met. I met Charles also, very quickly. This will always be my greatest memory of her. It was a sad loss for the whole world when she died. She will be sadly missed, but always remembered for all the great things she did for people.

Janet Liddell, 47, Newcastle, NSW
I was engaged the day Diana was married. I absolutely adored her from that day on. About 2 years after her marriage, I began to have recurring dreams that she was desperately unhappy. In my eyes this had to be ridiculous as she was being reported constantly as being so happy. Imagine my surprise years later to find that she was indeed unhappy way back then. About 3 weeks before her death, I really ‘felt’ as if her life was going to end and when she did die, I cried for a whole week. I felt as if I personally knew her. Unlike Diana, my relatively normal life has granted me 26 years of happy marriage and 3 lovely sons.

Eden, 16, Maroubra, NSW
I grew up watching Princess Diana. My mother absolutely loved her. Every time I see her now on television, old interviews and magazines I notice how much I love her and how unfair it is that she's not here. She was truly an angel.

Sugianti, 23, East Java, Indonesia
I heard and feel in my heart about her for the first time. I'm 13 years old but I did not know any thing about her. But after her gone I feel so sadness.. Until now I feel Diana reincarnation in my heart and my life. Because the way my life at same as the youngest her life. She live in my Heart...until now.  

Taylor, 10, Camperdown NSW
Princess Diana died in the same year as I was born. I did not know any thing about her but as I got older I learnt lots and lots of new things about her. Diana was a compassionate, uniting and loyal lady. I have watched a movie about her and it was so nice the things she did.

Brooke McKenna, 33, Heathridge WA
When I was a young girl about 7 years old Lady Diana and Prince Charles announced their engagement. I was struck by the fairytale of it all and for years and years I would collect Diana books, cut pictures out of magazines and glue them in my Diana scrap book, collect spoons, coins, stamps, etc etc. I know now that her life was far from a fairytale and more than one person should have to endure. Although my admiration, love and respect for such a resilient human being still endures. I recently had a baby girl and I named her Sky Diana after the most beautiful princess the world will ever know. Ten years on and you are not forgotten and still terribly missed.

Julie, 43, Bondi NSW
On my very first day in a new job at Melbourne Airport, Prince Charles and Princess Diana arrived - 27 January 1988 - I was out on the tarmac and watched them disembark. A fabulous memory of a first day at work.

Leah, 38, Bendigo, VIC
When Diana came to Bendigo a friend and I waited for her to arrive at Bendigo Airport. There she greeted a number of people including me. I had on a pair of pink plastic ‘I Love Australia’ ear rings and she touched them and told me she had a pair the same. Diana was so lovely; both my daughters love her as well.

Elizabeth, 51, Sydenham
I met Princess Diana during her last visit in Sydney at St Vincent's Hospital where I worked as a Nursing Allocation Officer.  I was away sick a few days before she came to our hospital and was overwhelmed by the amount of people waiting for her to arrive. I remember she was coming down from the cardiac section of St Vincent Hospital and thought that this will be a great chance to have a glance of this beautiful woman. I waited with my other friends from Nursing Administration and bought her some flowers too. I was standing behind them and suddenly they all got nervous in case Diana came in their direction, so I was pushed to the front of the line. Sure enough she came down from the lift and she chatted with rows of people on her left hand side and then suddenly turned around and walked directly towards me. My heart stopped and everyone was telling me of the protocol of not extending my hand first but wait instead for her to offer her hand. I remember how everything happened in slow motion when she walked towards me with her elegant purple dress and five rows of pearls around her neck. She was wearing camel coloured shoes and carried the same coloured bag on her arm. I was just thinking that this most glamorous and so photographed woman is now coming to me. She is more stunning that anyone can imagine in person. She extended her hand and when I gave my right hand out she never let it go while we were chatting. She asked from what department we're from and how come we are all women and where are the men. Without thinking I told her "who needs them" and she laughed with the usual tilt of her head and I also said to her "I hope you don't mind me saying but I think you are simply stunning" and she squeezed my hand and said thank you for that and she then moved on to the next person.  That was the most memorable day of my life.

Hazel Mahy, 56, Guernsey, Channel Islands
Throughout the years I watched Diana move from being a shy young lady to a sad and lonely one. I feel her true joy was her sons who have been her inspiration and life blood whilst all around her chaos ruled. Her charity works were unrelenting and so selfless in their giving.
Her death, so very tragic, has impacted on the whole world let alone Britain. I joined the many thousands at Hyde Park to watch her funeral service on the big screens and at Hyde Park corner to see her funeral car pass on its way to Althorp.
Never, in all my days on this earth will I forget that glorious and beautiful lady. The royal family is all the poorer for her loss. Her legacy both in her sons and her charity work keeps her memory alive. I am visiting my daughter who lives in Sydney, in February, and we have tickets for the Diana exhibition. This will definitely be the highlight of my trip!

Emily Rudd, Wamberal, NSW
I went to London before Easter 2006 to visit our daughter. My most magic moment was to visit Kensington Palace and there I followed the tour to see Princess Diana's apartment and her collection of gowns and other memorabilia. I also went to Harrods and took pictures of her and Dodi's special statue. At Madame Tussauds Gallery I had a photo taken with her life-sized wax-replica. To this day the photo is bringing a sweet smile, just to be able to say I "stood" by her and Prince William. She will never be forgotten. A poem I have created for her when she passed away got published and I still read it, leaving me with tears once in a while. When she died I made a shrine in one of our rooms with all the magazine and newspaper clippings about her. The whole school collected signatures from students. To this day I have a big photograph from the local gallery which was an image of her when she was just plain Lady Di. God bless, Diana.

Karen Smith, 35, Dee Why NSW
When I was a girl, I had a scrapbook full of Diana and all her beautiful dresses.  She was a real princess living on the other side of the world in a palace - my real life fairy tale.

Valda, 60, Murrumbeena, VIC
I remember the excitement and the enjoyment that I experienced watching the entire film of Diana's wedding.  I travelled to Sydney last week but my friends and I ran out of time to see the exhibition at Powerhouse.  Please bring the memorabilia to Melbourne.  Her dress was absolutely beautiful and so was she.  What a sad story her life created.   She certainly did not live "happily ever after" as most princesses do in fairy tales.

Linda, 46, Lane Cove, NSW
I had just come back from overseas and had bought a tin of lollies commemorating the royal couple. On the night of the Royal Wedding I attended a costume party held by some uni student friends of the boyfriend at the time. The host had just come back from London and the entire flat was garlanded with Royal Wedding memorabilia and between sipping champagne we watched the proceedings and laughed. One party goer came as the IRA activist Bernadette Devlin as a 'protest' to English rule. There was a huge amount of images throughout the flat even then --- even photos under the toilet seat of the happy couple. After that I was not really a fan but when Diana died I was a mother of two and the connection to the royal wedding host seemed very distant it really shocked me that this poor woman who had been commodified and celebrated had been annihilated by the media machine's frenzy or some other darker machine.

Amanda, 32, Essendon, VIC
I was 6 years old when I saw Diana's Wedding to Prince Charles. From that moment, I fell in love with the Peoples Princess. She was a beautiful person with a great heart. The day she passed away was a very sad day. One I will never forget

Joanna, 50, Belrose, NSW
Although I never saw Diana in person, my younger sister looked so much like her! The female members of my family all loved Diana, followed her life and loved any picture of her.  Both blonde and elegant, with the same ideas in hairstyles, it was quite extraordinary!  We were devastated by her death.  It was the end of an era!

Linda, 46, ACT
I always felt a connection to Diana. I suppose because we are the same age, and I too use to dream of meeting and marrying Prince Charles. Ironically, as I dreamed of living her life, I ACTUALLY lived the life that she wanted to live- happily married for 24 years, and with 4 children.

Like many people here, I watched the wedding, and devoured every bit of information I could get my hands on, about her. When she died, I blamed myself. For I was one of the reasons that the photographers were after her. I was the one who actually bought the magazines that had her picture on them. If I hadn't bought them, they would have left her alone.

Since that day, I have never bought another tabloid newspaper. I can give her that legacy, after her giving her life to make me happy.

Maree & Royce, 35, Hervey Bay, QLD
I had been living in London during 1997. I got up one morning & turned the TV on, I was struck with Diana "was" the peoples Princess. I couldn’t believe it. I was one of the millions lining the street for her funeral. The most amazing quiet fell upon onlookers as Diana moved past, people whimpering, two very sad princes; nobody knew what to do next. A tragically sad day, one I will never forget.

Jule, 47, Maroubra, NSW
Being a Pommie I grew up with Diana being in my life. I was in London at the time of her wedding and like everyone we really thought she was the most beautiful Princess and the sun shone so brightly on that day. I, like so many were devastated when she died.

This year I was lucky enough to return to England to visit my family after 13 years. A friend managed to get my daughter and I tickets to the Concert For Diana in Wembley which we went to in July. We also went to Kensington Place and saw the exhibition of her there. And to crown it off we took a day trip to Althorp and saw the exhibition that is now at the Powerhouse. I was wondering how I would feel when I was there walking among her intimate things and seeing the island and her shrine. It was a very strange feeling as though her spirit was there, I can't explain it. Maybe it was because her brother, Charles was also there and I managed to buy a beautiful bound copy of the speech he gave at the funeral, which he signed. She will never be out of my memory and to have seen the two Princes at the Concert was overwhelming, may they carry on in her way.

Jessy, 30, McGraths Hill
One of my earliest memories as a child was watching Princess Diana's wedding on TV.  From that moment, like many others, I fell in love. She was our modern day Princess and like other little girls at the time we wanted to grow up and be just like her.

Louise, 45, Parramatta, NSW
Aged 19, I was living in a university college in Sydney at the time of the wedding. The small group of us who wanted to watch the wedding (on the TV in the Common Room) baked & iced a big cake with the Union Jack, and had to argue with some other students to convince them to let us watch the royal wedding rather than a nature programme! I have a large collection of books and magazines about her from circa 1981-1984, I loved her fashion sense so much, and she had such an influence on fashions available in Sydney at the time. There was a glamour about Diana, unmatched by anyone in the world. In 1983, I waited amongst the crowds by the road at Government House in Sydney, and took lots of photos of Diana & Charles in their open-top car as they passed by. She looked so delicate despite her height.
By contrast, I watched the funeral alone. I had to help organise a sport fundraiser being held that day, and incurred the displeasure of other organisers when I said I was going home to watch Diana's funeral. I didn't care, I just had to be at home alone and focus on it. It was the end of some kind of glamorous fantasy world, and the beginning of a more sordid reality. I always wonder what her life would have been like, if she had lived.

Elizabeth, 50, Warabrook, NSW
I was a new mother and had a new baby, my son Matthew in 1983.  Princess Diana was at Newcastle Town Hall and I joined the throngs of people in Civic Park who were lined up to see her. I held my 9 day old son up and she walked across the road to stroke his forehead.  She told me he was "beautiful" and that I must be very proud.  I was and am.  I tell my son Matthew he was touched by an Angel and he is still a beautiful person at 24 years of age!  She was extremely beautiful and pale looking, in a pale pink silk outfit.  I will never forget her smile. It was so engaging.  I will never forget that moment and am so pleased I took my little baby out on such a warm day.  It’s something that will stay with me for a lifetime.  

Rita, 41, Kingsley WA
I was in art school in 1982 on an excursion to the Art Gallery of NSW when we were informed that the newly married royal couple would be stopping out the front of the gallery to change cars. There was a huge crowd of spectators there to see them; some sitting in fold up chairs who had been waiting all morning. One of the girls in my class was anti-royalist and joked that she would shout protests when they arrived. You could feel the excitement in the air, even in the hallowed halls of the gallery. My memory is brief but I do remember vividly seeing Diana's pink hat above the crowd as they changed into an open top car (a Bentley or Rolls I think). Everyone yelled out warm welcomes and even though it was a very brief encounter, we were all left feeling elated, even my anti-royalist friend!

Jane, 43, Deniliquin, NSW
After years of learning the craft of dressmaking and developing skills while backpacking overseas, I did eventually have the honour of making two of the current dresses on display at the Powerhouse Museum. So it will be a huge thrill for me to finally get to Sydney.

Tiarna, 14, Grafton, NSW
She looked beautiful on her wedding day because I watched Diana's wedding on TV.

Sally, 46, Melbourne, VIC
In 1989, while travelling overseas and living in England, I designed and hand crafted a jewellery set of a necklace and bracelet for the Princess of Wales. I produced the pieces entirely by hand, made of seed beads and fine crystals. I received a personal letter from St James Palace, on behalf of the then HRH, Princess of Wales, thanking me for the jewellery.

During this year, the 10th anniversary of the passing of the Princess, I designed and produced a choker jewellery item, inspired by one of the Princess’s favourite gowns which appeared in the Christies famous dress auction of 1997. I sent the choker and neck piece in August this year to Their Royal Highnesses, Prince William and Prince Harry, as a tribute to the memory of their mother.

Just very recently in September 2007, I received a personal letter from Clarence House, on behalf of Princes William and Harry, thanking me for the jewellery and accompanying letter.

I have photographs of the jewellery pieces from 1989 and 2007. These items of individual jewellery creations are special examples of how the Princess of Wales inspired ordinary people such as myself.

Janet, 54, Lane Cove, NSW
My sister and her boyfriend (both Australians) were living in England in 1981.  Boyfriend is a photographer and was invited to be a photographer at the wedding. Only a couple of the photographers were not from the UK.  He even received a Royal Wedding Invitation - it is beautiful. He was stationed inside the church and because we knew where he was situated we knew his photos when we saw them in the press.  My sister? Well she was stationed in the crowds lining the roads trying to glimpse ANYTHING through a cardboard mirror contraption that bent the view around the corner. I watched the wedding on television with friends in Sydney.

Isabel, 38, Bundaberg, QLD
1985 - I was a 16 yr old school girl with enormous affection for this beautiful young mother...I shook her hands twice - once at a one of her Charity stops and also at the airport leaving Canberra.  I didn’t realize at the time the turmoil in her life...but what an amazing young woman to hold herself together so very well.  I feel so lucky to be able to see this exhibition....we all miss her.

Leanne, 39, Kaiapoi, NZ
I don't have story, other than to say that Diana will always be missed by many people and I would love to see all her items in the museum

Julia, 51, Mosman, NSW
On the day of her wedding (our evening) we held our own wedding party. I had been to the UK the previous week and bought all sorts of Diana items. We had a bride dress up in full regalia and I made a wedding cake with all the trimmings. She was my heroine, I thought she was such a wonderful role model, not an outfit or occasion ever passed me by. Long let her live!

Felicity, 49, Summer Hill, NSW
My niece Sally adores Diana, so when we were in the UK in 1998 we visited Althorp. It was just around the first anniversary of her tragic death. The opportunity to see where Diana grew up was a truly unforgettable, moving and deeply touching experience. The grief of the many visitors walking the grounds of Althorp was palpable and I fully understand why emotions run so deep at her loss - the world has lost a truly remarkable human being, beautiful both inside and out.

Susan, 42, Wembley Downs, WA
I remember Diana’s first visit in 1983. We travelled from Manjimup in south Western Australia to the Bunbury Airport. It was there that we awaited the arrival of The Prince and Princess of Wales from Perth for their day visit to Bunbury. Having been a big fan of Lady Diana from the first moment she came to the public limelight, I was lucky enough to shake hands with Diana and remember the silkiness of her skin. She was every bit as beautiful in real life and I expected her to be. I often look through my many newspaper cuttings and magazines collected over the years.

Manfred, 39, Braddon, ACT
I feel I always have a connection with Diana because we share the same birthday. I never have a chance to meet her but I wish I had. When I first saw the wedding dress of Diana on TV at the royal wedding ceremony, I was so impressed by her beauty and how this gown successfully highlighted her sense of poise. Now I have had the chance to examine the gown in the exhibition, it only confirmed my belief that it is still the most stunning wedding gown in the world after all these years.

Mandy, 35, Aberglasslyn, NSW
I met Diana during the 1983 tour of Australia. I was a girl guide at the time in Tennant Creek, NT. We greeted her at the airport. She spoke to me and asked me if I got the whole day off school for her visit and is it always this hot in Tennant Creek. She also spoke to Mother who was the Girl Guide leader, but Diana thought she was one of the guides (as my mum is quite short). We missed her wedding in London by just two weeks, but I have a lot of souvenirs that we bought at the time. I have always idolised her. She was such a beautiful person inside and out.

Wendy, 54, Darling Point, NSW
In 1996, I was living in Double Bay, not far from The Ritz Carlton, where she was staying. I heard that she might be visiting The Children's Hospital so I waited beside the hotels driveway. Eventually, she did come past and the car slowed down for her to collect a posy from 2 small children near me. She looked very beautiful and was so sweet to the children.

Susan, 48, Prestons, NSW
I never met Princess Diana but I wish I had, she was so beautiful. I have quite a bit of memorabilia that I have collected since her passing. There will never be anybody else ever like her. I am so looking forward to seeing the exhibition. RIP Diana you will be forever beautiful.

Steve, Kings Cross, NSW
Diana and I actually shared a wonderful night at the theatre together. It was 1992 and I had just returned to London on my way home after the Cannes International Advertising Film Festival, the Lions. With time to kill, I picked up a ticket for Joseph and his Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat with Jason Donovan at the London Palladium. Terrific production and he was very good in the lead role. Diana and the boys were in the balcony and I was in third row stalls . . . well, she did wave.  

Sonia, 37, Sydney, NSW
I always followed all the news stories about Diana. It was wonderful to see her develop from a 19 year old girl into a beautiful young princess. She just loved her boys so much. She loved the world, and included everyone into her life. When she died, we were all so shocked.

Megan, 34, Mosman, NSW
I was in London in 1995 and saw her coming out of the Opera in a stunning gown which was just after the VE celebrations.  She was driving past me and stopped just in front of me, only a metre away.
I have a beautiful picture of her in the car. Great memory!

Cheryl, 58, French’s Forest, NSW
I saw HRH The Princess of Wales alight from a boat at the overseas passenger terminal in Sydney looking tall and beautiful in a green and white outfit with matching hat.  I was walking over the Sydney Harbour Bridge and always think of that day whenever I walk over the bridge and look down to where I saw her. Too beautiful a person to leave us.

Nina, Sydney, NSW
I was at the 10 year Diana Memorial Service in London on the 31st August this year. I was moved and touched to hear Harry speak so dearly about his mother; it just brought a touching insight on how William and Harry dealt with their mother’s death, like any person would. It was a surreal experience to be there, standing there with all those people mourning her death 10 years on and seeing what an icon she still is to all those people in the crowd.  I will never forget that day as it was a highlight to the end of my holiday in London. Diana is still in our hearts.

Ruth, 31, Tingalpa, QLD
I never had the honour of meeting Diana in person however when I was 7  she came to Australia and I was given a cardboard cut out doll of Diana with various pieces of her wardrobe. I left it on the bus one day going to school and thought I had lost it forever. The next morning to my surprise the bus driver handed me the cardboard Diana doll. Everyone knew then and still do today how important Diana was in the life of everyday people, even a young country girl with her cardboard cut out of Diana.

Cassandra, 38, Tahmoor, NSW
I was never a royalist but I loved Diana, or the Diana that I would follow in all the media stories. She may not have been perfect but she displayed wonderful class inside & out and was a fantastic role model for others to follow.

Mel, 40, Beaudesert, QLD
I saw Diana in Adelaide in 1983.  I brushed her hand with a bunch of flowers. She was radiant, tall and very slim. There will never be another woman like her. May she RIP.

Diana, 30, Gwandalan, NSW
My name is also Diana, and all my life people called me "Lady Di", or "Princess". As a young child and teenager this really annoyed me. Don't get me wrong, I thought Princess Diana was lovely, but as it occurred so often, I got sick of it pretty quickly....however, when she passed and to this day, not one person has ever referred to me as "Lady Di" or "Princess" again....I really miss it!!!

Dot, 61, Allambie Heights, NSW
I met Diana in 1988. I live at the spastic centre and about ten of us wanted to see Diana at the Opera House. What happened none of us expected. Charles was walking down our way and Diana the other side. She looked over and saw us in wheelchairs, to her body guards' horror she crossed the road and spoke to us. I had a picture taken with my wonderful Diana. A day and a picture I will always treasure!

Jane, 34, Galston, Sydney
I was never fortunate enough to meet Diana, but am a huge follower of her. To me, her star shines just as brightly 10 years on, and always will, there never has been and never will be anyone to replace the void left by her passing. I have a huge collection of all things Diana, and can not wait to see the exhibition of the woman who changed many lives just simply by “being”. Thankyou Powerhouse, for putting on such a wonderful exhibition!!

Andrew, 13, Roseville, Sydney
I think that Diana was more than the people’s princess; she was everyone’s idol and inspiration. She displayed her oh so private life in such an elegant fashion. She is icon for fashion, elegance and royalty. We miss you Diana.

Melina, 37, Menai
Regrettably I did not attend the public charity ball held in Sydney in which Diana wore a magnificent blue satin off the shoulder gown.  That event occurred during Diana's final visit to Australia.  Diana has and will always hold a special place in my heart.  I recall in adolescence having an entire bedroom wall covered in pictures of Diana which I had cut out from magazines during 1983-1984. Having spent lots of time in my bedroom, I would wake each morning to see a multitude of her images which would brighten up my days.  She was a beautiful soul with a kind heart, words and deeds and the world is a better place for all who have known, and who are reminded of her presence once with us.

Roslyn, 29, Glossodia, NSW
My mother took me to the Richmond RAAF base in 1985 to see Diana arrive, I was seven and it was so exciting. I always kept her wedding photo next to my bed as a child. I was devastated when she died. I visited Althorp house and Kensington Palace in 2000 and bought memorabilia. She will always be a Princess in my eyes.

Tracie, 38, Clarence Gardens, SA
I saw Diana when she visited Adelaide in 1983 and 1988.
I got to shake her hand. It was one of the best days of my life. She was beautiful and I will always remember what lovely blue eyes she had.
Recently I appeared in a magazine to share my interest in Diana and my collection. Forever in our hearts. Rest in peace Diana

Christine, 40, Cooloola Cove, QLD
I adored her because after her divorce she maintained a kind heart and she was smiling.  I know she always did not smile but what a beautiful person inside and out. I have collected lots of memorabilia and just wish I could have met her and chatted.

Tiffany, 11, QLD
I think Diana is a passionate lady that never gives up. She cares about all the sick and poor people and gives them money and if anyone says any bad things about her then I think they are just jealous of a beautiful women

Debbie, 46, Yamba,NSW
I have always felt an affinity with Princess Diana, we are both oxes born in 1961.I have books about her and love looking at the beautiful pictures of her. I have told my children about her, my middle daughter was born a month after she died. I couldn't believe she had gone, when she could give so much to the world. Her boys are wonderful ambassadors for her now, they do her proud! I saw her once in Sydney in 1988, she was so beautiful and special, she made everyone who saw her feel like they had seen someone who had a magical quality, an aura, she radiated happiness. I am hoping to get down to Sydney to see the exhibition, but it is a long way from me. I love her and will always have her in my heart as a special princess to all the people of the world. R.I.P. Diana, we all miss you.

Sharon, 35, Randwick, NSW
I was lucky enough to shake her hand! I was enrolling at the Royal College of Nursing and Diana was making a return to the public spotlight after a break. She was there to address a crowd and we met her when she was leaving. An amazing looking woman! We even got caught up in the media scrum with her when she tried to leave the building!!!

Noelene, 36, Surrey Hills, Victoria
I never met Diana, but my house and memories are full of her. I had a glimpse of her during her 1983 visit, in the back of a car on the road to Government House in Melbourne. Whenever I am feeling down on life, I look at Diana in her stunning 'little black dress' (when she arrived at the Serpentine Gallery), or in the Mario Testino shots. They always inspire me to pick myself up, put some lippy on, and face the challenges of the day.

Angie, 49, Taradale, NZ
No particular story other than I miss Diana's wonderful presence. A Princess of the people and a fantastic mother. Looking forward to visiting the museum to see her lovely wardrobe. Her wedding dress was a real stunner.

Michelle, 41, Northern beaches, NSW
I met Diana in 1988 at Barnardo’s Home in Auburn NSW.I have photos of her up close and have memories of speaking to her on that very special day. I will remember her forever. I have many books and articles about her life, I was overseas when she died and have not been back to that holiday destination since. In fact I haven't left Australia since that year she died. Something in me died that year too, Diana was more than a Princess and we all miss her. I cannot wait to relive her life at the Powerhouse Museum exhibition.

Jeanette, 50, Port Macquarie, NSW
My father and I stood on a street corner in East Gosford when Diana was on her 1988 visit to Australia. She was on her way to Terrigal to present the lifesavers with a medal and was dressed in a very pretty yellow and white dress. She looked and waved and it was as though she was looking directly at us, she was truly a beautiful girl. What made the day even more special was the fact that my father was in the later stages of Alzheimer’s disease and as he had fought in the war the Royal Family was always dear to him. Even though he had not spoken my name in 10 years he looked at me and said that’s the Princess, she will be a beautiful Queen and she waved to me. My Dad has long since passed but I will never forget the day that I stood beside my father to see Diana and he thought she waved just to him. Diana thanks for the memories.

Steven, 32, Paddington, NSW
When I was 6 yrs old I watched Diana step from the coach in her amazing wedding gown and I decided at that minute that I would make wedding gowns when I grew up. I am now a leading Australian bridal gown designer and I have my own bridal studio in Paddington and my gowns are featured in major Australian bridal magazines.

Rachael, 35, Newcastle, NSW
I have adored the Princess since I was a little girl. I saw her in person in Newcastle in 1983. I have a huge collection of books about her. Sadly the day she died I packed my memories in a special box for my daughters and labelled it my 'best friend box'. Diana has a special place in my heart and my home. I wear a copy of her engagement ring. I cannot wait to come to Sydney to see the exhibition.

Janine, Eastwood, NSW
I lived in London during 1987 and 1988 and saw Diana a few times. I saw her at Trooping the Colour and at the premiere of the movie Wall Street. Michael Douglas was there too. She was always in the British papers and I can't believe she is no longer with us, at least here on Earth.

Duane, 41, Marrickville, NSW
In 1992 I was wandering around London during an extended stay in the UK. After what seemed like hours wandering around I went into McDonalds for a quick bite to eat. Standing in front of me was a young mother with two children, dressed just like everyone else. The two kids were arguing about what they were going to spend their money on and so on. I was getting pretty upset because these kids just didn’t want to shut up. In the corner of my eye I noticed the mother lean down and basically told the kids to behave. 10 minutes later we were served, the young mother turned around - it was Diana and the boys - and she smiled apologising for the kids arguing adding that "you know what it’s like when they get their pocket money, they want to buy everything". Smiling she headed for the door, got into her car and drove off. I will never forget her smile or her lack of pretensions. She insisted that both she and the children be treated like anyone else!

Jenny, 37, Ballarat, VIC
I have loved Diana since the wedding in 1981.I have an extensive collection of Diana memorabilia (three large display cabinets that are overflowing!)from the wedding until the present day.
It is one of my greatest regrets in life that I did not get to meet her or see her in person. On their first tour of Australia they visited Ballarat, at the time I was living in Maryborough, a town about 60km from Ballarat, all my class mates were going to see her, but Mum wouldn't let me have the day off school.
I have been to Althorp in 2003, so I am very excited to be able to see the exhibition again. It is like being close to Diana by seeing her dresses and other memorabilia from her life.
I recently held an afternoon tea to celebrate the life of Diana, everyone came wearing a tiara and pearls in her honour. My husband and I and another friend who loves Diana went out to dinner to commemorate the 10th anniversary of her death.
She was a beautiful, special person and devoted mother. She should never be forgotten for all the good she did in the world. I miss her. She is not only the "people's princess" but "my princess".

Alison, 37, Berowra Heights, NSW
I'll never forget Diana and Charles wedding as it was on my 11th birthday. I remember thinking it should have been a public holiday. We sat up in the dining room and had my birthday dinner and then watched the wedding until very late. I also went into the city during the Bicentennial celebrations in 1988 and saw Charles and Diana drive past, very exciting. She was truly a beautiful person inside and out.

Helen, 62, Bentley, NSW
I have a collection of royal memorabilia. In that collection there are many pieces of Princess Diana which I treasure very much, from thimbles to china and glassware. Always collecting always will. I hope to see the Diana treasures while it's here in Australia.

Pamela, 64, Traralgon VIC
The night of the wedding, my husband surprised me with a huge colour TV so I could see every detail of Princess Diana. I have the wedding doll & flower girl doll & am still a passionate royalist.

Sylvia, 44, Belfield, NSW
On Friday 1 November 1996 Princess Diana was visiting the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Centre in Darlinghurst, Sydney. I wanted to go and see her in person, so I went and when I arrived nobody was there yet, which was great because I could get a good view of her. I waited for about one hour and a half before the car arrived with Diana in it, my goodness my heart was just beating faster, I was so happy when she arrived. When she stepped out of the car, people were shouting her name, cameras flashing, it was very different to see her in person than on TV. She went into the centre, then half an hour later she came out, I was so thrilled, I was calling her name also with the rest of the crowd with excitement, then she turned around and was coming towards where I was standing and I thought wow, I just could not believe it. When she was closer to me, I put my hand out to shake her hand and she said pleased to meet you, I think I said hello, because I was too nervous. I felt her aura around me when I shook her hand. I could not believe her skin, it was like porcelain, so smooth and beautiful.

Janice, 51, Erina, NSW
When Diana visited Terrigal in 1988, her car drove along our street to Terrigal and back.  I held a Diana and Charles party, complete with red, white and blue streamers in the trees, a huge welcome banner on our front porch, and we stood on the road waving English flags while they were driving by. It was very exciting when Diana waved back to us.  I was very pregnant at the time and so was a friend of mine, so we must have looked quite a sight, it was a very hot day too.  It is still a very good memory.

Lynn, 21, Adelaide, SA
I had the honour of meeting, Princess Diana, when she was here for the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute in late 1996. She shook my hand and I have many close up photos of her. I love her to bits, and to me she will always shine as our Princess. Nothing will take this away from her. Every time you look at a star in the sky you know she is smiling at you. Love and Light Lynn.

Nicky, 38, Alexandria NSW
I never actually met Diana when she visited Australia but kept scrap books about her life when I was at school and I brought in a Sara Lea chocolate cake to school to celebrate her wedding.

John, 54, Marrickville NSW
When the royal wedding was on TV my girlfriend was keen to have photos of Diana’s wedding gown so we sat in front of my small black and white TV taking photos with a Kodak Instamatic.