Princess Diana’s Revealing Fashion Choices — 7 Times She Turned Heads in a Swimsuit

Royal fashion has long been characterized by its conservative dress codes and strict rules. These protocols, steeped in tradition, aim to uphold the dignity of the monarchy. They reflect a sense of decorum befitting royal engagements.

The royal wardrobe is typically expected to be modest, steering clear of any fashion choices that could be perceived as provocative. This includes the visibility of cleavage, which is deemed inappropriate.

Diana, Princess of Wales, known for her grace and tact, would often use her evening bag as a shield against the invasive cameras of the paparazzi while stepping out of her car.

The Queen herself adopted a clever technique to prevent any wardrobe malfunctions. Remember the incident in 2011 when Princess Catherine’s skirt billowed up during a visit to the Royal Airforce?

To circumvent such occurrences, Stewart Parvin, the Queen’s designer, ingeniously sewed weights into the hemlines of her outfits. The weights ensured the skirts remained in place despite the wind.

It’s important to note that royals rarely, if ever, intentionally flout dress protocols. In her book “HRH: So Many Thoughts on Royal Style,” Elizabeth Holmes notes that the royal family is supported by professionals who ensure they are never captured in attire that deliberately contravenes established fashion guidelines.

Holmes emphasizes that, despite their fame, these individuals are not free to express themselves as celebrities might; they represent the family and the Crown in their public life. This distinction underscores the balance they must maintain between personal expression and royal duty.

Diana stood out as a beacon of modern style within the royal family in an era defined by its fashion conservatism. She wasn’t merely a member of the royal family. She was a style icon whose influence persists in today’s fashion trends.

Diana brought a unique and personal flair to the traditional dress code, revitalizing the royal fashion scene with her contemporary approach. Her influence extended beyond mere trendsetting; she captivated the public’s imagination and brought unprecedented attention to royal attire.

Diana’s choices often balanced respect for tradition with her contemporary style, signaling a subtle yet significant shift in the royal fashion paradigm. Her confidence in these choices challenged the status quo and showcased her style while maintaining the grace expected of her royal status.

Princess Diana’s Swimsuit Moments

This boldness in her fashion choices was perhaps most evident in her selection of swimwear. Despite the conservative nature of royal norms, Diana chose swimsuits that were revealing by royal standards, yet tasteful and elegant.

Her beachwear collection was as extensive as it was iconic. During her honeymoon on the Royal Yacht Britannia with Prince Charles, privacy was paramount, and cameras were strictly prohibited. However, as the 1980s progressed, the paparazzi frequently captured her during her winter getaways in the Caribbean and summer retreats in the Mediterranean.

Initially, Diana favored bikinis for her vacations, often choosing pieces from Benetton. But after an invasive photograph of her in a bikini while pregnant with Prince William was published, she shifted towards one-piece swimsuits.

Her choice in swimwear, particularly the one-piece, became so emblematic that it sparked a resurgence in popularity, decades later, partly fueled by its portrayal in the television series “The Crown.”

As we explore her seven most memorable swimsuit moments, we see a woman unafraid to redefine what it meant to dress like a princess.

First Swimsuit Moment: August 1988

A notable moment in royal fashion history was on August 16, 1988, when Diana was photographed on a yacht during a holiday in Majorca, Spain. She was clad in a patterned two-piece bikini, adorned in shades of white, pink, and blue, complemented by a matching sarong. There, aboard the yacht, she stood as an embodiment of elegance and poise.

Second Swimsuit Moment: April 1990

On the sun-drenched shores of Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands, Princess Diana was a vision of confidence and style on April 11, 1990. Surrounded by her sons, Princes William and Harry, and her sister’s children, she made a memorable fashion statement.

Diana chose a one-piece swimsuit with a daring leopard print, complemented by a matching sarong—a bold choice that significantly shifted from the usual conservative royal wardrobe.

This choice was emblematic of Diana’s fearless approach to fashion, demonstrating her willingness to explore beyond the traditional confines of royal attire.

The leopard print showcased her impeccable taste and reflected her self-assuredness and ease with her public persona. Her swimwear selections consistently revealed a royal figure unafraid to express herself through clothing choices.

Third Swimsuit Moment: January 1993

On January 3, 1993, Diana was seen enjoying a holiday on the Caribbean Island of Nevis. This time, she chose a vibrant two-piece orange bikini, complemented with sunglasses, for her swim in the sea.

The choice of a bright orange bikini was a testament to Diana’s bold and adventurous fashion sense. This marked a delightful contrast to the usual muted colors often associated with royal attire, reflecting her vivacity.

This swimsuit choice coincided with a notable personal event, as she was seen enjoying a leisurely swim in the sea. It symbolized a joyful interlude in her life, where she could be herself, away from the weight of her royal responsibilities.

Fourth Swimsuit Moment: July 1997

The summer of 1997 was a transformative time for Princess Diana, following her separation from Prince Charles. It was a period of significant change, particularly in her style, as she embraced a new chapter in her life.

This era of Diana’s fashion evolution was vividly portrayed in the sixth season of “The Crown.” In the months leading up to her tragic passing in Paris, she was frequently seen in an array of meticulously selected swimsuits.

Among these were custom-made pieces from the Israeli label Gottex. Leah Gottlieb, the founder of Gottex, had personally met with Diana in London to provide her with unique swimsuits for her vacation in St. Tropez.

This holiday was noteworthy, as it was spent aboard the yacht owned by Mohammed Al Fayed, the father of Diana’s companion, Dodi. Among the custom designs she wore, one standout piece was a leopard one-piece bikini.

Fifth Swimsuit Moment: July 1997

Another swimsuit Diana was spotted during that summer was adorned with horizontal stripes in a lively mix of green and purple colors. Complementing this vibrant attire, she wore a matching sarong and carried a bright red bag.

Sixth Swimsuit Moment: July 1997

During the summer beach excursion, Diana’s choice of a one-piece swimsuit with a white top and black bottom made headlines. This ensemble, though seemingly simple, was elevated by Diana’s innate sense of style.

She transformed a classic combination into a statement of sophistication and grace. Her swimwear selections consistently mirrored her distinctive approach to fashion and her strong sense of self.

Seventh Swimsuit Moment: July 1997

The final highlight in our series of Princess Diana’s memorable swimwear moments features a particularly striking appearance. Diana was photographed in a blue and white swimsuit adorned with a floral design.

The lively pattern and cool color palette created an enchanting and spirited look, capturing Diana’s exuberant personality and passion for style.

The Impact and Legacy of Diana’s Fashion Choices

Princess Diana’s fashion choices, besides her swimwear selections, impacted royal protocols and public perceptions of royal norms. Typically, royals are expected to adhere to a conservative dress code.

For instance, they don’t wear black in public unless attending a funeral or in mourning, and women aren’t supposed to wear pants to formal occasions. However, Princess Diana repeatedly wore black to events and rocked trousers, challenging these norms.

One instance of Diana’s most notable use of fashion to make a statement was on the evening of June 29, 1994, when Prince Charles publicly confessed his affair with Camilla Parker-Bowles in a television interview.

Meanwhile, Diana attended the Serpentine Gallery’s summer party in a clingy, ruched, black mini dress. This moment, now known as “revenge dressing,” showcased Diana’s ability to express her emotions through her fashion choices.

The next day, she dominated the newspaper headlines with her poised and assertive look. Diana’s fashion choices were not just about looking great, but also about expressing her freedom, confidence, and sexiness.

Mary Greenwell, Diana’s friend and makeup artist, reflected in 2021, stating, “She simply wanted to look great and had this incredible body to show off in a great dress, that was it.”

Her fashion choices, often daring and expressive, like baring her shoulders or opting for form-fitting attire, have left an indelible mark on the concept of royal dressing.

Diana transformed the image of what it means to be a public figure, blending personal style with royal elegance. Her influence as a fashion icon continues to inspire and resonate, affirming her timeless status as a fashion icon.