Diana’s First Royal Tour: How She Won the Hearts of Australians Despite Initial Resistance

October 18, 2024 Celestial Etriel

Diana’s first royal tour to Australia in 1983 marked a pivotal moment in her life as a member of the British Royal Family. This highly anticipated event not only introduced her to the Australian public but also helped shape her image as a beloved figure, despite initial skepticism about her visit.

Although there were early doubts, Diana’s warmth and relatability soon won over the hearts of the Australian people. Traveling with Prince Charles and their 10-month-old son, Prince William, she captivated the crowds with her approachable demeanor. Her genuine connection with everyday Australians quickly turned the tour into a resounding success.

The trip was not without challenges. Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke, newly elected at the time, showed little enthusiasm for the visit. Reports from the Daily Mail noted that Hawke refrained from performing the customary bow when greeting the royal couple, though his wife, Hazel, did so, showing her respect.

Historian Robert Lacey, in his book Battle of Brothers, commented that Hawke dismissed the royal tour as “not the most important thing” on his agenda. Nevertheless, Diana’s charm and relatability ultimately overcame political indifference, securing her place in the hearts of the Australian people.

Diana’s Growing Popularity During the Tour

The tour had been planned under the previous Prime Minister, Malcolm Fraser. Despite Hawke’s reservations, Diana quickly captured the attention of the Australian people. Her charm and relatability made a lasting impression on the crowds in every city she visited.

In one memorable moment, photographer Jayne Fincher described the scene in Sydney. The photographers hoped to capture a picture of Diana in front of the Opera House. However, the crowd was so large that only the top of Diana’s pink hat was visible above the sea of people.

Prince Charles often found himself overshadowed by his wife. Crowds were clearly there to see Diana, and Charles was greeted with disappointment. Lacey recounted how Charles humorously acknowledged the difference, saying, “It’s not fair, is it? You’d better ask for your money back.”

Despite this, Diana and Charles appeared to grow closer during the tour. Diana often held Charles’s hand in the car, a rare display of affection for the normally reserved couple.

Mixed Reactions During the Tour

Not all encounters were positive. In New Zealand, a protester staged a crude demonstration by exposing his backside to the couple as their car entered Wellington. The act, believed to be a traditional Māori insult, was downplayed by Sir Richard Stratton, New Zealand’s High Commissioner, who described it as insignificant.

Despite the protests, Diana’s fashion sense and her warm, approachable demeanor won her the public’s admiration. Sir Richard noted that Diana’s “homely gestures” toward children and Charles’s witty speeches were well received by the locals. Throughout the tour, it was clear that Diana’s ability to connect with everyday people was unparalleled, and her popularity only grew.

A Family Moment and a Triumphant End

Prince William, who had joined his parents on the trip, stayed with a nanny at a sheep station in New South Wales. Diana and Charles visited him regularly. The tour became even more significant for them as parents, especially when William took his first crawl. Both Diana and Charles were there to witness the moment together.

What had started with skepticism and political indifference ended as a great success for the Princess of Wales. Diana not only softened the anti-royalist sentiment in Australia, but she also cemented her status as a beloved global figure. The tour set the stage for her future as an icon, bridging the gap between the monarchy and the public in a way few royals had done before.

Diana’s Unique Approach to Royal Duties

As we reflect on Diana’s ability to capture hearts during such a challenging time, we ask: How do you think Princess Diana’s approach to royal duties differs from how today’s royals engage with the public?