Late Lady Di "Visibly Blushed" As She Danced With Neil Diamond At White House Dinner

May 12, 2021

To this day, Princess Diana, also called the People's Princess, is remembered fondly all over the world for her impeccable fashion style, kind-hearted manner, and charity work. Diana's early death in 1997 devasted not only the British royal family but also fans across the globe. 

Princess Diana may have passed away more than two decades ago in a tragic car accident, but she remains one of the most iconic members of the Royal Family throughout history. Even if you did not agree with some of her actions and choices, she was a truly unique woman who managed to always stand out in a crowd. Her overall style inspired others to recreate her wardrobe and for good reason: Princess Diana was a stunning woman who could pull off any look she wanted. In particular, her hairstyle was one of her most well-known features and changed throughout her life.

Her influence is still felt today, which is why she is still often honored in various ways. Whether it's through her charitable work or her stylish legacy, Princess Diana was truly one of a kind.

One moment that will live on in the hearts of the public forever is the magical night in 1985 when Princess Diana and Prince Charles visited the White House on a state visit. While the picture of her and John Travolta tearing it up on the dance floor traveled around the world, Travolta was not the only star she danced with that night. Neil Diamond also had the honor of sharing a dance with the People's Princess - and she seemed quite enthused with it.

Back in 1985, Princess Diana and Prince Charles had been married for just four years. Following their lavish wedding ceremony in 1981, Diana started to appear in public at official events and galas to support her royal husband. The visit to the United States in 1985 was one of her first major outings outside of the British Commonwealth and was a prelude to her very busy year of 1986, where she and Charles visited four countries in quick succession.

Ronald Reagan, president at the time, pulled out all the stops for the visiting couple. A grand dinner with dancing, live music and of course lots of celebrity support had been arranged. Diana's meeting of and subsequent famous dance with John Travolta took place at this dinner.

Dressed to the nines, the pair were a stunning duo as they graciously glided across the dancefloor. The photos from that evening are still just as moving today, more than 35 years on.

The moment was so wonderful as not only did it show the people's princess in such a carefree and graceful light, but Travolta, who was a major Hollywood heartthrob and star, was so well known for his dancing, that it felt like a unique moment that wouldn't come around often. Furthermore, even people as famous as Travolta don't get to dance with a princess every day.

It clearly left an indelible mark on him too, since in a recent interview Travolta went on the record and spoke to Esquire Spain about that night and just how special it was:

"I didn't think they'd ask me to dance with her. I had the great privilege and honor of doing so, and I thought, 'There must be a reason for doing this and I better give it my all."

However, Travolta was not the only famous star who had the honor of sharing a dance with the princess. Neil Diamond was also in attendance. The famous singer and songwriter had been asked to provide entertainment for the evening and certainly took to it with much enthusiasm. 

Photographer Pete Souza, who took a picture of Diana and Travolta in motion at the event, recounted his memory of the state dinner on Instagram in April 2021 and shared a sweet anecdote about the Princess of Wales' dance with Neil Diamond as well.

"Accompanied by the military band, Neil sang a few of his songs. I distinctly remember him singing, 'You Don't Bring Me Flowers.'"

He continued, "My recollection–and I can't be sure this is correct–is that he continued singing this song as he danced with her.⁣

The one rock-solid remembrance I have is that Diana was visibly blushing when she danced with Neil. In the photograph, you can see that her cheeks are a bit red but in the moment it was even more obvious.⁣⁣"

Indeed, we can clearly see Diana sport a heavy blush in the photo. Diamond's natural charm might be part of the reason why, although we are sure that being serenaded by such a great singer on the dancefloor could have helped as well! Of course, the audience might have played a part in it, too. Being the centre of attention was notably hard for Diana, who came from a much simpler background than Charles. It's easy to see, however, that this was one evening all those attending never forgot.

What do you think about Princess Diana and Neil Diamond's dance? Had you seen this photograph before? Tell us what you think and pass this along to fellow royal fans.