News Mania desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/4th May 2024
A significant piece of Princess Diana’s history has recently fetched a considerable sum in an auction, as a work contract signed by the late princess two years before her marriage to Prince Charles has been sold for over £8,000 (approximately Rs 8.8 lakh). The document, believed to be Princess Diana’s first official work contract, was acquired by an anonymous collector in the United States, according to reports from the BBC.
The contract, filled out by the 17-year-old Diana in May 1979, was completed in black ink and addressed to the elite nanny agency Solve Your Problem Ltd. What makes this document particularly intriguing is Diana’s decision to list her date of birth as 1960 instead of 1961, which experts speculate was a deliberate move to secure a job more quickly or negotiate better pay.
Andrew Stowe, representing Auctioneum Ltd, expressed his astonishment at the outcome of the auction, stating, “This is an incredible result. There was interest from all around the world, with bidders from America, Hong Kong, Canada, and Australia all trying to get their hands on Diana’s first work contract.” He emphasized the enduring fascination with Princess Diana’s life and legacy, which continues to captivate people worldwide.
While the contract may appear to be an ordinary piece of office paperwork, Stowe emphasized its significance as a glimpse into the “normal” life Diana led before her transformation into Princess of Wales. “At face value, this is just an everyday work contract; a piece of office stationery that lived in a filing cabinet alongside hundreds of others,” he remarked. “Yet just over two years later, Diana Spencer would become Princess Of Wales and her life, and the whole of our history, would never be the same.”
The contract itself provides insight into Diana’s aspirations and capabilities at the time. Though she did not specify the type of work she sought or her salary expectations, she expressed her eagerness to secure employment as soon as possible. The application listed her abilities as “cook – basic,” “housework,” “animals,” and “ballet dancer,” reflecting her diverse skills and interests. Additionally, the handwritten note at the bottom of the form describes her as a “lovely girl – send anywhere.”
The document is believed to be Princess Diana’s first official work contract, preceding her engagement to Prince Charles and subsequent entry into royal life. Prior to this formal arrangement, Diana had undertaken various short-term jobs as a nanny, mother’s help, and child carer for friends and family, although these roles were unofficial and lacked formal contracts. The contract also serves as a testament to Diana’s transition from her upbringing in the English countryside to her life in London, as it was filled out shortly after her move to the city.
