Princess Diana wasn't called the "people's princess" for nothing. She had a truly kind and loving heart. She was compassionate and took opportunities to connect with people whenever possible. We've always known that to be true, but in a newly surfaced letter, we can see firsthand how thoughtful she was. It also shows us how close she was to her sons, William and Harry.
In the newly unearthed letter, Diana wrote to Sergeant George Plumb for putting on a motorbike display for William's seventh birthday. The letter is over 30 years old, written in 1989, but Diana's gratitude comes across even today. The Daily Mail reported on the handwritten note, which came from Kensington Palace and is now up for auction.
It's likely an emotional reminder to Diana's sons, as well as the rest of the world, about what a gentle soul she was and how much she genuinely appreciated the efforts of those around her, particularly when it came to William and Harry.
The lovely handwritten note from the princess was sent to thank the police sergeant, as well as the rest of the team. It was written on Kensington Palace headed paper and, of course, is in Diana’s handwriting. The letter was addressed to “Sgt George Plumb Special Escort Group.”
The sweet note thanks Sgt. Plumb and his team, who put on an exciting display by the Precision Motorbike display team of the special escort group. It was for Prince William's seventh birthday, and Diana was so grateful that they made it a fun day for her son. She also noted that she was even more appreciative because the team had been very busy at the time but put on the display regardless.
She wrote, “Dear Sgt Plumb, It was so very kind of you and your team to have come here today on William’s birthday – I cannot begin to tell you what pleasure the display gave to all those little people and their mothers!” The two boys were 7 and 4 at the time. They each signed the letter in adorable age-appropriate handwriting.
Diana continued, "I know how particularly busy you all are at the moment, so it meant even more to us that you and the motorbike boys were able to take part in the birthday celebrations!" It's clear that Diana put a lot of thought into what she was writing and was so genuine. She didn't expect people to go around doing everything for her, regardless of her title.
She ended the note, “This comes with our warmest possible thanks. Yours sincerely Diana, William, Harry.” Perhaps the sweetest part of the note is William and Harry’s signatures. It shows not only that the boys were also appreciative but that Diana wanted them to understand how important it was to thank people who go out of their way for you. It’s definitely an important lesson for kids to learn, even royal kids.
William and Harry were both bikers from a young age, so they were surely excited about the event. William specifically has a big interest in motorcycles. In 2008, William and Harry both took part in a motorcycle rally across Africa to raise money for a variety of charities.
The Special Escort Group provides armed motorcycle escorts for members of the royal family, visiting royals, heads of state, and other visiting dignitaries. They are skilled riders who carry firearms and are trained to combat terrorists.
The letter is being sold by auctioneers William George Auctions of Peterborough.
The auctioneers described the item: “This letter comes personally signed by Diana Princess of Wales, H.R.H Prince William and H.R.H Prince Harry, dated 21st June 1989. It is on Kensington Palace headed paper, addressed to Sgt George Plumb Special Escort Group in Diana’s handwriting. It thanks Sgt Plumb and his team who put on a superb display by the Precision Motorbike display team of the special escort group, for Prince William’s 7th Birthday.”
The items are being sold by a private London-based collector who reportedly acquired them from Sgt. Plumb three years ago. They will be sold in an online auction, but the bidding will definitely not be cheap. Bidding starts at 16,000 pounds, which is about $20,000 USD. The auction ends on April 23.
The letter serves as a beautiful reminder to all about what kind of person Princess Diana undeniably was. Not only did she show gratitude whenever she could, she also worked hard to teach her sons about goodwill, kindness, and responsibility. It's wonderful that we all get to see and enjoy her words all these years later.
