The British royal family might have a long legacy of memorable male leaders, but over the past 60+ years with Queen Elizabeth II at the helm, the women have left their mark. Before the Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle phase [1], there was Queen Elizabeth II, Anne, Princess Royal, and, of course, Princess Diana.
Her Majesty and her daughter are still forces to be reckoned with [2], but lovers of the royals will never forget the times with the queen and her daughter-in-law Princess Diana. Those who were alive to see these two in action know that it wasn't always rainbows and tiaras, but when push comes to shove, both Her Majesty and Diana, Princess of Wales, were the change that the UK people needed.
Queen Elizabeth switched things up from the moment she took the throne in 1952, while Diana, who married into the family in 1981 and later divorced Prince Charles in 1996, made a major splash at the young age of 20. Each had their own unique style and approach to helping their people, but both have legacies worth celebrating.
Her Majesty is the longest reigning monarch [3] in UK history, while Diana proved that she was relatable and shared a sense of empathy [4] with the public, earning her the title of the People's Princess. Even though these two ladies weren't often photographed together or seen having "girl time" on a regular basis, they respected one another, and following Diana's death in 1997, the queen's kind words [5] proved they had a bond that not many got to see. For some of their moments together, keep reading.
Mama's Boy
Both Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Diana can't help but smile as Prince William shows off during their christening portrait for Prince Harry in 1984.
Ladies in Lavender
The fierce women match in purple as they attend the unveiling of the Canada memorial monument in Green Park in 1994.
All Smiles
Although they were separated by Prince Charles, Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Diana shared a laugh while watching the Trooping the Colour ceremony in 1983 at Buckingham Palace.
Three's Company
Lady Diana Spencer poses alongside her future mother-in-law and future husband at Buckingham Palace in March 1981 after her wedding was sanctioned by the Privy Council.
Ladies Who Lunch
Her Majesty and Princess Diana celebrate the Queen Mother's 88th birthday at Clarence House in 1988 along with Lady Sarah Armstrong Jones.
Tying the Royal Knot
Queen Elizabeth II looks on fondly as her eldest son, Prince Charles, marries Lady Diana Spencer in July 1981 at St. Paul's Cathedral.
Adoring Daughter-in-Law
At the 1989 Trooping the Colour ceremony, Princess Diana looked lovingly at Her Majesty.
Happily Ever After
Both women couldn't contain their excitement while posing for formal portraits after the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer in 1981.
Keeping Their Cool
Despite all of the hustle and bustle on the Buckingham Palace balcony in 1985, the two royal women kept their cool and looked in control.
Royal Relatives
Princess Margaret, Queen Elizabeth II, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, and Diana, Princess of Wales, celebrate another birthday for the Queen Mother in London in 1992.
Mother (in Law)-Daughter (in Law) Moment
Following her wedding to Prince Charles in 1981, Diana, Princess of Wales, shared a moment with her mother-in-law on the Buckingham Palace balcony.
Scottish Lassies
Her Majesty and Princess Diana watch the Braemar Games in Scotland alongside Prince Charles in 1982.
Bundle of Joy
Her Majesty sits next to Princess Diana and Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother while celebrating the birth of her next heir, Prince William, in 1982.
It's a Bird, It's a Plane . . . It's a Royal
In London in June of 1983, the royal family looked up as the Trooping the Colour ceremony began.
Girl Talk
In between watching the matches at the Guards Polo Club in Windsor in 1984, the ladies chatted in coordinating red ensembles.
All in the Family
In one of the last portraits before Diana's death, both she and her former mother-in-law are all smiles to celebrate Prince William's confirmation in March 1997.