An intriguing piece of Princess Diana’s history is set to hit the auction block: her “first” work contract, completed when she was just 17 years old. This document, which may contain a little white lie about her age, is generating buzz as it heads to auction in Bristol on April 30th.
In May 1979, Lady Diana Spencer applied to the prestigious nanny agency Solve Your Problem Ltd, filling out the application form mostly in black ink. It’s believed that Diana deliberately listed her date of birth as 1960 instead of 1961, possibly to expedite the job search process or negotiate higher pay.
The contract, expected to fetch up to £8,000, provides a fascinating glimpse into Diana’s early life before she became one of the most famous women of the 20th century. Her skills are listed as “cook – basic,” “housework,” “animals,” and even “ballet dancer,” with comments describing her as a “lovely girl – send anywhere.”
The document, bearing Diana’s signature in black pen, was completed shortly after she moved to London as a teenager. Her temporary address is listed as Cadogan Place SW1, before she later moved to her own flat at Colherne Court, Kensington.
Interestingly, Diana’s incorrect date of birth on the application suggests she was over 18, potentially increasing her chances of securing a job with the agency or negotiating better pay terms. However, it’s unclear whether this was a deliberate move or simply an oversight.
This contract marks Diana’s first official foray into the workforce, undertaking various short-term roles as a nanny, mother’s help, and child carer. Prior to this, she had worked informally for friends and family in 1978, with some of them serving as referees on the contract.
As Princess Diana’s legacy continues to captivate audiences worldwide, this rare artifact offers a unique glimpse into her early years and the beginnings of her remarkable journey.