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Palaces & Buildings

Diana to be commemorated with a blue plaque outside her former London home

A blue plaque is to be put up outside the London residence that Diana, Princess of Wales called home in the months leading up to her engagement.

English Heritage is to put up one of the prestigious markers at Coleherne Court in London at the site of the flat where Diana lived between 1979 and 1981. The princess was famously photographed outside the building many times as rumours of her romance with the Prince of Wales began to grow.

The plaque reads ‘’Lady Diana Spencer, later Princess of Wales, 1961 – 1997, lived here 1979 – 1981.’’

The tribute is part of English Heritage’s push to commemorate more women who have contributed to society. Diana is one of six people being celebrated in 2021, the year she would have marked her 60th birthday.

The others include campaigner, Ellen Craft, who began her work for equality after escaping from slavery. The others are fashion designer Jean Muir, barrister Helena Normanton, social reformer Caroline Norton and peace campaigner Kathleen Lonsdale.

Announcing the new plaques, Anna Eavis, Curatorial Director of English Heritage said of Diana, Princess of Wales that ‘’she was an inspiration and cultural icon to many, raising awareness of issues including landmines and homelessness, and helping to destigmatise illnesses such as HIV, leprosy and depression. It seems fitting that we should erect a plaque commemorating her work and influence in what would have been her 60th year.”

Diana’s brother, Earl Spencer, took to Twitter to thank English Heritage for their tribute, adding ”How very lovely that this blue plaque will be going up outside Coleherne Court”, which he described as ”such a very happy place for Diana.”

The Blue Plaque scheme commemorates places in London that were important to some of the  most famous figures in history. The idea began in 1866 and now over 950 plaques are in place across the capital. The scheme is supported by David Pearl and members of the public.

About author

Lydia Starbuck is Jubilee and Associate Editor at Royal Central and the main producer and presenter of the Royal Central Podcast and Royal Central Extra. Lydia is also a pen name of June Woolerton who is a journalist and writer with over twenty years experience in TV, radio, print and online. Her latest book, A History of British Royal Jubilees, is out now. Her new book, The Mysterious Death of Katherine Parr, will be published in March 2024. June is an award winning reporter, producer and editor. She's appeared on outlets including BBC 5 Live, BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Local Radio and has also helped set up a commercial radio station. June is also an accomplished writer with a wide range of material published online and in print. She is the author of two novels, published as e-books. She is also a marriage registrar and ceremony celebrant.