Princess Diana’s letters to Terence Stamp reveal the depth of their intimate friendship
A collection of private letters between the late Princess Diana and acclaimed British actor Terence Stamp, is set to go under the hammer at Bonhams auction house in London, offering a rare glimpse into the warmth, humor and emotional support that defined their friendship.
The correspondence, written between July and December 1991, forms part of a wider auction of Stamp’s estate, which includes scripts, photographs, costumes and personal memorabilia from the late actor’s career. The letters reveal a relationship marked by trust, candid conversations and mutual understanding during a challenging period in Diana’s life.
In one handwritten letter dated October 1991, Diana expressed her gratitude to Stamp after a lunch together. She thanked the actor for a “perfect” risotto lunch and wrote that she was “touched to the core by your understanding of my job/role and what comes with it! Not many people would take the time and trouble to delve into such a complex situation…”
She continued, “Three cheers for Prozac, not the American variety I hasten to add!” before signing off: “Lots of love Terence and a huge thank you, from Diana x.”
A similar version of the letter, dated October 17, 1991, further highlighted the princess’s appreciation for Stamp’s support. “You are so kind to me and I’m touched to the core by your understanding of my job/role and what comes with it.
“Not many people would take the time and trouble to delve into such a complex situation… Three cheers for Prozac, not the American variety I hasten to add.”
The reference to Prozac, the brand name for fluoxetine, has drawn attention because of its association with the treatment of depression and other mental health conditions. The letter provides a glimpse into Diana’s willingness to discuss personal struggles with trusted friends.
Other cards showcased Diana’s famous sense of humor and her playful relationship with Stamp. In September 1991, she thanked him for another lunch, writing: “the champagne was excellent and I reckon that there aren’t many bottles like that around.”
Why did God invent sex?
One light-hearted card featured a joke that reflected her mischievous side. The front read: “Why did God invent sex?…” and inside it continued: “…so that married people do something together at least twice a year!”
Another amusing postcard, sent on December 7, 1991, invited Stamp to lunch. Diana wrote: “I haven’t seen a Cancerian for far too long and cannot cope with Christmas without a meeting.” The message appeared on a postcard featuring a bare breast with a face drawn on it. On the front were the words: “All The Breast from London.”
The collection also includes Christmas photographs featuring Diana’s sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, as well as birthday cards exchanged between the friends. Together, the items paint a picture of an unusually close bond between the Princess of Wales and one of Britain’s most recognizable actors.
Stamp, who died last year, enjoyed a career spanning decades and became an icon of British cinema. Described by Bonhams as “a defining figure of London in the swinging sixties, emblematic of a certain style and charm,” he achieved international fame for his portrayal of General Zod in the 1978 Superman film and its sequel, Superman II. Two scripts from those productions, embossed with Stamp’s initials, are also included in the auction.
The letters are expected to sell individually for between £500 and £2,000, while the Superman scripts are estimated to fetch between £3,000 and £5,000.
The sale joins a growing list of auctions featuring Diana’s personal correspondence. In recent years, letters to her former housekeeper Violet Collison and a collection of 32 letters to close friends Susie and Tarek Kassem have attracted significant interest, reflecting the enduring fascination with Diana’s personal life and relationships nearly three decades after her death in 1997.
