Rare Find: Princess Diana's Early Work Contract Goes Under the Hammer
An early employment agreement signed by Diana Spencer, pre-marriage to the Prince of Wales, is set to be auctioned off for a substantial sum. Don't miss this unique opportunity to own a piece of royal history.
A work contract signed by Diana Spencer two years before she married the then-Prince of Wales is expected to fetch thousands of dollars at auction. The document was filled out in black ink by the young woman who would go on to become world famous as Princess Diana.
The job contract, believed to be Princess Diana’s first, was filled out when she was just 17.
The job contract, believed to be Princess Diana’s first, was filled out when she was just 17.
Auctioneum Ltd
Diana signed a contract with Solve Your Problem Ltd., a company that hires nannies for wealthy clients, in May 1979. However, the information she provided was not entirely accurate. At the age of 17, she stated her date of birth as July 1, 1960, which was a year earlier than her actual birthdate.
A recruitment firm called Solve Your Problem Ltd. was established by Mary Cook, a former Portuguese countess who had moved to London after her divorce. The firm was known for providing staff vetting services for royal residences and the homes of wealthy individuals in London, according to a press release from English auction house Auctioneum. Cook held onto the contract as a memento, and it has now been passed down to the current owners of the company, who are now selling it.
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Auctioneer Andrew Stowe commented on Diana's altered date of birth, stating that it may have been done to make her appear older and increase her chances of getting a job or higher pay. He also mentioned the possibility of it being a simple oversight.
Diana, who identified her religion as "Protestant" and indicated that she cannot drive, did not specify the type of job she was seeking or her salary expectations. However, she expressed her urgency in finding employment as soon as possible.
Diana, who tragically passed away in a car accident in Paris in 1997, had recently relocated to London before signing the contract. Auctioneum reveals that her address was Cadogan Place SW1 at the time, and shortly after, she would move to her own flat at Coleherne Court in Kensington.
The document, which is anticipated to fetch up to $10,000, is believed to be Princess Diana's first official work contract. Prior to this, she had been involved in informal childcare work for friends and family, with two of them listed as referees on the document.
The document was signed by Diana, who made herself appear a year older than she actually was with a false date of birth.
The document was signed by Diana, who made herself appear a year older than she actually was with a false date of birth.
Auctioneum Ltd
Stowe expressed, "This is a very significant piece of history. It is a big milestone in anyone's life to land their first job, especially when that person later becomes one of the most well-known personalities of the twentieth century. Here we see a young Diana Spencer, who had just moved to London, navigating through life and applying for her first job. It's a very relatable and authentic moment."
Princess Diana wore a blue and black knee-length evening dress designed by fashion designer Jacques Azagury during her official tour of Florence, Italy on April 23.
FLORENCE, ITALY - APRIL 23: Princess Diana During Her Official Tour Of Florence Wearing A Blue And Black Knee-length Evening Dress Designed By Fashion Designer Jacques Azagury. (Photo by Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images)
Tim Graham/Getty Images
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The contract has notes in blue from the employer, highlighting the applicant's skills such as basic cooking, housework, caring for animals, and ballet dancing. Additional comments mention checking the skirt and describing the applicant as a lovely girl who can be sent anywhere.
Stowe referred to the document as "poignant," explaining that although it may seem like a simple office paper, it holds significant meaning. Just a couple of years later, Diana Spencer would become Princess of Wales, completely changing her life. This contract offers a glimpse into Diana's life before she became a public figure.
The document is a mix of hope and nervousness, capturing the emotions of a typical teenager searching for their first job. Despite the excitement, there is also a sense of sadness attached to it.
The item is being sold as part of Auctioneum’s Autographs & Memorabilia Online Auction, which ends on Tuesday.
Editor's P/S:
The work contract signed by Princess Diana two years before her royal marriage offers a poignant glimpse into the life of a young woman on the cusp of extraordinary change. The document, filled out by Diana at the age of 17, reveals her determination to find employment, even resorting to slightly altering her date of birth to appear older. The annotations by her employer highlight her skills and endearing personality, providing a humanizing touch to the historical significance of the contract.
This contract serves as a reminder of Diana's humble beginnings and the remarkable trajectory of her life. It encapsulates the hope and trepidation of a teenager seeking their first job, while also evoking a sense of nostalgia and loss. The document is not just a piece of paper but a tangible connection to a beloved figure who left an enduring legacy. Its auction provides an opportunity for collectors and history enthusiasts to own a piece of royal memorabilia that tells a compelling story about a young woman who would become one of the most iconic figures of the 20th century.
