Princess Diana: Beauty honours royal and style icon on 25th anniversary of death

By Sarah Parsons | Published: 31-Aug-2022

The Princess of Wales has shaped beauty and style trends across generations

The beauty industry has paid tribute to the late Princess of Wales on the 25th anniversary of her death.

Princess Diana died in a car crash in central Paris, France, on 31 August 1997.

Tributes to the royal, who remains an icon of 20th century style, have been led by Diana's go-to beauty experts.

Celebrity hair stylist Sam McKnight, who created Diana's signature short hair of the early 1990s, posted an image on Instagram on Wednesday, showing him with the princess and make-up artist Mary Greenwell during a Vogue photoshoot.

"25 years. It’s the smiles and laughter I remember most," he wrote in the caption. McKnight worked with Diana until her passing in 1997.


Meanwhile, Greenwell, who helped Diana evolve her make-up style from her striking blue eyeliner of the 1980s to a softer look in her thirties, wrote her own tribute on Instagram in response to McKnight.

"I share Sam’s sentiment completely, and was so blessed to be part of such great images taken by [Patrick Demarchelierpatrick]… including this one!," she shared in the caption.

She also reposted a caption written by McKnight on 28 August: "The last Sunday in August is always a thoughtful one. Life is short. Make the most of it."


Diana's former personal trainer, Jenni Rivett, wrote on the social media platform: "Always in our hearts. ❤️ 25 years today."


An enduring beauty and fashion icon, Diana's signature looks are still being emulated today, including by Gen Z consumers who were born after her death.

Recent high profile films and television programmes, such as The Crown and Spencer, which feature fictional depictions of the princess, have helped fuel fresh interest among younger generations.

Videos tagged 'Princess Diana make-up' on TikTok have been viewed more than 3.5 billion times.

She has also inspired a number of cosmetic product launches, including Lush's Gorgeous Facial Moisturiser.

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