Princess Diana was one of the most photographed women in the world through her marriage into the British royal family in 1981.
MORE: Why Princess Kate won't wear Diana's iconic tiara at first banquet as Princess of Wales
But she was set on a very different path before meeting her future husband, then-Prince Charles.
-
WATCH: Princess Diana encourages Prince William to walk in sweet unearthed clip
Rather than dreaming of becoming a Princess, a young Diana had her heart set on one thing – becoming a ballet dancer.
READ: King Charles kept Princess Diana engagement secret for weeks: 'It hasn't been easy'
MORE: Inside Charles and Diana's private second honeymoon – all the photos
In her youth, Diana studied ballet and had hoped to turn profession. Sadly, however, she grew too tall to continue – but the passion remained.
© Photo: Getty ImagesYoung Princess Diana dreamed of becoming a ballerina
Last year, her former ballet tutor Anne Allan opened up about her time with the Princess, having been hired by the royal in the early 1980s.
READ: The Crown: how did Princess Diana meet boyfriend Dodi Al-Fayed?
MORE: 11 royal couple who have divorced
Speaking in the documentary Diana: In Her Own Words, she recalled: "When I first met her you could see that there was a huge shyness. But over time as we went through our dance class realised just how much dance meant to her.
© Photo: Getty ImagesHer former teacher said she had "dance in her soul"
"She had dance in her soul. I realised the pure enjoyment that it gave her. She loved the freeness of being able to move and dance. She loved it. I could see it helped to alleviate her emotional life. That was hard for her at that time."
READ: 11 shocking royal moments that stunned the world
MORE: 9 times the royals have apologised in public
It's a passion inherited by her granddaughter, Princess Charlotte. Princess Kate first spoke about her daughter's love of dance in 2017, revealing that she "absolutely loves [ballet]".
© Photo: Getty ImagesPrincess Charlotte has inherited the same passion for ballet
Prince William later confirmed his middle child's hobby, explaining: "Charlotte is running around the kitchen in her dresses and ballet stuff and everything."
As a keen dancer, it will have been music to Charlotte's ears that ballet is one of the dance types taught at her new school, Lambrook. Charlotte, now seven, will have the chance to enjoy these on Mondays as the whole school has an 'Enrichment Afternoon' when non-academic subjects are embraced.
Make sure you never miss a ROYAL story! Sign up to The Royal Explainer newsletter to receive your weekly dose of royal features and other exclusive content straight to your inbox.
