The photographer recognized he had captured something unique after taking this picture
The image of Princess Diana and Michael Jackson meeting is one of those rare snapshots that captivates not only because of the people involved but also because of the layers of meaning beneath it. At first glance, it seems like a fleeting moment between two global icons. But the story behind it reveals so much more—a connection shaped by unparalleled fame, shared struggles, and a mutual passion for helping others.
In July 1988, Princess Diana and Prince Charles attended a concert from Michael Jackson’s Bad tour at Wembley Stadium in London. The event was in aid of the Prince’s Trust charity, marking the first and only time Diana and Michael met in person. Despite coming from vastly different worlds, this encounter laid the foundation for an extraordinary bond.
Diana, affectionately called “The People’s Princess,” had a deep love for music. Her favorite band was reportedly Duran Duran, but she also admired Michael Jackson’s work, with albums like Thriller and Bad reportedly playing on repeat in her collection. Michael, on the other hand, was both nervous and excited to meet the royal. In a 1997 interview with Barbara Walters, he described his apprehension before shaking Diana’s hand.
In the lead-up to the concert, Michael decided to remove the song “Dirty Diana” from his setlist, fearing it might offend her. The song, about a rock groupie, seemed inappropriate for a performance attended by a royal with the same name. However, during their backstage meeting, Diana herself brought up the song. To Michael’s surprise, she asked if he was going to perform it. When he explained why he had removed it, Diana insisted he include it, laughing as she told him it was her favorite. Ultimately, Michael performed the track that night.
Their backstage interaction lasted only a short time, but it left a lasting impression on both of them. Michael later described Diana as “wonderful” and gifted her miniature Bad tour jackets for her sons, Princes William and Harry. During the concert, Diana danced energetically, reportedly enjoying every moment, while Prince Charles remained seated.
Although their in-person interaction ended that evening, the connection between Diana and Michael continued. In subsequent interviews, Michael revealed that they stayed in touch through late-night phone calls. He claimed Diana often reached out to him to discuss her children and the pressures of public life, offering support and understanding in ways only she could.
“We were very close,” Michael said in a 1999 interview. “She was extremely close by phone… mostly after three in the morning! And then she held me for hours on the telephone. She talked mostly about her children, and the press.” While some of these claims remain unverified—Diana’s friends have said Michael likely didn’t have her private number—there’s no doubt that the two shared a unique understanding. Both faced relentless media attention and the isolation that came with fame. Michael’s former bodyguard, Matt Fiddes, later revealed that Michael felt Diana was one of the few people who truly understood his life.
Beyond their personal struggles, Diana and Michael shared a commitment to humanitarian causes. Their meeting at Wembley wasn’t just about music—it was also an act of philanthropy. That night, Michael donated $188,000 to the Prince’s Trust and an additional $126,000 to London’s Great Ormond Street Hospital for children. Both were also known for their generosity and dedication to helping those in need.
Their friendship endured until Diana’s tragic death in August 1997. The news devastated Michael. He reportedly fainted upon hearing of her passing and had to be revived with smelling salts. At the time, he was preparing for a concert in Belgium, which he postponed due to his grief. Later, he paid tribute to Diana on stage, expressing his admiration for her and her legacy. “In my heart, I was saying, ‘I love you, Diana. Shine. And shine on forever, because you are the true princess of the people,’” he said.
Michael did not attend Diana’s funeral in England but attended a memorial service for her in Los Angeles, where he told reporters he wanted to honor his friend. “I love her,” he said. Even years later, Michael spoke fondly of Diana, calling her “one of the sweetest people I’ve ever known” and expressing how much he missed their conversations.
The photograph of Diana and Michael Jackson backstage at Wembley Stadium is more than just a snapshot of two icons. It captures the beginning of a unique bond between two individuals whose lives were shaped by immense fame and shared struggles. Both left an indelible mark on the world and departed far too soon. In that fleeting moment, captured forever in a single frame, their shared humanity shines through.
