The late Princess of Wales, Diana, had always been the centre of attention of events she appeared in.
She was known as someone who often stole people’s hearts during her visit especially when accompanying her husband, the Prince of Wales.
One of those notable visits was back in November 8, 1985 when the princess visited the country with her husband, the heir apparent to the British throne, Prince Charles.
It was clear that most of the local’s attention were glued to the princess, with her being dubbed the “Royal Charmer” — simply because of her elegance and her close interaction with people.
Even just on a one-hour stop to Nadi on a cloudy day, the late princess made a considerable impact on the 1500 strong crowd that waited patiently for them to arrive.
The Fiji Times reported in November 9, 1985 that the late princess looked cool and charming with a cream skirt with a slit in front and a matching cream top with light brown stripes.
The pictures didn’t lie in portraying her beautiful friendly smile as she greeted Fijians.
She had simply worn a matching hat with a bow at the back with her hair neatly tucked, silver earring and chain and light brown shoes with her husband, the Prince of Wales suited in a light brown suit with a matching tie.
The ravishing princess had stolen the show and the hearts of the people during her one-hour visit to Nadi with her husband.
According to the article published, the royal couple shook hands with school children who lined the path to meet them during their short visit and the late Princess even shook hands with the entertainment team who were sitting on the grass and with that gesture simply being followed by the heir apparent to the British throne too.
Receiving the royal couple during the visit was the late governor-general, Ratu Penaia Ganilau, the late prime minister Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara and the late Adi Lady Lala Mara.
This newspaper reported that the late Ratu Sir Penaia and the late Adi Lady Lala after chatting with the royal couple said the prince and princess had thoroughly enjoyed their brief visit to Fiji.
The late princess had received a bouquet from the Tui Nadi’s daughter, Adi Merewairita Ragigia, and Prince Charles was given a royal salute and later inspected a guard of honour mounted by the Royal Fiji Military Forces.
The couple was then led along a mat pathway lined by schoolchildren who carried huge colourful banners.
Adi Lady Lala Mara had told The Fiji Times that the princess liked a fruit punch drink and was very impressed with the welcome.
The late princess said the visit was so short and she hoped to have a longer visit next time she was in the country.
Ratu Sir Penaia told this newspaper in 1985 that the couple appreciated the welcome especially having the chance to meet so many people during their short visit.
“They thoroughly enjoyed the stop adding that they did not expect the elaborate welcome and the function,” the late Ratu Penaia said.
The Fiji Times reported that the royal party had left on schedule on November 8 with Prince Charles and Princess Diana giving a last wave from the aircraft door before stepping inside.
