When Princess Diana visited Fiji on November 8, 1985, she stole the show and the hearts of many who showed up for her one-hour stop over in Nadi with her husband, Prince Charles.
A report in The Fiji Times the next day said the moment she got off the Royal Australian Air Force VIP 707 at Nadi Airport, the 1500-strong throng yelled out a collective “wow”.
The people were surprised but delighted when she set the pace for a royal walkabout.
Princess Diana looked cool and charming in a cream skirt with a slit in front and matching cream top with light brown stripes.
She wore a matching hat with a bow at the back, with her hair tucked in, silver earrings and chain, and light brown shoes.
Prince Charles wore a light brown suit with a matching tie.
Her walkabout came as the royal couple were on their way back to the aircraft after tea and Fijian entertainment under an overcast sky.
After their handshakes with youngsters who lined the path, Princess Diana abruptly turned and made her way back to the grassy area where members of the Namaka/Tovata entertainment group were seated.
Prince Charles and she each shook hands before she approached the crowds of people gathered behind a security barrier.
People piled over each other trying to shake hands with the couple, and many women were left in ecstatic bliss after getting a chance to shake hands.
Both the Governor General, Ratu Sir Penaia Ganilau, and the Prime Minister’s wife, Adi Lady Lala Mara, who chatted with the royal couple, said the Prince and Princess thoroughly enjoyed the brief visit.
Adi Merewalita Ragigi, the daughter of Tui Nadi, gave Princess Diana a bouquet, and Prince Charles was greeted by a royal salute and given a tour of a guard of honour provided by the Royal Fiji Military Forces.
After being introduced to 12 local couples, the Prince and Princess moved on to a shed specially built behind a green strip, off the tarmac, and decorated with coconut palms and sprays of flowers.
Prince Charles and Princess Diana proceeded to seats on the porch to have tea and watch entertainment after greeting other invited guests in the shed.
The Princess enjoyed a fruit punch drink, according to Adi Lady Lala Mara, who spoke with The Fiji Times.
She was also quite pleased with the welcome. Adi Lady Lala Mara remarked: “She said the visit was so short and she hoped to have a longer visit next time.”
The Fiji Times was informed by Ratu Sir Penaia that the pair was grateful for the warm greeting and delighted to see so many people in a short period of time.
“The royal party left on schedule at 3.40pm with Prince Charles and Princess Diana giving a last wave from the aircraft door before moving inside.”
