This Is What Princess Diana Stashed in Her 1991 Time Capsule

In March 1991, Princess Diana ceremoniously buried a time capsule in the wall of Great Ormond Street Hospital, where she served as president.

Six years later, while the hospital was being renovated for a new children’s cancer center, the lead-covered wooden box was unearthed—after being intended for future generations to discover.

A Glimpse into the 1990s Thanks to Princess Diana

Contained within the box was a remarkable snapshot of life at the start of the decade:

• A CD of Kylie Minogue’s Rhythm of Love album
• A pocket-sized television
• Five tree seeds
• A snowflake hologram
• A photograph of Diana herself
• A solar-powered calculator
• A sheet of recycled paper
• A European passport
• A copy of The Times from the day the capsule was buried
• A collection of British coins

Despite some water damage over the years, most of these items remained impressively intact—offering a nostalgic window into both Diana’s generosity and the era’s technological curiosity.

A Child’s Perspective, a Princess’s Kindness

Two children—ages 11 and 9—selected the items for inclusion after winning a competition on Blue Peter. One winner, David Watson (who’s now at the University of Exeter), explained that he chose the Kylie CD because mobile phones didn’t yet exist and the technology was rapidly changing. Another highlighted the recycled paper as a nod to society’s growing environmental awareness, while the European passport symbolized increasing cooperation across the continent.

Watson recalled Diana’s warmth on the day she helped bury the capsule: she treated them like equals, asked for their opinions, and put them completely at ease—simple gestures that left a lasting impression.

Time Capsules and Royal Legacy

Time capsules create conversations across decades. Diana’s effort reflects her rootedness in charity and her connection to ordinary people—even in royal formality. This reveal has inspired fans to envision what a capsule might look like today: mindfulness on climate, digital tools, and personal mementos all nested in historical context.

You might also want to read: Princess Diana’s Final Words Revealed by Firefighter Who Tried to Help