A former royal insider has revealed a little-known story from Princess Diana’s first overseas tour that highlights her playful personality — and her stark contrast with then-Prince Charles, now King Charles III.
A Scandal on the Royal Tour
Richard Dalton, Diana’s official hairdresser from 1981 to 1990, recalls the uproar that unfolded during the royal couple’s 1983 tour of New Zealand. At the time, anti-monarchist Māori activists staged demonstrations to protest the visit. During one traditional haka ceremony, a Māori protester lifted his skirt and mooned the royal couple — an act considered a serious insult.
The incident sparked headlines around the world and was quickly branded a “total scandal.”
Charles Furious, Diana Amused
Dalton recalls overhearing Charles’ angry reaction later that evening when he went to prepare Diana’s hair and tiara for a formal event.
“I was waiting to go and do her tiara, and I could hear the prince was ranting and raving next door,” Dalton shared.
Diana, however, saw the lighter side. Laughing at the memory, she reportedly told Dalton, “I don’t know what he’s going on about. It’s the best thing that ever happened to me since I arrived.”
Her amused response stood in sharp contrast to Charles’ outrage, underscoring the different ways the two royals handled public pressures and unexpected moments.
Diana’s Playful Wit
Dalton, who has shared many memories of Diana in his memoir It’s All About the Hair—My Decade with Diana, described the princess as endlessly witty and mischievous. Renae Plant, co-author of the book and founder of The Princess Diana Museum, added that Diana loved cheeky humor, even gifting friends playful and risqué cards that reflected her fun-loving spirit.
“She was so funny,” Plant said. “Wickedly, crazy funny. She had so much fun.”
From Scandal to Archive
The “moon protest” even made it into official documents. In 2021, Britain’s National Archives released a confidential letter from then–New Zealand High Commissioner Sir Richard Stratton, who described the protester’s gesture as “the worst Māori insult.” The letter emphasized just how seriously the event was viewed at the time, even as Diana herself laughed it off.
Diana’s Only Visit to New Zealand
The 1983 tour marked Princess Diana’s only visit to New Zealand during her lifetime. While protests generated controversy, her charm and humor left a lasting impression on those around her. For Dalton, the incident remains a vivid example of how Diana handled even the most scandalous situations with grace, humor, and an ability to connect with people in a way that set her apart from the rest of the royal family.
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