Princess Diana abroad: a look back at her royal visits in Asia and the Middle East

Tatler Asia

3 days ago

Oman (1986)
The couple's 1986 Gulf tour began in Oman, where they were received by Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said. Diana was taken to a dramatic cliff in the Hajar Mountains, with a panoramic view of the breathtaking landscape—a site later dubbed 'Diana's Viewpoint' in tribute to the impression she left on the country. Qatar (1986)
Next up on the royal Gulf tour was a trip to Qatar, where they were welcomed by then-Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani. Here, Diana visited Doha English Speaking School and the royal couple watched a traditional camel race in a desert near Doha. The princess also had another iconic fashion moment, wearing an ice-blue Catherine Walker evening gown that was later part of the collection that was auctioned for charity. Bahrain (1986)
During their visit to the island nation of Bahrain, the royal couple attended formal receptions and state dinners held by the Royal Court of then-Emir Sheikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, wear Diana wore a white silk evening gown designed by Elizabeth and David Emanuel. The couple also visited Al-Fatih Mosque (then known as Al Fateh Islamic Center). Saudi Arabia (1986)
During their 1986 Gulf tour, the Prince and Princess of Wales travelled to Saudi Arabia, where King Fahd bin Abdulaziz Al Saud hosted the royal couple. Charles and Diana's itinerary included a visit to a Bedouin camp in Al Thumamah, a stop at the Equestrian Club in Riyadh, and a formal state dinner. At the banquet, Princess Diana wore a black-and-white Emmanuel evening gown, adding another standout moment to her memorable looks. Thailand (1988)
In 1988, Charles and Diana travelled to Thailand as part of their royal tour, where they joined in celebrating King Bhumibol Adulyadej's 60th birthday and were warmly received by the royal family. Among the memorable moments of their visit were a trip to Wat Phra Kaew, home to the Emerald Buddha, and Princess Diana's spirited participation in pétanque games with local residents.
During a state dinner hosted by the Crown Prince in Bangkok, Diana once again demonstrated her gift for diplomatic dressing. Paying tribute to the host country, she wore a saree-inspired Catherine Walker gown in colors reminiscent of the lotus flower, Thailand's national symbol, with a matching bloom tucked into her hair. Hong Kong (1989, 1995)
Princess Diana and Prince Charles visited Hong Kong in 1989 as part of their royal tour of the region. During their stay, they toured the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) in Wan Chai, viewed the newly completed Bank of China Tower, and visited the Duchess of Kent Children's Hospital.
It was during this trip that Princess Diana wore her now-famous pearl-encrusted white Catherine Walker gown, dubbed the 'Elvis Dress' for the high, structured collar of its matching bolero jacket. The glamorous gown further cemented Diana's reputation as a global fashion icon.
In 1995, Diana returned to Hong Kong solo for a private visit where, continuing her charitable and humanitarian work, she visited a teenage runaways' home and the Eastern Hospital. Kuwait (1989)
As part of their second official Gulf tour in 1989, Charles and Diana visited Kuwait, where they were received by Emir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. During their stay, they attended a formal dinner hosted by Crown Prince Saad Al-Salim Al-Sabah, with Princess Diana donning a pink Catherine Walker gown adorned with intricate embroidery. The visit also saw Diana touring the Islamic Museum and spending time with children at a local school run by the Kuwait Society for the Handicapped. United Arab Emirates (1989)
During Charles and Diana's trip to the UAE in 1989, the couple met with His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Highlights include front-row seats to a camel race in Al Ain, a luxurious picnic at Ghabat Raqnah Oasis and visiting a number of Sheikh Zayed's private majli. Indonesia (1989, 1993)
In 1989, the royal couple included Indonesia in their royal tour, where they were hosted by President Suharto and First Lady Siti Hartinah, who honoured their visit with a state banquet. The defining moment of the visit came at the Sitanala Leprosy Hospital, where Princess Diana shook hands with patients without gloves—a powerful gesture that challenged stigma and showed the compassion she would become known for.
Diana would later return to Indonesia in 1993, after her separation from Prince Charles was announced, spending time with friends on a holiday in Bali. Pakistan (1991, 1996, 1997)
Princess Diana visited Pakistan three times during her lifetime. Her 1991 trip marked her first official solo royal tour in Asia, with a focus on humanitarian work and social causes. During her stay, she visited a school for the deaf and the Pakistan Women's Association and Norpoor Family Welfare Centre in Islamabad, as well as a detox centre and King Edward Medical University in Lahore. She also toured cultural landmarks, including Sheesh Mahal, Khyber Pass and Badshahi Mosque, where she was photographed respectfully observing local customs by walking barefoot and wearing a headscarf.
Diana returned to Pakistan in 1996 for a private visit, spending time with friends Imran Khan and his then-wife, Jemima Khan (now Goldsmith), to help Imran raise funds for the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre.
Her final visit came in 1997, when she attended the official opening of the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital, and spent time visiting Jemima Khan. India (1992)
Above Diana Princess of Wales sits in front of the Taj Mahal (Photo: Tim Graham)
In 1992, Charles and Diana traveled to India, but maintained separate itineraries and engagements. At the time, rumours of marital trouble were already circulating, and these were further fuelled by one of the most striking images from the trip: Diana sitting alone on a marble bench in front of the Taj Mahal, the world's greatest monument to love. The photograph became a defining image, widely interpreted as a symbol of Diana's isolation within the royal family and her loneliness in a failing marriage.
Beyond the media frenzy surrounding her visit to the Taj Mahal, Diana continued to embrace her growing role as a champion of humanitarian causes, visiting Malu Village in Rajasthan, where she casually interacted with local women and children, and spending time at the Mother Teresa Orphanage in Kolkata, where she met with Mother Teresa. Nepal (1993)
After her separation from Charles was officially announced in 1992, Diana took her first official solo trip in 1993 to Nepal as a patron of the British Red Cross. Aiming to draw attention to the health challenges the Nepalese face, she visited remote villages and interacted with the locals. She also highlighted her work in eradicating the stigma around leprosy, showing her continued support for the Leprosy Mission by visiting clinics and communities in Nepal.
She was welcomed by government dignitaries and the royal family, dining with King Birendra and Queen Aishwarya at the Royal Palace, attending a banquet hosted by Crown Prince Dipendra at the Narayanhiti Palace and receiving a courtesy call from the Nepalese Prime Minister, Girija Prasad Koirala at the British Embassy.