Princess Diana was one of the most photographed women in the world, admired for her grace, elegance, and humanitarian efforts. But beyond her influence as a style icon and humanitarian, many people have wondered about Diana’s height and how it shaped her image in the British aristocracy.
In this article, we’ll explore Princess Diana’s height, compare it with other royals and public figures, and examine how it influenced her fashion, personal life, and even her passion for dance.
How Tall Was Princess Diana?
Princess Diana’s Height in Inches and Feet
Princess Diana stood at 5 feet 10 inches (5’10”), which was considered tall for a woman at the time, especially within the British nobility.
| Measurement | Height |
| Feet & Inches | 5’10” |
| Inches | 70 inches |
| Centimeters | 178 cm |
Princess Diana’s Height in Centimeters
For those using the metric system, Diana’s height measured 178 cm, making her taller than the average British woman, who typically stands at 164 cm (5’5″).
Her height was both an advantage and a challenge, influencing everything from her wardrobe choices to her public image.
Princess Diana’s Height Compared to Other Royals
Prince Charles vs. Princess Diana’s Height
At the time of their marriage, Princess Diana and Prince Charles were the same height—5’10”. However, Charles was often seen wearing shoes with a slight heel, making him appear taller in public.
Diana, on the other hand, often avoided high heels to maintain a balanced height dynamic with her husband.
| Royal Figure | Height |
| Princess Diana | 5’10” (178 cm) |
| Prince Charles (now King Charles III) | 5’10” (178 cm) |
Queen Elizabeth II vs. Princess Diana’s Height
Queen Elizabeth II was much shorter, standing at 5’4″ (163 cm). This made Diana appear even more statuesque when photographed alongside the late monarch.
| Royal Figure | Height |
| Princess Diana | 5’10” (178 cm) |
| Queen Elizabeth II | 5’4″ (163 cm) |
Catherine, Princess of Wales (Kate Middleton) vs. Princess Diana
Kate Middleton, now Catherine, Princess of Wales, shares a similar height with Diana, standing at 5’9″ (175 cm).
| Royal Figure | Height |
| Princess Diana | 5’10” (178 cm) |
| Catherine, Princess of Wales (Kate Middleton) | 5’9″ (175 cm) |
How Princess Diana’s Height Shaped Her Public Image
Fashion and Wardrobe Adjustments
Being a tall woman in the royal family meant that Diana had to be strategic with her clothing choices.
- She often wore flats or low heels to avoid towering over Prince Charles.
- Designers tailored her outfits to enhance her graceful proportions.
- She embraced flowing dresses and structured jackets to complement her statuesque figure.
Princess Diana as a Style Icon
Diana’s height contributed to her elegant and commanding presence, making her one of the most recognizable fashion figures in history.
“She was the epitome of grace—tall, poised, and effortlessly stylish.” – Anne Allan, Princess Diana’s ballet teacher
Height Comparisons with People in Her Life
Dodi Fayed vs. Princess Diana
During her final years, Diana’s romance with Dodi Fayed became widely known. Dodi stood at 5’9″ (175 cm), making him slightly shorter than Diana.
| Person | Height |
| Princess Diana | 5’10” (178 cm) |
| Dodi Fayed | 5’9″ (175 cm) |
Elizabeth Debicki’s Height (The Crown’s Princess Diana)
Actress Elizabeth Debicki, who portrayed Princess Diana in The Crown, is 6’3″ (191 cm)—considerably taller than the real Diana.
| Person | Height |
| Princess Diana | 5’10” (178 cm) |
| Elizabeth Debicki | 6’3″ (191 cm) |
Diana’s Passion for Dance and Height as a Limiting Factor
Diana’s Ballerina Dream
Before becoming a royal bride with a job, Diana dreamed of becoming a professional ballerina. She trained under Anne Allan, a respected ballet teacher.
However, height restrictions in elite female dancers meant that Diana was too tall to pursue ballet professionally.
“Diana had the passion, grace, and dedication, but her height was a challenge in the world of professional ballet.” – Anne Allan
Princess Diana’s Ballet Training and Dance Classes
Despite the height limitations, Diana never gave up on her love for ballet:
- She continued private dance lessons even after joining the British nobility.
- She performed in a surprise ballet performance for Prince Charles.
- Dance became her emotional relief through artistic expression.
Her story became an example of overcoming shyness through artistic expression despite the unspoken rules of propriety in the royal family traditions.
The Final Years of Princess Diana
Diana and Dodi Fayed
Before her tragic death, Diana was in a highly publicized relationship with Dodi Fayed, the son of Egyptian billionaire Mohamed Al-Fayed.
Their romance attracted intense media scrutiny, with paparazzi following them relentlessly.
Princess Diana’s Last Words
According to first responders at the crash scene, Diana’s last words were:
“Oh my God, what’s happened?”
Moments later, she lost consciousness.
The Tragic Death of Princess Diana
On August 31, 1997, Princess Diana died in a car crash in the Pont de l’Alma tunnel in Paris. Her tragic passing shocked the world, leading to widespread mourning and conspiracy theories.
Conclusion
Princess Diana’s height was not just a physical trait—it was part of what made her presence so commanding. At 5’10” (178 cm), she stood taller than most women of her time, influencing fashion, public perception, and even her childhood dreams.
From her ballet aspirations to her role as a royal, Diana’s height shaped how the world saw her. Though she couldn’t become a professional ballerina, she danced her way into the hearts of millions—forever remembered as the People’s Princess.
