Princess Diana’s Compassionate Treatment of Staff at Kensington Palace Remembered
Princess Diana was known for challenging royal traditions, and former protection officer Ken Wharfe has shared new insights into the way she treated staff at Kensington Palace.
Wharfe recalled that the late Princess of Wales placed great importance on respect and personal connections, creating a more relaxed atmosphere within the royal household.
Speaking about Diana’s approach, Wharfe said she moved away from the traditional practice of addressing employees formally by their surnames. Instead, she encouraged everyone to use first names.
According to Wharfe, Diana wanted Kensington Palace to feel more like a family home rather than a strictly formal royal residence.
He also shared a memorable moment involving Prince William and Prince Harry during their childhood years.
Wharfe recalled being called in by the children’s nanny to join a pillow fight with the young princes. The playful moment continued until then-Prince Charles appeared at the doorway and saw what was happening.
Wharfe said he apologized to Charles for the unusual scene, but the future king responded warmly and joked about whether the children were “beating” him during the pillow fight.
The former protection officer also remembered Diana’s commitment to teaching her children kindness and accountability.
He said that whenever she heard William or Harry make an inappropriate remark toward someone, she would immediately encourage them to apologize.
Diana, who died in a car crash in Paris in 1997, remains one of the most admired members of the British royal family. Her approach to parenting, charity work, and relationships with ordinary people continues to influence public perceptions of the monarchy.
The latest memories from those who worked closely with her offer another look at the personal values that shaped Princess Diana’s legacy.