Most Famous Hair in the World – Hairdresser to Princess Diana Talks
Photos left to right: Princess Diana’s former hair stylist, Richard Dalton, with model whose hair he styled for Queen Mary presentation on Jan. 26, 2013; handwritten thank-you letters and notes to Dalton from the princess; Diana and Richard exiting a plane during their 10+ years of travel together.
Princess Diana’s confidante/hair stylist, Richard Dalton, recently spoke at the Queen Mary in Long Beach, sharing memories & mementos from more than a decade spent with the Royal Family, and especially Princess “Di”. Never-before-seen items from Dalton’s personal collection were on display at a British Tea, Talk, Tour and Champagne Toast special event to celebrate “Diana: Legacy of a Princess” exhibit on the Queen Mary (queenmary.com). The exhibition contains apparel, gowns and personal objects that belonged to the princess, who died in a high-speed car crash in Paris in 1997.
Sharing Christmas cards, private notes and letters, photographs, including two original Terence Donovan photos, and more, the former Creative Director of Clairol and the former Fashion Director of Paul Mitchell, traveled with Diana and styled her hair every single day for more than a decade. She had the most famous hairstyles in the world, and when Diana stepped out, the cameras snapped away. But what happened to Diana’s hairdos when Dalton fell ill? “I didn’t!” he said.
The hairdresser met Diana when she was just 17 and he started to do her hair occasionally. In 1981 he became the personal hairdresser to the most photographed woman in the world, HRH Princess Diana, traveling alongside her, and at the same time running his salon in London’s prestigious Claridges Hotel. He occasionally gave haircuts to Prince Charles, and also gave William and his brother, Prince Harry, their first haircuts.
For over 10 years Dalton faithfully met Diana every day and styled her hair, usually after her morning swim. “She was never late for our appointment, and neither was I,” he said. While on the road or in the air flying to meetings and events there were some challenges. “Can you imagine styling Diana’s hair during a rough landing just before she was whisked away to meet the President of the United States?” Life had mostly ups and perhaps a few downs during Dalton’s illustrious career and service to the Princess of Wales, providing memories he’ll never forget.
SeeCalifornia.com asked why he hasn’t written a book about his experiences, and Dalton replied, “No one has approached me about such a project, probably because it lacks tabloid appeal. Diana was wonderful–there’s nothing bad I could ever say about her because she was such a warm and caring individual.”
Dalton left Diana’s employ and England in 1991, six years before she died. When he heard that she was dead, he couldn’t believe it. “It was absolutely surreal. I still can’t believe she’s gone,” he said. He attended her funeral and hardly a day goes by that he doesn’t think about Diana from his south Orange County home and business. “Her spirit is still with us,” he said, “and will be for a very long time.”
The Diana Legacy of a Princess exhibit, additional talks planned during the year, and events such as Scottish Festival are all happening at the Queen Mary.
QueenMary.com
1126 Queens Highway
Long Beach, CA 90802
(877) 342-0738
Hotel Reservations: (877) 342-0742
