In a rare and intimate glimpse into the private struggles of one of history’s most beloved figures, a series of personal letters from Princess Diana to actor Terence Stamp have surfaced, revealing her candid acknowledgment of using antidepressants. The correspondence, penned in the early 1990s, showcases not only the princess’s vulnerability but also her characteristic wit and warmth, offering a humanizing perspective on her life away from the public eye.

The letters, which are set to be auctioned by Bonhams, provide a tangible connection to Diana’s personal battles and her ability to maintain a sense of humor amid profound personal turmoil. They highlight a friendship that offered the late princess a safe space to express her feelings, far from the rigid expectations of royal protocol. The upcoming sale has generated significant interest among historians and royal watchers, eager to own a piece of modern history.

Diana, Princess of Wales, first reached out to Stamp on October 17, 1991, in a letter that thanked the actor for a meal he had prepared for her. The note, which described his risotto as "perfect," quickly transitioned from a simple thank-you into a more profound reflection on her emotional state. In the correspondence, she directly referenced her use of medication to manage her mental health, a topic that was heavily stigmatized at the time.

The most striking line in the October letter reads, "Not many people would take the time and trouble to delve into such a complex situation…Three cheers for Prozac, not the American variety, I hasten to add!" The phrasing indicates her reliance on the drug to navigate what she described as a "complex situation," while also subtly referencing the specific formulation she was using. The letter is signed with affection, "Lots of love, Terence, and a huge thank you, from Diana x."

The letter is expected to fetch between $2,000 and $2,600 at auction, a figure that reflects the immense and enduring public fascination with the late princess. It serves as a poignant reminder of the pressures she faced as a member of the royal family and her willingness to seek modern medical help. The correspondence is valued as much for its historical significance as for its deeply personal content.

A second letter, written in November 1991, continues the dialogue regarding her mental health. After thanking Stamp for a lunch of caviar, Diana wrote, "No Prozac withdrawals as yet!” This brief but telling statement suggests she was navigating the complexities of her treatment, potentially reducing her dosage or pausing the medication. It reveals a woman actively engaged in managing her well-being, a topic rarely discussed by royals at that time.

By December of that same year, the tone of their correspondence shifted to a more playful register. Diana wrote to Stamp requesting a lunch date, using a postcard featuring an image of a woman’s chest with the cheeky caption, "All the Breast from London." This playful use of innuendo demonstrated the informal and relaxed nature of their relationship, a stark contrast to the formalities of her royal duties.

In another card, she maintained this irreverent humor by addressing a theological question about intimacy. Featuring a couple in bed, the card asked, "Why did God invent SEX?" Inside, Diana provided the witty answer: "So that married people do something at least twice a year." These lighthearted exchanges underscore the rapport she shared with Stamp, revealing a side of her personality that was often hidden from the public.

Stamp, who passed away in August 2025 at the age of 87, had been living in a care home in Bickley, South East London. The items being sold offer a comprehensive look at his life and career, from his rise to fame in the 1960s to his later work in Hollywood. The auction includes not only the Diana letters but also scripts, costumes, and other personal memorabilia that define his legacy.

Among the other notable lots are his scripts from the Superman films, which are valued between $4,020 and $6,700, as well as the distinctive gray Prince of Wales check suit he wore in the film Wall Street. Also included is a suit from his final film, Last Night in Soho, which is accompanied by a personal note from director Edgar Wright, valued at approximately $1,100 to $1,300.

Claire Tole-Moir, the head of popular culture at Bonhams, emphasized the significance of the collection in representing the multifaceted nature of Stamp’s life. She noted that he was not only a celebrated actor but also a defining figure of London’s cultural scene. The variety of items in the sale illustrates his diverse interests and his role as a style icon.

A statement from Bonhams further explained that the items reflect the "full breadth of the man: the actor, the writer, the style icon, the traveler, the seeker." This description highlights how Stamp curated his life with intention, surrounding himself with items of personal significance, from fine suits to cherished correspondence. The letters from Diana are a testament to the deep and lasting friendships he cultivated.

The auction provides a rare opportunity for collectors to acquire items that capture a specific moment in time. The Diana letters, in particular, stand out as a window into the emotional landscape of a princess who continues to captivate the world. They reveal her as a woman who was not afraid to seek help and who maintained her spirit through close friendships.

The sale is currently underway and will continue until June 25, drawing international attention from collectors and admirers alike. As these deeply personal items find new homes, they ensure that the legacy of both Princess Diana and Terence Stamp endures, offering future generations a nuanced understanding of their lives and characters.