A Fascinating Glimpse Into the Early ’90s From the Late Princess of Wales’ Capsule at Great Ormond Street Hospital
Time Capsule Discovered After Three Decades at GOSH, London
Over 30 years after Princess Diana’s death, a time capsule she placed in London’s Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children (GOSH) has been uncovered during construction works. The capsule, sealed in March 1991 beneath the Variety Club Building’s foundation, was found as a new children’s cancer centre was being built.
What’s Inside Princess Diana’s Time Capsule?
The lead-lined wooden box contained an intriguing mix of early 1990s memorabilia, including:
- A pocket-sized television
- A Kylie Minogue ‘Rhythm of Love’ CD
- Tree seeds from Kew Gardens
- A European passport
- A solar-powered calculator
- Selected British coins
- A snowflake hologram
- Letters from two children, Sylvia Foulkes and David Watson, winners of the “Blue Peter” contest, who helped select the items
- A current copy of The Times newspaper from 1991
- A photograph of Princess Diana
The Story Behind the Capsule’s Contents
Sylvia and David were chosen to help select the capsule’s contents as part of the hospital’s engagement with children. The artefacts capture a snapshot of everyday life and technology in the early ’90s.
Condition of the Items
Most objects remained remarkably well-preserved after decades underground, with only minor water damage reported by archivists. The items provide a nostalgic look back at a different technological era.
Emotional Reflections From Those Involved
- Rochana Redkar, a Clinical Fellow who helped retrieve the capsule, shared her excitement, saying it was special to be part of this event, especially since the capsule was buried the year she was born.
- Janet Holmes, Senior Health Play Specialist at GOSH in 1991, recalled the pocket TV and its significance, noting how expensive such gadgets were back then.
- Jason Dawson, GOSH’s Executive Director of Space and Place, described the moment as emotional, likening it to reconnecting with memories from a past generation.
Princess Diana’s Legacy at Great Ormond Street Hospital
Princess Diana was the hospital’s president from 1989 until her death in 1997, making several visits alongside her sons, Princes William and Harry. Her involvement brought significant attention and support to the hospital.
Historical Context & Future Plans
- The tradition of time capsules at GOSH dates back to 1872, when Princess Alexandra, then Princess of Wales, laid the foundation stone and sealed a capsule containing a picture of Queen Victoria and a copy of The Times — though this capsule remains lost.
- Following the current renovation, GOSH plans to bury a new time capsule to continue this historic legacy.
A Unique Window Into the Past
The opening of Princess Diana’s time capsule offers a heartfelt and nostalgic glimpse into history, combining personal mementos, cultural artefacts, and the spirit of the early 1990s — preserved thanks to the late Princess’s care and vision.
