Diana in Drag? New Biography details how the Princess of Wales' snuck into a gay bar with Freddie Mercury
A new biography of Princess Diana is making headlines for revisiting a decades-old story that blurs the line between royal myth and cultural legend.
In Dianaworld: An Obsession by Edward White, the late Princess of Wales is said to have disguised herself in drag to visit the Royal Vauxhall Tavern—a well-known London gay bar—accompanied by Queen frontman Freddie Mercury and television personality Kenny Everett.
Photo: W. W. Norton & Company
The account, originally shared by actress Cleo Rocos, describes Diana's ensemble as a camouflage jacket, leather cap, and aviator sunglasses. According to Rocos, the group managed to enter unnoticed, with Diana's disguise convincing enough that she passed as an eccentric male model. They stayed briefly for a drink before returning to Kensington Palace, and Diana reportedly returned Everett's clothing the next day.
Though never officially confirmed, the story has resurfaced over the years as a symbol of Diana's unique relationship with the LGBTQ+ community and her desire to experience life outside the confines of royal protocol. The book places this anecdote within a broader narrative about Diana's search for identity, privacy, and connection—especially following her separation from then-Prince Charles.
Author Edward White revisits Diana's early years, her evolving public persona, and her lesser-known escapades with empathy and detail. The biography portrays these moments not as isolated episodes, .
Dianaworld: An Obsession is out 29 April.
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