London has been captivated by a remarkable discovery: a time capsule buried by Princess Diana in 1991 has been unearthed at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) during construction work for a new Children’s Cancer Centre. What was meant to remain sealed for centuries has instead surfaced early, offering a heartfelt glimpse into the culture and spirit of the early 1990s.
The capsule, chosen with the help of children through a national “Blue Peter” contest, contained a mix of everyday objects and symbolic treasures. Inside were a Kylie Minogue CD, a solar-powered calculator, British coins, tree seeds from Kew Gardens, recycled paper, a hologram snowflake, a European passport, a pocket television, a photo of Diana herself, and a copy of The Times newspaper from the day it was sealed. Despite minor water damage, most items were well preserved, evoking instant nostalgia for a world both familiar and distant.
For hospital staff and onlookers, opening the capsule was an emotional experience. Many reflected on how it felt like a message from the past—a connection to Diana’s compassion and the optimism of a generation gone by. The moment echoed another royal gesture from 1872, when Princess Alexandra, then Princess of Wales, placed her own time capsule during the hospital’s earlier foundation work, though hers has never been recovered.
Now, as the new cancer centre rises, GOSH plans to create a new time capsule—one that will represent today’s hopes, challenges, and values, ensuring that future generations will also have a window into the spirit of their time.
The unearthing of Diana’s capsule is more than a curiosity—it is a reminder of her enduring legacy. Just as she once sought to bring joy and connection to children at GOSH, this discovery once again brings people together, inviting us to look back with gratitude and forward with hope.
