Princess Diana’s 1990s time capsule opened

Rob Taub

5 months ago

FILE - In this Monday, Nov. 2, 1987 file photo, Britain's Diana, the Princess of Wales, is pictured during an evening reception given by the West German President Richard von Weizsacker in honour of the British Royal guests in the Godesberg Redoute in Bonn, Germany. For someone who began her life in the spotlight as “Shy Di,” Princess Diana became an unlikely, revolutionary during her years in the House of Windsor. She helped modernize the monarchy by making it more personal, changing the way the royal family related to people. By interacting more intimately with the public -- kneeling to the level of children, sitting on edge of a patient’s hospital bed, writing personal notes to her fans -- she set an example that has been followed by other royals as the monarchy worked to become more human and remain relevant in the 21st century. (AP Photo/Herman Knippertz, File)

(NewsNation) — After 35 years, Princess Diana’s legendary time capsule has been opened.

The collection was originally placed inside a wall at London’s Great Ormond Street Hospital with the help of two children who won a TV competition. The box was opened because the hospital is demolishing existing buildings to erect a new children’s cancer center.

In the capsule, included relics of the pre-internet-enabled age — an early pocket TV, a copy of The Times newspaper, a solar-powered calculator and a Kylie Minogue CD.

“It brought back so many memories seeing the pocket TV in there,” said Janet Holmes, a senior health specialist.

“I had bought one for my husband back in the day, for when he had a break whilst driving his coach around the country. They were very expensive then!”

Great Ormond Street Hospital is the United Kingdom’s leading children’s hospital. Princess Diana became its president in 1989 and made multiple visits.

Princess Diana died in 1997 from injuries suffered in a car accident in Paris.