Princess Diana’s 1991 Time Capsule Unveiled at GOSH Ahead of Anniversary

A time capsule sealed by Princess Diana in 1991 has been uncovered at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) ahead of the 26th anniversary of her death on August 31, 2023. The capsule was opened as part of the preparations for the hospital’s new Children’s Cancer Centre, revealing a nostalgic glimpse into life during the early 1990s.

During a ceremony to lay the foundation stone of the Variety Club Building, Diana placed a box filled with symbolic items at the hospital’s main entrance. GOSH officially announced the capsule’s discovery earlier this year, highlighting its contents that reflect the cultural landscape of the time.

Among the notable items found within the capsule was a CD of Kylie Minogue‘s album, “Rhythm of Love.” The capsule also contained a pocket television, a collection of British coins, and a solar-powered calculator. Other intriguing artifacts included tree seeds in a bottle, a sheet of recycled paper, a snowflake hologram, and a European passport, alongside a photograph of Diana herself.

The contents were selected by two young individuals who won a national competition, tasked with choosing eight items that encapsulated life in the 1990s. Although some items were damaged by moisture, they evoke a strong sense of nostalgia for a time before the internet became ubiquitous.

The unveiling of the time capsule held significant meaning for the hospital staff, many of whom were either born in 1991 or had been employed there at that time. Jason Dawson, the Senior Responsible Owner for the Children’s Cancer Centre, noted the emotional impact of the capsule’s opening. He remarked that it allowed the team to connect with “memories of things that have been planted by a generation gone by,” describing the moment as “really quite moving.”

This discovery not only commemorates Princess Diana’s legacy but also serves as a bridge between generations, offering insights into the hopes and inspirations of a past era. The capsule’s opening aligns with GOSH’s ongoing commitment to advancing care for children with cancer, marking a poignant moment as the hospital looks toward the future.