Princess Diana Once Wore an Unbelievable "Disguise" for a Secret Night Out With an A-List Singer
"We were nudging each other like naughty schoolchildren."


Princess Diana was friends with a plethora of celebrities, many of whom have since shared amazing stories about the royal. From her unforgettable dances with John Travolta and Tom Selleck to her secret crush on Kevin Costner, Princess Diana made an impact on everyone she met. And according to actress Cleo Rocos, the former Princess of Wales once wore a frankly unbelievable disguise for a night out with Queen singer Freddie Mercury.
In her 2013 book Power Of Positive Drinking, Rocos revealed (via the Express) that she spent one fateful night with Princess Diana, Mercury, and broadcaster Kenny Everett. The evening started out with the group drinking champagne and watching Golden Girls, but the plan changed to include a visit to the gay bar Royal Vauxhall Tavern in London.
Princess Diana reportedly went incognito in a London bar.
According to Rocos, Mercury found a way to help "let the girl have some fun"—by disguising her as a "rather eccentrically dressed gay male model." Rocos wrote in her book of Diana's disguise, "She did look like a beautiful young man."
Miraculously, Princess Diana managed to go incognito the entire night, even buying her own drinks at the bar, according to Rocos. "We were nudging each other like naughty schoolchildren," the actress wrote. "Diana and Freddie were giggling." She continued, "Once the transaction was completed, we looked at one another, united in our triumphant quest. We did it!"
"Diana and Freddie were giggling."
Rocos's recollection of her night out with Princess Diana is definitely reminiscent of a story told by Sarah Ferguson. Ahead of her July 23, 1986 wedding to Prince Andrew, Ferguson invited Diana to her bachelorette party. During an appearance on "Thornton's White Wine Question Time" podcast (via The Independent), Ferguson revealed, "[At my bachelorette party], we did dress up as policewomen, and we were arrested by Parks Police." The Duchess of York continued, "We were put in the back of a Parks Police van and Diana then leant and ate [the police officer's] smoky bacon crisps."
Ferguson and Diana were allegedly arrested as, in the U.K., it's illegal to impersonate a police officer. Thankfully, the royals didn't end up in prison. "We got off eventually, but I was hauled in front of the boss [Queen Elizabeth] the next day with [Diana]," Ferguson explained. "But, luckily, [Her Majesty] did laugh."
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Amy Mackelden is the weekend editor at Marie Claire, where she covers celebrity and royal family news. She was the weekend editor at Harper’s BAZAAR for three years, where she covered breaking celebrity and entertainment news, royal stories, fashion, beauty, and politics. Prior to that, she spent a year as the joint weekend editor for Marie Claire, ELLE, and Harper's BAZAAR, and two years as an entertainment writer at Bustle. Her additional bylines include Cosmopolitan, People, The Independent, HelloGiggles, Biography, Shondaland, Best Products, New Statesman, Heat, and The Guardian. Her work has been syndicated by publications including Town & Country, Good Housekeeping, Esquire, Delish, Oprah Daily, Country Living, and Women's Health. Her celebrity interviews include Jennifer Aniston, Jessica Chastain, the cast of Selling Sunset, Emma Thompson, Jessica Alba, and Penn Badgley. In 2015, she delivered an academic paper at Kimposium, the world's first Kardashian conference.
-
Beyoncé Trades Her 'Cowboy Carter' Glam for a Whole New Aesthetic
She's gone corporate core.
By Hanna Lustig Published
-
Fans Think 'Temptation Island' Success Story Ashley and Danny Are Still Together—Here's What We Know
The pair found each other on the Netflix reality show...after she called things off with her ex.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
Why Queen Camilla Is a "Stranger to Self-Pity" After Difficult Health Battles and Public Criticism
A source said Camilla draws her strength from a strong "sense of duty" despite her recent challenges.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
The Surprising Detail About Princess Diana's Earrings You Probably Missed at Kate Middleton's Latest Appearance
The Princess of Wales wore her late-mother-in-law's pearl drops for Commonwealth Day 2025.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
7 Times the Royal Family Broke Queen Elizabeth's More Understated "Rule"
These royal women are doing it their way.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Americans Have a Surprising Favorite Member of the Royal Family, Per Latest Poll—and It Isn't Princess Kate
The rankings are wildly different than the same U.K. survey.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Inside Princess Diana's Secret Island Getaways—And How They Differed From William and Kate's
The late royal enjoyed (mostly) private vacations thanks to one man's help.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Princess Diana's Former Lover Speaks Out on Harry and William "Rift" in Rare Interview
James Hewitt shared his thoughts on how Diana would've handled the situation.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Sarah Ferguson Reflects on Her \201cMuch Loved Sister-in-Law\201d Princess Diana in New Message
The Duchess of York opened up about Diana's legacy on Instagram.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Meghan Markle Debuts a New Instagram Strategy in Diana-Approved Weekend Wear
The duchess soaked up some sun in a series of posts that departed from her usual content.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Princess Diana "Destroyed" Prince Charles's Belongings During Their Doomed Honeymoon
The couple had "blazing rows" throughout their trip on the Royal Yacht Britannia.
By Kristin Contino Published