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Monday 23/02/2026

Princess Diana's 1991 Time Capsule Unearthed at Great Ormond Street Hospital

Unearthed time capsule with 1990s memorabilia from Princess Diana
Ethan BrooksEthan Brooks

In This Article

HIGHLIGHTS

  • A time capsule buried by Princess Diana in 1991 at Great Ormond Street Hospital has been unearthed to make way for a new children's cancer centre.
  • The capsule contained 1990s memorabilia, including a Kylie Minogue CD, a solar-powered calculator, and a passport, selected by two children.
  • The time capsule was intended to remain buried for centuries but was opened early due to construction needs.
  • Princess Diana, who became president of the hospital in 1989, helped choose the items for the capsule with the children.
  • The new cancer centre aims to be a national resource for childhood cancer treatment, promising more effective therapies.

A time capsule buried over three decades ago by Diana, Princess of Wales, has been unearthed at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) in London, revealing a collection of 1990s memorabilia. The capsule, originally intended to remain sealed for centuries, was opened to facilitate the construction of a new children's cancer centre.

A Glimpse into the 1990s

The lead-encased wooden box, buried in 1991, contained items selected by two children who won a Blue Peter competition. Among the artifacts were a Kylie Minogue CD, a solar-powered calculator, a pocket TV, and a passport. These items were chosen to represent life in the 1990s, with the CD of Minogue's "Rhythm of Love" album being a notable inclusion. David Watson, then 11 years old from Paignton, Devon, selected the CD, while Sylvia Foulkes, then nine from Norwich, contributed a collection of British coins and a snowflake hologram.

Princess Diana's Legacy at GOSH

Princess Diana, who became president of GOSH in 1989, played a significant role in the selection of the time capsule's contents. Her involvement with the hospital was marked by several visits before her untimely death in 1997. The capsule's burial coincided with the laying of the foundation stone for the hospital's Variety Club Building, which opened in 1994.

Preserving History and Advancing Healthcare

The time capsule's unearthing was necessitated by the development of a new children's cancer centre at GOSH. This facility is set to become a national resource for childhood cancer treatment, aiming to provide "kinder, more effective treatments" for young patients. The hospital's statement emphasized the centre's potential to revolutionize pediatric oncology care.

Historical Context and Future Prospects

The 1991 time capsule echoes a similar ceremony from 1872, when Princess Alexandra laid a foundation stone at the hospital, also sealing a time capsule. Although the earlier capsule remains undiscovered, the recent unearthing offers a tangible connection to the past, while the new cancer centre promises a hopeful future for pediatric healthcare.

WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN

The unearthing of Princess Diana's time capsule not only provides a nostalgic glimpse into the 1990s but also highlights the ongoing evolution of Great Ormond Street Hospital. As the new children's cancer centre takes shape, it is poised to become a pivotal institution in the fight against childhood cancers. Experts anticipate that the centre's innovative approach will set new standards in pediatric oncology, potentially influencing treatment protocols worldwide. The legacy of Princess Diana, intertwined with the hospital's history, continues to inspire advancements in healthcare and the preservation of historical artifacts.

Images from the Web

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Image Source: Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children
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Image Source: Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children
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Image Source: Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children
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Image Source: Great Ormond Street hospital
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Image Source: Great Ormond Street hospital