A time capsule sealed by Princess Diana in 1991 at London’s Great Ormond Street Hospital has been opened, offering a glimpse into early 1990s life.
The capsule was placed beneath the hospital’s main entrance during a ceremony for the foundation stone of the Variety Club Building.
Two children, Sylvia Foulkes and David Watson, helped select items for the capsule through a BBC Blue Peter competition.
Inside were a Kylie Minogue CD, a pocket-sized Casio television, a solar-powered calculator, British coins, tree seeds, a snowflake hologram, a sheet of recycled paper, a European passport, and a photograph of Diana herself.
The capsule was unearthed to make way for a new Children’s Cancer Centre at the hospital.
Despite some moisture damage, most items remained intact, preserving a snapshot of pre-internet technology and pop culture.
Hospital staff born around 1991 or present at the time of Diana’s visit were invited to witness the opening.
Princess Diana, who became president of the hospital in 1989, continued visiting regularly until her death in 1997.
Her contributions are remembered through the time capsule and ongoing efforts to improve care for children at the hospital.
The discovery provides a nostalgic look at 1990s life and technology, reminding staff, visitors, and the public of Diana’s lasting influence and her role in supporting children’s healthcare.