Princess Diana's Height & Measurements: A Deep Dive

Prof. Ross Stoltenberg I 13 May 2025

Ever wondered about the physical dimensions of a true icon? Princess Diana, the Princess of Wales, wasn't just known for her grace, compassion, and enduring legacy; she was also notably tall, standing head and shoulders above many of her contemporaries, quite literally.

Diana Frances Spencer, the woman who would become Princess Diana, entered the public consciousness as a breath of fresh air within the rigid confines of the British Royal Family. Her warmth, genuine empathy, and effortlessly chic style captivated the world. While her charitable work and relationship with the public cemented her place in history, her physical presence also played a significant role in her image and how she was perceived.

Diana's height, a remarkable 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 meters or 178 cm), was a defining characteristic. It was a factor that contributed to her commanding presence. This made her taller than the average woman in the United Kingdom, where the average female height is approximately 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm). In a family known for its poise and elegance, Diana stood out, quite literally, as one of the tallest female members during her time. She was often the tallest woman in the family, even compared to other members like the current Princess of Wales, Catherine, who stands at 5 feet 9 inches.

Her height was often remarked upon, and the way it was perceived highlights the societal norms and expectations placed on women in the public eye. In an era where the male partner was traditionally taller than the female, the fact that Diana was the same height as Prince Charles led to some strategic image management. Photographs were occasionally posed to make Charles appear taller, a subtle nod to the prevailing conventions of the time. Furthermore, the fact that her height became a talking point also shows the extent to which she was under public scrutiny.

In the realm of television and film, portraying Diana's height has presented its challenges. Actress Elizabeth Debicki, who played Diana in Season 5 of "The Crown," stands at 6 feet 3 inches, considerably taller than the Princess. This casting choice was celebrated by many, as it ensured a more accurate representation of Diana's physical presence on screen, and this brought relief to fans who were tired of seeing shorter actresses in the role.

Dianas height wasn't just a number; it was a symbol of her distinctiveness, a reflection of her ability to stand out and command attention. It was a trait that contributed to her iconic status, allowing her to be seen, heard, and remembered as a truly remarkable woman. It is a trait that she passed on to her sons, including Prince William, who will make history with his height when he ascends the throne from his father, King Charles III.

Here's a summary of Princess Diana's key measurements and facts:

Attribute	Measurement/Fact
Height	5 feet 10 inches (1.78 meters / 178 cm)
Known for	Her charisma, fashion sense, and compassion
Born	July 1, 1961
Died	August 31, 1997
Former Spouse	Charles, Prince of Wales (now King Charles III)
Children	Prince William, Prince Harry
Average UK Female Height Reference	Approximately 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm) - This highlights how tall Diana was relative to others.
Actor portrayal (The Crown)	Elizabeth Debicki at 6ft 3in - Much taller than Diana, which was well-received by fans.
Interesting Fact	Her height made her taller than many other Royal women at the time.

For more detailed information, you can refer to the official Royal Family website (though body measurements are not typically listed): The Royal Family

As previously noted, both Princess Diana and King Charles III were of the same height, standing at 5 feet 10 inches. Her son Prince William has inherited her tall frame. With rumours of ongoing rivalry between the pair, Judi says catherines height could be seen as an advantage.

Diana, Princess of Wales, remains an enduring symbol of grace, style, and humanitarianism. Her height, one aspect of her multifaceted persona, only adds to her enduring legacy.