It was the spring of 1992, and Princess Diana, a member of the British royal family, was on a royal tour of India. During her visit to the Lalpet Government High School in Hyderabad, she was deeply touched by a little girl dressed in tribal clothing and jewellery. What followed became not only the most memorable part of Princess Diana’s tour in India but also a lifelong cherished moment for four-year-old Avanti Reddy, who is now a 37-year-old woman.
Avanti informed the Daily Mail, “She asked me my name, and I responded, and also told her which school I went to and which class I was in. I had a cold, so she used her handkerchief to wipe my nose.” The Duchess of Wales was known for her affection for children. Avanti remembers her as being extremely loving. “Avanti, remember Princess Diana saying, ‘I don’t have a daughter, so today you are my daughter.”
A Bond That Transcended Boundaries
This was not the sole occasion that created a wonderful connection between Princess and Avanti. Following the tour in India, they continued to communicate via letters. Avanti shared with the Daily Mail, “I used to display the letters Princess Diana sent to me.”
She also sent Avanti a signed photo of the two of them together. Nevertheless, Avanti’s dream of reuniting with Princess Diana never came true, as the Princess tragically passed away in an accident when Avanti was merely just 10 years old.
Where is Avanti now?
Even today, 37-year-old Avanti is as vibrant as ever. Avanti was a pre-primary teacher at the Infant Jesus School in the city, which her mother had started before retiring – she taught there for nine years, starting at the age of 18. During that time, she also completed her degree in dance, graduating in 2007, but then focused on starting a family.
