Diana’s little princess is all grown up...

Reporter: Janice Barker
Date published: 07 December 2009


This little girl was only three when she had a date with royalty, but look how she’s grown!
Laura Edwards was a pony-tailed toddler when she presented flowers to Princess Diana in 1992.

Now a student of politics and peace studies at Leeds Met University, Laura celebrated her 21st birthday with a party on Saturday.

Seventeen years ago the Princess was visiting the Turning Point house in Edward Street, Werneth. At the time Diana was patron of the charity, which helps people with mental illness, or drug and alcohol problems.

Laura was chosen to present the bouquet as her dad David was regional director of Turning Point.

And she nearly fluffed her big occasion! Mum Ruth revealed: “It’s become a family story now, but Laura didn’t really understand what was happening and the big bunch of flowers was dripping wet.

“She didn’t want to handle flowers because they would get her dress wet, but eventually with a bit of bribery and persuasion she gave them to the Princess.

“She was absolutely lovely, and there was a bit of a buffet in the house afterwards so we managed to chat to her, and she was just like someone you knew.”

Laura, who lives in Middleton and was a Blue Coat School sixth former, had her celebration party at Alkrington Tennis Club with family and friends.