Bryan Adams Calls ‘Meeting’ Princess Diana ‘One of the Greatest Things That Ever Happened to Me’

“I really, really liked Diana, she was an amazing woman and a super-great inspiration,” the ‘Straight from the Heart’ singer said of the late princess

Kimberlee Speakman is a digital writer at PEOPLE. She has been working at PEOPLE since 2022. Her work has previously appeared in Forbes and she has also worked in broadcast television as a reporter for Hawaii-based news station KHON2 News.

People Editorial Guidelines

Princess Diana Bryan Adams

Bryan Adams and Princess Diana. Photo: Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty

Bryan Adams only has kind words “straight from the heart” when it comes to Princess Diana.

The singer, 64, showered the late princess with praise while discussing the beginnings of their close friendship in a new interview with The Sunday Times.

“We had a lot of really, really good conversations, I have to tell you. In fact it’s strange and surreal to think about,” he recalled to the outlet. “I really, really liked Diana, she was an amazing woman and a super-great inspiration.”

“Meeting her was truly one of the greatest things that ever happened to me,” he added.

Bryan Adams Denies He and Princess Diana Were Anything But Good Friends

He said he was introduced to the princess on an airplane after he co-wrote and released the song called “Diana” — which many believed was inspired by the princess’ 1981 marriage to Prince Charles.

Diana, Princess Of Wales, Talking To Pop Star Bryan Adams

Bryan Adams and Princess Diana.Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty

“I said, ‘I used your name on a song once,’ and Diana said, ‘Yes, I know, very funny. Actually I’d like to hear it again,’ ” he recalled. “So I sent a copy to Kensington Palace, got an invitation to tea back and that’s how we became friends.”

Their friendship grew over time, he said. “When I first went round to [Kensington Palace] she wasn’t, like, ‘I really need to talk to somebody,’ and you don’t bulldoze into someone’s life wanting to know everything in the first 10 minutes,” he continued. “It was, ‘Let’s have a cup of tea.’ But later, the more friendly we got the more I learnt what was really going on.”

Princess Diana’s Final Year: From Her Famous Landmine Walk to Summer in St. Tropez

Adams said the lyrics to “Diana” were “laddish humor,” and noted that the original inspiration behind the song was from “that guy who [had] broken into the Queen’s bedroom and sat on her bed smoking.” However, he noted that he “retired [the song] after Diana died out of respect to her and her boys.”

When the “All for Love” rocker was also asked if he tried to save Princess Diana from her fate, he responded, “Maybe, a bit.”

Adams previously denied rumors that he and Diana were “once romantically involved” on an episode of Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen in 2018, saying that he characterized his friendship with her as that of “great friends.”

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

“Friends with benefits?” Cohen asked, to which Adams replied, “She was just… we were good friends.”

Adams sparked speculation that he had feelings for Princess Diana after he released “Diana.” The lyrics to the song spoke about a woman named Diana whom Adams called the “queen of all my dreams.” In the song, he professed his love for the woman and implied that her husband — never named — is not good enough for her while begging her to leave him.

Related Posts

“SHE’S NOT OKAY NOW!”: Lesley Joseph Breaks Down Over Pauline Quirke’s Cruel Battle With Dementia. At the Variety Club Showbusiness Awards, the beloved actress struggled to hold back tears as she spoke, voice trembling with raw emotion: “I miss her so much… it’s heartbreaking to see her like this.” Pauline, diagnosed with dementia in 2021, has faced a relentless decline that has left even decades of friendship feeling painfully fragile. Lesley recalled moments from their iconic on-screen partnership as Dorien and Sharon, memories now tinged with fear and sorrow. Earlier this year, Linda Robson shared that Pauline still has “up days” and even asked after her “mate Linda,” a fragile spark of recognition in a world growing dim. As Lesley prepares to visit her friend, fans are left gripped by the weight of her words, mourning the cruel reality of a life once full of laughter now shadowed by disease, and wondering how the bonds of love endure when time and memory betray even the strongest hearts.

Sending prayers, strength, and endless love to Pauline, Lesley, and Linda.A wave of sadness has swept through the hearts of Birds of a Feather fans after beloved…

“NO MERCY THIS TIME!” 😡 — James Bulger’s Brother Unveils a SH0CKING New Plan to Send Jon Venables Straight Back to PRIS0N, as Outraged Citizens Across the Nation Unite Behind His Fight for Justice

fended since his release, should never be allowed to walk free again. A Lifetime of Questions Michael’s life has been shaped by both grief and the media…

Charlie Quirke shares ‘difficult’ update on mum Pauline as new pictures released: ‘I wouldn’t wish this on anyone’

Charlie Quirke, the son of actress Pauline, has issued an update on the star following her dementia diagnosis. Pauline, 66, who is best known for her role…

The Duet No One Saw Coming: Eleven-Year-Old Buzz Fletcher Stuns the Nation with an Emotional Performance Alongside His Father, Tom Fletcher. A father-and-son duet, a cracking little voice, and a nation suddenly in tears — Buzz Fletcher didn’t just sing with his dad, he created the moment of Children In Need 2025

Children In Need 2025 delivered one of its most emotional moments yet when McFly star Tom Fletcher took to the stage with his 11-year-old son, Buzz, whose…

“CHEMO’S SMACKIN’ ME AROUND!” — Magda Szubanski’s Raw Hospital Update Sh0cks Fans

Magda Szubanski wanted to share her thanks with a young fan. Beloved Aussie actress Magda Szubanski has shared an update with her fans during her battle with…

Tom Cruise breaks silence on Nicole Kidman’s divorce with brutal response

Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman were one of the hottest couples in Hollywood(Image: The LIFE Picture Collection via Getty Images) Tom Cruise has broken his silence on his ex-wife…