Similarities are easy to see - as is the emotional instability and self-doubt
By Emma Bache
COMPARING the two handwriting samples of 1982 and 1996, there are certainly enough similarities to suggest that both could have been written by Diana, Princess of Wales. They display a mainly vertical slant, with leftward sloping “d” strokes, narrow spacing between letters, and the naive but large “o” shapes. However, this type of handwriting is easier to imitate than a more intellectual writing. The letter “m” appears to be written differently in the two samples. In 1982 it was made up of two even arcades, whereas in 1996 the first arcaded formation is much higher, indicating a “me first, you later” attitude.
In the 1996 sample, the writer was more of a closed book, but the leftward swinging “y” strokes indicate a strong mothering desire. The 1996 handwriting also points strongly to a person with a general need for approval. The characteristic roundness of the “a” and the “o” are reminiscent of the self- absorbed teenager.
There is evidence of an unstable slant which shows a degree of emotional instability. The frequent occurrence of open ovals points to indiscretion but also immaturity. The writer is self-centred, moody and keen for attention. The middle- zone letters vary enormously in size which denotes a varying ego as the writer swings from desperate exhibitionism to introversion.
The lower-zone formations are loose, indicating that much of the emotional energy is spent in a desire to mother others. The letters are cramped together, indicating that the writer does not always feel at ease with pushing herself forward. Retracing means that the writer is experiencing tension at the time of writing, and self-doubt.
Written warning: the 1996 letter from the Princess to Paul Burrell in which she revealed her fears and, below, an authenticated letter from less stressful times in 1982
