In the vibrant spring of 1992, during a landmark royal tour of India, Princess Diana created an unforgettable moment of human connection that would define a lifetime for a little girl in Hyderabad. At the Lalapet Government High School, the Princess of Wales was mesmerized by a young performer in traditional tribal attire. That child was four-year-old Avanti Reddy, whose life was forever changed by a simple, maternal act from one of the world's most famous women.
A Motherly Gesture That Forged a Royal Bond
Avanti, along with her friends, was performing a lively Lambadi tribal dance to welcome the royal visitor. The scene took a deeply personal turn when Princess Diana, moved by the young girl, picked her up from the ground and brought her onto the stage, seating Avanti on her lap. Avanti, now 37, recalls the Princess asking her name, school, and class. Suffering from a cold, the young girl experienced a moment of pure kindness when Diana used her own handkerchief to wipe Avanti's nose.
The Duchess of Wales, renowned for her affection towards children, left a profound impression. "She was a very motherly figure, I can remember that," Avanti told the Daily Mail. In a poignant declaration, Princess Diana said, "I don't have a daughter, so today you are my daughter." This wasn't a fleeting photo opportunity; it was the beginning of a genuine connection.
A Connection That Extended Beyond a Single Day
The bond between the princess and the young Indian girl did not end with the Hyderabad visit. After Diana returned to the UK, they corresponded through mail. Avanti cherished the letters, showing them to everyone. The princess even sent her a signed photograph of the two of them together, a treasured keepsake. Tragically, Avanti's dream of a reunion was shattered in 1997 when Princess Diana died in a car accident in Paris. Avanti was just ten years old.
Avanti Reddy's Life Today: Teaching, Loss, and Hope
Today, Avanti Reddy remains a vibrant personality in Hyderabad. She followed a path of nurturing young minds, working as a pre-primary teacher at her mother's Infant Jesus School for nine years, starting at age 18. Alongside teaching, she pursued her passion, earning a degree in dance in 2007, before stepping back to focus on starting a family.
Her life, however, has been marked by profound sorrow. Around 2017, Avanti and her family endured the devastating loss of her one-year-old daughter, Moksha Ragni. "Her name means Queen of Heaven," Avanti shared with tears, explaining her daughter had breathing problems.
Looking forward, Avanti harbours a gentle ambition intertwined with her royal memory. She expressed a desire to return to teaching in a primary school and work on choreography. She even mused about one day organizing a dance for Prince George and Princess Charlotte, the children of Prince William, Diana's eldest son. "Maybe if I go back to work in a school again, I could start a production," she said. For now, she is navigating life with an open heart, stating, "Right now I'm not sure of my ambitions. Everything is fresh for me now. I don't have any plans, but I like roaming and seeing new things."
The story of Princess Diana and Avanti Reddy is more than a historical footnote from a royal tour. It is a lasting testament to the power of simple kindness and the unexpected, enduring connections that can blossom from a single moment of genuine warmth.
