Foot Reflexology and Princess Diana

The tabloid press has included reports about Princess Diana and royal family use of foot reflexology since 1985. (See below.) (Ed. note: A review of these articles leads one to the conclusion that no area of the Princess's life went without comment.) Since her death, stories about her life in the regular press have included reports of her seeking foot reflexology services.

A Newsweek story states, "In the end Diana looked less like a royal and more like a sleek Manhattan socialite. For one thing she was well groomed. She got manicures and pedicures, had foot reflexology three times a week." ("The Queen of Style," Diana, Commemorative Issue, Newsweek, p. 47, 1997)

Past mentions

Unknown, 1985, National Enquirer, "Charles & Di's Royal Rift: He's Become Obsessed with His Health, She Goes to Parties Alone" by Dan Schwartz, A review of Prince Charles' health pursuits. " 'At the palace he has virtually ignored Diana during evenings to study books on reflexology - a fad therapy which involves 'clearing the body's 10 vertical energy channels by massaging different areas of the feet. Charles is hooked on it.'"

July 15, 1986, The Sun, p. 6, "How Prince Charles uses strange cures to stay healthy" by David Molina, "reflexology is a more recent practice the Prince has explored in his quest to stay healthy. It holds that the feet contain thousands of nerve endings which, when massaged, lessen pain or even promote healing."

Aug.1988, Ladies Home Journal, p. 162. "All about Fergie," by Susie Pearson and David Thomas, The Duchess of York, the former Sarah Ferguson, is profiled. Included is a description of the Duchess and Princess Diana as clients of Joseph Corvo, "practitioner of the so-called discipline of Zone therapy. The treatment involves massaging fifteen specific nerve endings on the face which are said to revitalize eleven areas of the body."

Mar. 6, 1989, Today (British newspaper), p. 26, "These feet were made for talking" by Sandra Parsons, A newspaper columnist samples the services of reflexologist Michael Keet. The Duchess of York, the Queen and Princess Diana are cited as converts to reflexology.

Oct. 7, 1990, National Enquirer, p. 37, "As Marriage Crumbles & Pressure Builds ... Princess Di Becomes a Human Pincushion - in Bizarre Battle to Beat Stress," In a desperate bid to beat stress, Princess Di has turned to several far-out treatments - reflexology, aromatherapy and a back-crunching form of Japanese massage called shiatsu . . Charles - a strong believer in holistic medicine and natural cures - suggested Di try an acupuncturist Besides the acupuncture and Japanese massage, Di also undergoes aroma therapy and foot massage, called reflexology."

May 28, 1991, Inside Edition (television), The British Royal Family is reported to have an interest in alternative health practices. reflexology services are cited as giving Diana her energy.

Jul. 22, 1993, Evening Standard, "Confessions of a therapy junkie" As Princess Diana visits yet another alternative therapist, Caroline Phillips looks at why she, too, feels compelled to try every new treatment that comes along - no matter how bizarre," Listed in a side bar "Diana's Guide to Alternative Therapy" is reflexology "Yesterday it was revealed that the Princess has been having her feet massaged, stimulating the blood supply and nerves and relieving tension."

Jul. 22, 1993, Today, "Body and Sole, Why Di's feet are made for healing everything from backache to asthma" by Dominic Midgley, "reflexology is the medical term for the secret tootsie-tickling session (Princess) Di had undergone when she was pictured leaving the Oriental medical centre in Knightsbridge yesterday." A reflexology chart is included as well as comments by customers and practitioners. p. 7

Jul. 22, 1993, Daily Express, "Princess puts her best foot forward at a clinic" by Jack Lee and Annie Leask, Princess Di escaped from the cares of the world yesterday with a soothing foot massage. She went to a plush London clinic for a session of her favorite alternative - reflexology."

Aug. 17, 1993, Globe, How Di's Toe Jobs Heel All Her Ills," A full color reflexology chart and a photo of a bare-footed Princess Diana accompany an article about the Princess and reflexology. "The thirty-two year old royal has been hot-footing it to her local reflexologist, who manipulates pressure points on her feet to find what ails her "'Diana swears by it,' said a palace insider after the Princess was spotted trotting out of the Oriental Medical Center in London's posh Knightsbridge section after a two-hour session. "Reflexologists boast they can cure anything from a bad back to bulimia - both of which have plagued Di. Within minutes of touching your feet they can diagnose exactly what's wrong with your body. "But Diana's not the only one getting the rubdown - Fergie and the queen have tried it also." p. 23

Aug. 29, 1993, Star, ""Di Blows Her Top," An incident with a photographer and Princess Diana is reported. Included is the comment, "She also has reflexology treatments where therapists manipulate pressure points on her feet."

June 7, 1994, Star, "Secret Shopaholic, How Di blows $227,000 a year on clothes, hairdos, vacations and massages," Princess Diana is estimated to spend $2,657 a year for weekly reflexology sessions. By comparison she is estimated to spend $24,446 a year for manicures. p. 6

June 21,1994, Star, " Dashing Di," "(Princess) Di had just come from a regular visit to a Chinese foot massage clinic in Beauchamp Place when she noticed she was attracting a crowd," so she made a run for her car. p. 2

Nov. 1994, Vogue, It is reported that Princess Diana visits a reflexologist weekly.

Jan. 16, 1996, Star, " How She Got the Body to Die For," "In her quest for overall health, (Princess) Di has also become a keen fan of New Age techniques, including foot massage, back manipulation and aromatherapy." p. 5

Mar. 1996, Luxury Life-styles of the Rich and Famous, "Special Issue: Natural Health Remedies Stars Use - And They Really Work!, Plus the healing power of massage, aromatherapy, acupuncture, teas, reflexology and meditation," "reflexology - Getting to the root of the problem," Sub heading: Princess Di' Walking on air' after royal rubdowns" "Princess Di believes that the way to good health is through her feet. She's reportedly sought the treatment of a London Reflexologist to help her with recurring back pain and with her bulimia battle. 'She's been walking on air since she's been getting the treatments for her aching back,' said a palace insider." p. 39

June 11, 1996, Star, Learn Di's Beauty and Health Secrets from head to toe - inside out" by Judy Wade, "reflexology: For more than five years Diana has visited a Knightsbridge clinic run by Chryssie Fitzgerald for a foot massage to stimulate the blood supply and nerves to relieve tension. Cost: $50 an hour." p. 25