Why Princess Diana broke royal protocol and stopped wearing gloves

Throughout her years in the spotlight, Princess Diana wasn't one to follow traditions.

She chose her own engagement ring, wrote her own vows and was a hands-on mum.

In 1995, she famously declared, "I don't go by a rule book, because I lead from the heart, not the head, and albeit that's got me into trouble in my work."

The late Princess also shunned royal protocol by never wearing gloves on official engagements.

Eleri Lynn, who has curated Kensington Palace's new exhibition, Diana: Her Fashion Story, has revealed the reason behind Diana's decision.

"She abandoned the royal protocol of wearing gloves because she liked to hold hands when visiting people or shake hands and have direct contact." Eleri told People.

"She also stopped wearing hats because she said, 'You can't cuddle a child in a hat.'"

Through her official work, Diana wanted to "convey approachability and warmth."

Her approach is also why Diana favoured chunky jewellery and bright colours.

"When she was visiting hospitals, for example, she would wear cheerful clothes that would convey warmth and often chunky jewellery so that children could come and play with them," Eleri explained.

Her style was her way of saying that she cared, and it didn't go unnoticed.