Before the show, Jackson nervously removed the song “Dirty Diana” from the setlist, fearing it might offend her. To his surprise, Diana encouraged him to perform it, and he ultimately did. Jackson later described her as warm and gracious, even gifting miniature tour jackets for Princes William and Harry.
Beyond that single meeting, Jackson claimed they remained close through phone conversations, often speaking late at night about their children, fame, and the pressures of public life. While some reports questioned how frequent those calls truly were, both shared similar experiences with intense media attention and public scrutiny, which may have strengthened their connection.
Their shared compassion also stood out. Jackson supported charitable causes linked to Diana, including donations to the Prince’s Trust and children’s hospitals. Both were deeply involved in humanitarian work and understood the challenges of living constantly in the spotlight.
When Diana tragically died in 1997, Jackson was reportedly devastated. He postponed a concert and later paid tribute to her, calling her one of the sweetest people he had ever known. Though he did not attend her funeral, he honored her at a memorial service, remembering the friendship they shared.