Author and comedienne Cleo Rocos claims she smuggled Princess Diana into a gay bar in the 1980s.

‘When we walked in … we felt she was obviously Princess Diana and would be discovered at any minute,’ said the author.

She described in her book The Power of Positive Drinking how she, Freddy Mercury and gay British comic Kenny Everett took the Princess of Wales to South London’s Royal Vauxhall Tavern one night.

Roco says that Princess Diana, dressed up in a cap, sunglasses and army jacket, was able to mingle and order drinks unnoticed as club-goers were distracted by Mercury and Everett. The two men, who died of AIDS related illness, were known for their unique bond and friendship.

Rocos claims Princess Diana’s disguise was a success. ‘People just seemed to blank her. She sort of disappeared. But she loved it’.

She adds: ‘She did look like a beautiful young man’.

During her reign, Princess Diana was an outspoken AIDS activist. In 1989 she launched England’s first ward specializing in HIV and AIDS treatment, the Landmark AIDS Centre.