AMERICAN ARCHIVE
STORIES FROM THE WHITE HOUSE
Royal Fever
Actor John Travolta dances with Princess Diana, 1985.
Courtesy Ronald Reagan Presidential Library
“The dinner for the Prince & Diana was a great success,” wrote President Ronald Reagan, “everyone danced like at a Junior Prom.”
On November 9, 1985, President Ronald Reagan hosted Prince Charles and Princess Diana of Wales on their first joint visit to the United States. The 80 guests made an eclectic mix, including Clint Eastwood, Neil Diamond, and John Travolta, who said he felt like “an extra in a room of very important people.”
Despite this, the princess had her heart set on a dance with the Saturday Night Fever heartthrob. With First Lady Nancy Reagan’s encouragement, they spun around the dance floor for nearly 15 minutes.
It was a “storybook moment” Travolta recalled, “when it was over…my carriage turned into a pumpkin.”
President Ronald Reagan dances with Princess Diana, 1985.
Courtesy Ronald Reagan Presidential Library
Princess Diana greets actor Tom Selleck, 1985.
Courtesy Ronald Reagan Presidential Library
Princess Diana greets architect I.M. Pei, who designed the trellis in the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden of the White House, 1985.
Courtesy Ronald Reagan Presidential Library
The Entrance Hall, 2010.
Bruce White for the White House Historical Association
In the Entrance Hall
The Entrance Hall was originally the main entrance to the White House. Today, the space is mostly used for music and dancing during events, with music provided by the U.S. Marine Band.
AMERICAN ARCHIVE
STORIES FROM THE WHITE HOUSE
