Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · June 16, 2025 · Entertainment

Behind the Scenes with Diana: Secrets from Her Personal Trainer

Jenni Rivett was Princess Diana’s trainer and confidante for the six years leading up to her death

The Scandalous Truth Behind Princess Diana's Fitness Routine

It's been nearly three decades since the world lost its beloved Princess Diana, but her legacy lives on through the countless women who still admire and aspire to be like her. One of those women is Jenni Rivett, Diana's personal trainer for six years, who not only helped shape the princess's body but also became a confidante in times of crisis.

In an exclusive interview with The Scholarly Note, Jenni opens up about her time working with Diana, revealing the secrets behind their unlikely friendship and the fitness routine that had the paparazzi going wild. From rollerblading through Kensington Gardens to dodging photographers at every turn, Jenni takes us on a journey into the private world of one of the most photographed women in history.

'All [Diana] ever wanted was to be a good wife and mother,' Jenni says

It's a sweltering summer evening in late August 1997 when Princess Diana, fresh from her post-workout routine with Jenni, is ready to take on the world. The princess is set to jet off to St Tropez for a much-needed holiday with her new beau, Dodi Al-Fayed, but before that, she wants to book some personal training sessions with Jenni for when she returns.

Jenni, who was handpicked by Diana's butler and right-hand man, Paul Burrell, had been working with the princess since 1991. It was a tumultuous time in the Royal Family, with Charles and Diana's marriage on the rocks, but through it all, Jenni remained a constant source of support and motivation for her beloved client.

"Diana was excited to get away, she needed a break, and she loved being in the sun," Jenni recalls. "But there was always this underlying sadness about her. She didn't want this life, she wanted to be a good wife and mother."

A young Jenni with her client and friend Diana

Diana's love for her boys, William and Harry, was palpable, and Jenni remembers how the princess would often talk about their antics during their workouts together. But what really set Diana apart from other clients was her dedication to her fitness routine.

"She'd spot people in the gym not doing exercises correctly and tell me to go over and correct them," Jenni laughs. "I'd say, 'No, you do it!' but I never did."

The unlikely duo's relationship went far beyond just a trainer-client dynamic. Diana would often confide in Jenni about her personal struggles, and the South African-born trainer became an integral part of her inner circle.

Following her divorce from the then Prince of Wales in 1996, Diana was reborn as a strong and independent woman

"Diana was like my sister," Jenni says, her voice filled with emotion. "I'd give her advice, but I knew my place. I never overstepped the line, and I think she appreciated that."

But it wasn't all sunshine and rainbows for Jenni either. Just a year after Diana's passing, Jenni's own marriage broke up, leaving her heartbroken and struggling to cope with the loss of her beloved client.

The memories of their time together are still etched vividly in Jenni's mind, from rollerblading through Kensington Gardens to dodging photographers at every turn. "We'd go out in public in Kensington Gardens, and Diana would wear a baseball cap for disguise," Jenni remembers with a chuckle.

Their antics didn't always go unnoticed, however. In 1995, paparazzi photos of Diana expertly navigating the park on rollerblades made headlines under the sensationalized title "Princess of Wheels."

Jenni's own life has taken a dramatic turn since those fateful days in Paris. The personal trainer now splits her time between Franschhoek in South Africa and the Cotswolds, where she still works with hundreds of clients via Zoom classes.

Her latest venture, Train Like A Woman, is an online fitness program specifically designed for women over 60, tackling the often-overlooked issue of joint mobility and muscle building. "Once you hit 65, if you fall and break your hip or femur, there's a 15-30% chance you'll die within a year," Jenni warns, her voice laced with urgency.

But it's not all doom and gloom. With just three minutes of exercise a day, women can achieve joint mobility and prevent a host of age-related issues. "Exercise is all about quality," Jenni emphasizes. "Do it properly, three times a week, and walk in between."

Jenni's QuickTone8 workout routine, which she shared with us exclusively, is a game-changer for anyone looking to boost their metabolism and release human growth hormone (HGH).

Try Jenni's QuickTone8 Workout Routine

  1. Start with a 3-5-minute warm-up, gently jogging on the spot.
  2. Now sprint on the spot for 30 seconds, then rest for 60 seconds.
  3. Repeat eight times.
  4. You should be working hard enough that you're out of breath and talking is not easy.

And remember, after your workout, avoid sugary snacks or carbs for at least two hours to maximize the effects of HGH released into your bloodstream.

Follow Jenni on Instagram (@jennirivett_fitness) and visit her website (www.jennirivett.com) for more information about Train Like A Woman and her exclusive online fitness program.

As we part ways with Jenni, it's clear that her time with Princess Diana has left an indelible mark on her life. The memories of their unlikely friendship will continue to inspire women around the world, reminding us all that with dedication, hard work, and a supportive community, anything is possible.

In the words of Jenni herself, "The one thing that saddens me is that Diana never knew how much she was loved." But through her legacy, we can ensure that her love and kindness continue to inspire generations to come.