Gold Coast cult figure Princess (David Buncombe) gives update on recovery

Surfers Paradise identity Princess has given an important life update after a health battle forced them to disappear from the public eye. Read our interview with the icon

One of the Gold Coast’s most beloved cult figures is back where they’re “meant to be” in the heart of the Glitter Strip after a health battle.

David Buncombe – better known as Princess – sparked community concern earlier this year when they disappeared from their usual spot at Cavill Mall, Surfers Paradise, for several months.

Local identity, Princess, is back on the streets at Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise. Picture Glenn Hampson

In May, it revealed the bikini-clad Princess had been staying at a caravan park while recovering from a nasty foot infection, which saw them hospitalised for almost a month.

The Glitter Strip identity was to stay at the caravan park for the foreseeable future until the injury was completely healed.

Princess at a Gold Coast caravan park earlier this year recovering from having an infected foot. Picture Glenn Hampson

Since then, Princess has recently returned to living on the bustling streets of Surfers Paradise.

“I much prefer to be in Surfers than anywhere else,” they told the Bulletin.

“It’s where I’m meant to be.”

Princess said they were enjoying being back on the busy tourist strip after so long away.

“I like the amount of people that go past,” they said.

“I get the occasional one say ‘hello’ to me and more since I’ve appeared in the paper.

“People keep coming past saying, ‘how is your foot? Are you well?”

David ‘Princess’ Buncombe has lived in Surfers Paradise for the past 20 years. Picture: supplied

The cult figure said they appreciated the well-wishes from passersby.

When asked if they had any message for the community, Princess responded: “I’m still waiting for Kylie”.

This was in reference to their lifelong dream of one day marrying pop star Kylie Minogue, as revealed to the Bulletin in 2014.