The Palace announces special Princess Diana memorial plans

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The Palace have announced special Princess Diana memorial plans to mark the 20th anniversary of her tragic and untimely death this summer.

The anniversary, which falls on August 31, will be marked with a special new exhibition celebrating Diana’s life through some of her most personal and precious possessions.

Princess Diana memorial planned at Kensington Palace

From a pair of her beloved silk ballet slippers to a sentimental old school lunch box, Diana’s personal things will go on public display at Buckingham Palace from Saturday July 22nd.

Centered around Diana’s desk, her sanctuary in the Palace where she retreated to read and write letters to friends and confidants, the exhibition also celebrates the late Princess Diana’s love of music. Displaying her cherished cassette collection, her love of artists such as George Michael and Elton John is evident – artists who she eventually grew close to and called friends.

Items on the desk from the Kensington Palace sitting room of Diana, Princess of Wales on show during a preview for the Royal Gifts exhibition, which is part of the annual Summer Opening of the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace, London.

In a touching addition to the very personal exhibition, many of the objects on display were chosen by Prince William and Prince Harry personally. Considering the collection of their late mother’s belongings that have been kept as memories for her sons, the Princes wanted to choose items that reflected their mother’s ‘commitment to duty’ as well as representing some of their favourite personal memories of her.

In addition to the new Buckingham Palace Princess Diana memorial, Kensington Palace are also still running their ‘Diana: Her Fashion Story’ exhibition. Located in the Palace that Princess Diana called home for 15 years, the exhibition features 26 different outfits owned by the Princess. Showing the ‘evolution’ of her style through the 80s and 90s, it includes some of her most iconic dresses. Most noteworthy, the velvet dress Diana wore when she danced with John Travolta at The White House.

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READ MORE: The story behind the iconic photo of Princess Diana and John Travolta

The organisers of the exhibit said that the collection will, “bring together an extraordinary collection of garments ranging from the glamorous evening gowns worn on engagements in the 80s, to the chic Catherine Walker suits that made up Diana’s working wardrobe in the 90s”.

 

The exhibition’s curator, Eleri Lynn, elaborated “Diana, Princess of Wales, was one of the most photographed women in the world, and every fashion choice she made was closely scrutinised.”

“Our exhibition explores the story of a young woman who had to quickly learn the rules of royal and diplomatic dressing, who in the process put the spotlight on the British fashion industry and designers”.

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The Palace also announced there will be a floral tribute held in Kensington Gardens. Prince William and Prince Harry are said to have given the exhibition in Kensington Palace their blessing. However, the Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry are also expected to announce further plans for other events celebrating their mother’s life later this month.

Princess-Diana-with-William-and-Harry

Her sons have already revealed that they will appear in a documentary celebrating Diana’s life. Also, earlier this year, the Princes held a special event for young people receiving the ‘Diana Award’, which celebrates their late mother’s compassion and desire to do good in the world.

READ MORE: Prince William & Harry honour the legacy of their mother Diana through inspiring award

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So, what do you think? Firstly, will you go and see the exhibition? Do you think it is a fitting tribute to the late Princess? Finally, let us know by commenting below OR joining the conversation on the Woman’s Own Facebook page!