Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
You can now subscribe to our blog on Amazon Kindle and keep updated on all the fashion and other news related to Princess Diana!
Here’s the link to stay current with us:
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
30 years ago Diana appeared at her first formal engagement with Prince Charles in the black strapless taffeta dress by the Emanuels. Kate reinvents the look of her famous Mother-in-Law with this recent McQueen velvet fishtail gown below.
Posted in Fashions, Photos, princess diana | Leave a Comment »
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
We have just come across the dvd of the 10th memorial anniversary movie done on the last year of her life. It is well done with historical footage and good acting, unlike many that were done in years past.
158 MINUTES OF HER LAST YEAR AND THE FINAL HOURS IN PARIS
COMMENTARY ON THE MAKING OF THE MOVIE IS INCLUDED
AS WELL, AS THIS DVD WAS SUPPOSED TO BE BANNED.
SUPERBLY ACTED AND WITH HISTORICAL FOOTAGE INCLUDED IN THE MOVIE
FORMAT IS NTSC BUT IF YOU HAVE A MULTI REGION DVD PLAYER IT WILL WORK
THIS DVD IS NOW OUT OF STOCK AND NOT BEING SOLD AGAIN!
http://www.princessdianabookboutique.com/store/products/details/?product=3027
Posted in DVD'S | Leave a Comment »
DID YOU KNOW THAT THE PINK BLOUSE IS GOING UP FOR AUCTION? IT IS THE FIRST BLOUSE THAT WAS A COUTURE ITEM THAT DIANA WORE FOR HER FIRST ENGAGEMENT PHOTO SHOOT. AND, IT WAS A BORROWED ITEM THAT SHE NEVER OWNED! KEEP WATCHING THE BLOG FOR DETAILS THAT ARE COMING! 
Posted in Fashions | Leave a Comment »
October 3, 2008
Elizabeth Emanuel, who gained notoriety for designing Princess Diana’s wedding dress, has announced that she will auction the pink chiffon blouse she loaned to Lady Diana Spencer for a Vogue Magazine photo shoot shortly before Diana became engaged to Prince Charles in 1980.
The chiffon blouse, designed by Emanuel, was worn by Lady Diana for a portrait taken by Lord Snowdon, and led Diana to purchase a black dress from the design shop, which she wore on her first official royal public engagement. Diana later requested that Emanuel and her former husband, David Emanuel design her wedding dress.
The distinctive pink blouse was loaned to Vogue Magazine after the publication called the Emanuels and asked if they had a blouse with a very high neck that they would be willing to lend to a “very famous personality.” The magazine did not reveal the wearer at that time, but the couple were thrilled to learn that it was Lady Diana who would appear in their creation.
Emanuel says that financial difficulties are the reason she’ll be auctioning off the blouse, along with a collection of about 200 other garments designed for celebrities, including dresses worn by actresses Elizabeth Hurley and Helena Bonham Carter. In addition, a 16-inch miniature version of Diana’s wedding dress made from the same material as the dress itself, will also be included in the auction. Emanuel had hoped to avoid auctioning the collection, but investments in a planned business venture did not materialise as she had hoped, and she says that her situation forces the auction. weddingblog.au feature!
Posted in Fashions | Leave a Comment »
Posted in Photos | Leave a Comment »
Like many collectors, we spend a lot of time searching for Diana items. Our collecting has taken us as far as India, Japan and South America. Not surprisingly, most of our searches end up in the UK as many of the publications, books, photos and other memorabilia originated there. We have recently collected some unusual items and are constantly surprised how many different ways her image was used on various 
media. Here are some of our most recent finds! We look forward to seeing your posts on some of your Diana collections! More on this topic in the future!
Posted in Photos | Leave a Comment »
A housewalk in northwest suburban Inverness on Friday is co-sponsored by Honquest Furniture in Barrington, which is presenting a new furniture line that includes replicas of antiques at Althorp, the 500-year-old Spencer family home in England. Eighteen generations of the Spencer family have resided in the 90-room mansion, which is loaded with vintage paintings, furniture, china, and sculpture.
Charles, the 9th Earl Spencer, was recently in a furniture store in Tampa, Fla., in a promotion for Althorp furniture.
“When we were children, visiting our grandfather at Althorp, they were just [furniture] pieces,” said Spencer about the heirlooms amassed by 18 generations before him. “We weren’t allowed to touch them,” he told the Tampa Tribune.
“I’ve relaxed the rules. I’ve got six kids — which I don’t think is bad as a Protestant — and they have the run of the home.”
That policy led to one accident at the mansion. Years ago, his daughter, Kitty, now 17, dropped a tobacco box that had belonged to Admiral Lord Nelson, the Napoleonic war hero who died in 1805.
“It smashed,” Spencer said.
Spencer’s sister was the late Princess Diana, who was killed in an automobile accident in 1997. His appearance at the Tampa store included one strict rule: no questions about Diana. Diana’s image doesn’t appear on any of the Althorp furniture promotional brochures.
Charles became the Ninth Earl in 1992, and he considers himself merely the caretaker of Althorp.
“Ask any of the occupants of Britain’s great country houses what their greatest challenge is and they will — early on — touch on the responsibility they feel for preserving their heritage,” says Spencer in promotional material for Althorp Furniture. “But first and foremost, Althorp isn’t a museum, it’s still a home,” he said. The home is open for touring at times.
“In common with the majority of those entrusted with such duties, I view my role primarily as custodian rather than owner,” said the 40-year-old Spencer. “I would be proud if, in my final days, I felt I was handing Althorp on to my heir in a better state than in which I had inherited it,” be said.
Maintenance, insurance and staff costs about $1 million annually.
Another famous Spencer was Lady Georgiana Spencer, who is the subject of a new movie, “The Duchess,” starring Keira Knightley. Sun Times – Chicago.
Posted in NEWS CLIPS | Leave a Comment »
The Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund is today delighted to announce the launch of its new learning and evaluation framework.
The Fund has developed its learning and evaluation framework to capture and share learning with other funders and organisations. In continuing its support and guidance to the sector, the Fund will host interactive events and talks, commission research and publish findings aimed at leaving a lasting legacy of social change.
Astrid Bonfield, Chief Executive of the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund says,
“It is with great pleasure that this new focus of our work is launched today. In continuing the humanitarian work of Diana, Princess of Wales, we want to have a lasting impact on the lives of the most vulnerable and marginalised. With the right focus, evaluation can challenge and change existing practice and, in turn, ensure that the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund’s grants totalling £100 million over 11 years to 350 organisations continues to provide lasting improvements for some of the world’s most disadvantaged individuals.”
Click here for more information about the Fund’s learning and evaluation framework and approach
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN PURCHASING A COPY OF THE 1997 DIANA’S WORLD MAGAZINE ABOVE PLEASE CONTACT US OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE —> www.princessdianabookboutique.com
Posted in NEWS CLIPS | Leave a Comment »
It is hard to think of Althorp without immediately connecting this beautiful Northamptonshire estate with Diana, Princess of Wales; whether it be her hunted life, her tragic death or the emotional time when crowds watched her funeral cortege winding through the gates to carry her body to a final resting place.
But there was a time before Diana.
This year marks the 500th anniversary of Althorp; the Spencer family home first bought by wealthy sheep farmer Sir John Spencer and passed down to 18 further generations.
And today marks the launch of a new exhibition entitled The Spencers at Althorp: 500 years of family history, which includes a display of historic images and artefacts highlighting some of the most influential people in the house’s past.
The exhibition of eight display pods – each focusing on a different member of the Spencer family – was put together by project managers Anne Fletcher and Oriel Wilson.
Earl Spencer said: “It was difficult to know where to start, but we wanted to bring the house alive with the people who have passed through here.
“Getting it down to eight people was complicated as hundreds of people have lived here over the 500 years.
“But you have people like the first Duchess of Marlborough, who was incredibly important.
By leaving her personal wealth to my family she took us from being rich farmers to wealthy, important people.
“Then there is Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire. There is about to be a big film coming out about her and we thought people would be able to connect with that in a straightforward way.”
The final display in the saloon area of the house brings the story of the Spencers up to date, with a family album displayed to the public for the first time.
It includes photographs of the present Earl Spencer as a boy at Althorp, together with his sisters.
Earl Spencer said: “My job for the future of Althorp is to keep it going and make sure it is in good condition.
“There is a lot of work to do to the house and it has great maintenance needs, but it has to be somewhere my family wants to come to, as a family home and not just historical rooms.
“By bringing alive some of my ancestors in this way, I hope that our visitors will get a better understanding of how their personal tastes, activities and interests have made this wonderful house what it is today and will be able to see the central role they have played in shaping our history.”
The exhibition can be seen throughout this summer season at Althorp, which runs until August 30. For more information log onto www.althorp.com
A lock of Nelson’s hair
This lock of Horatio Nelson’s hair is displayed as part of the exhibition relating to George John, the second Earl Spencer who had been First Lord of Admiralty in 1794.
As an influential man, George John had promoted Nelson to take command of the English fleet.
When Admiral Lord Nelson lost his life at the 1805 Battle of Trafalgar, a lock of his hair was sent to the Spencer family.
George John, who lived between 1758 and 1834, is also well known because of his obsession with collecting rare books.
During his lifetime he turned eight rooms at Althorp into a library of 43,000 books. His habit nearly bankrupted the family and eventually they had to sell the London boroughs of Wandsworth, Battersea and Putney to pay the debts.
Marie Antoinette’s chocolate set
Included in the exhibition section relating to Georgiana Spencer, Duchess of Devonshire, is a set of dainty cups and plates which once belonged to Marie Antoinette.
Georgiana (1757-1806), who is to be played by actress Keira Knightley in a film to be released this year, was notorious for gambling and ran up enormous debts.
She also had a series of affairs and, when she fell pregnant, she was sent to France to have the child secretly.
While there, she became friends with queen Marie Antoinette, who presented her with a chocolate set.
Family photo album
An album of photos, depicting the current Earl Spencer with his sisters Diana, Jane and Sarah, is also on display as part of the exhibition.
These never before seen photographs show this generation of Spencers during their childhood at Althorp between 1964 and 1969.
They were taken by the 8th Earl Spencer, their father, who was known to be a talented photographer.
Sedan chair, used by Georgiana, the first Countess Spencer
This chair, which dates from 1760, was once used by Georgiana to travel around London while staying at the family’s home in London, Spencer House.
Georgiana and the first Earl Spencer John married secretly in the Oak bedroom at Althorp.
As a love token to his wife, and to demonstrate his importance, he built Spencer House, which is still owned by the family today. NorthHampton Chronicle and Echo – UK
10 CARD SET OF ALTHORP WITH CASE
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=220307591443&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT&ih=012
Posted in NEWS CLIPS | Leave a Comment »
For all our avid Princess Diana collectors, we offer this exclusive look at the Violet Leather Bound Christie’s Auction Catalogue – one of 250 ever published and SIGNED by Princess Diana at the time of the June 1997 sale of her dresses in New York. Pictures speak louder than words, and, if ever there were an investment piece in Princess Diana collectibles, this has to be the ultimate item!
THIS ABSOLUTELY EXQUISITE CATALOGUE IS FOR SALE AND ITS PROVENANCE IS IMPECCABLE!
THESE ARE ACTUAL PHOTOS OF THE CATALOGUE.
#166 of 250 signed – we also have #239 of 250 signed available as well.
PLEASE CONTACT US FOR DETAILS. SERIOUS INQUIRIES ONLY PLEASE.
EMAIL: theprincessisin@princessdianabookboutique.com
Posted in BOOKS | Leave a Comment »
Princess Diana was well known for her athletic prowess. Here she is in an early, undated photo, skiing long before whe was married. We will have more rare, athletic photos of her coming soon! Plus, an update soon on rare collectibles we are finding!
Posted in Photos | 1 Comment »
FIRST CHRISTMAS AS PRINCESS OF WALES
TURNING ON THE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS – REGENT STREET, LONDON
Posted in Photos | Leave a Comment »
And we’ve got more holiday photos coming up soon so stay tuned!
Posted in Photos | Leave a Comment »
The 1995 Christmas Card from Diana and her two sons. We will attempt to show all the Christmas Cards here from our collection shortly. Enjoy!
Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off
PRINCE WILLIAM AND PRINCE HARRY WERE FEATURED ON THE CHRISTMAS CARD THE YEAR THE SEPARATION WAS ANNOUNCED BUT WAS SIGNED BY BOTH THE PRINCE AND PRINCESS IN 1992.
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
The Prince of Wales acquired the old Welsh Farmhouse in 2008 and it is of modest design both inside and out. Furnished in traditional welsh rugs, wall coverings and pottery it is to be used as a base for his travels in Wales. The farm complex will be available for rentals when he is not in residence. The Royal Bedroom below is furnished with welsh blankets and rugs.
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
This rarely seen portrait was commissioned by Prince Charles after their 1981 nuptials – it is said that it was his favorite picture of Diana in her wedding dress and he had an oil painting done of it that is still in his private collection – The portrait is nearly two metres high.
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
One of our recent finds on Diana’s death in 1997! We believe it to be a UK publication.
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
We have been in the business of collecting Princess Diana ephemera for 29 years. From time to time we will showcase some of the more rare items we have found. The two featured here are a book of poems from India and a remembrance DVD. 
Posted in Photos | Leave a Comment »
This is one of the most rare items on Princess Diana in terms of collectibles from her death. It was published in Europe in 1997-1998 and there is nothing like it. We searched high and low for it and we offer it for sale so if you are interested please contact us. Lovely softcover sticker book commemorating her life through all its stages. Complete and intact and we know of no other place to find it!
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
Victor Edelstein designed this emerald ballgown with a capsule of satin 
forming a bustle in back.. Diana wore it for one of her formal portraits. It has really never been seen in a full photo as she never wore it publicly.
Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment »
The gown was designed by Bruce Oldfield and worn by Diana in November 1988 to the Bruce Oldfield Gala held at Grosvenor House. Matching velvet shoes were made for the gown.
Also worn in 1987 to Portugal on an official tour.
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
This is another Catherine Walker design worn in 1989 during a trip to Hong Kong. Rarely seen afterwards. Knee length with gorgeous jeweled button detailing and satin accents. 
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
This strapless floral gown was also designed by Catherine Walker. Diana wore it for the famous dance in OZ with Charles at Melbourne in 1988 and also at the premiere of Crocodile Dundee. It was recently on display in Florida and it surprisingly has a baby pink background when seen up close. The bright colors have faded over the years, but a stunning dress.
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
The Thailand Ball Gown is by Catherine Walker and was designed for the Thailand tour in 1988 -colors being in tribute to that country. She did wear it one more time in 1989 before it went to auction in 1997.
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
Often referred to as the revenge dress, Diana wore this to the Serpentine Gallery the night Charles was interviewed by Jonathan Dimbleby on UK television.
Sexy, confident, black and figure tight she knocked his admission of adultery right off the front pages of the UK papers the next day. You can see why.
http://www.princessdianabookboutique.com/store/products/details/?product=3079
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
The Blue green ruched gown embroidered by Jacob Schlaepfer. Split to the knee it has been on display at Kensington Palace.
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
Grey Sari Dress
For more Dress photo books please check our store:
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
Daily Telegraph Sydney Australia
IT was during a trip to Madrid last year that Gules D’Orsi realised just how much she looked like a certain famous someone.
“I was in Plaza Mayor and a homeless man came up to me and started screaming,” she giggled.
“He was screaming, so loudly, `Diana, you’re not dead!’ - over and over again.
“Everyone stopped and stared.”
But Gules (pronounced “Jules”) is not deliberately going for the look, despite appearances to the contrary.
The Adelaide University psychology student, who also works at David Jones, discovered her iconic look after a bit of trial and error.
“I never really had a hairstyle so I was just experimenting and started wearing it short,” she said.
“Straightaway, people said I looked like Princess Diana and I thought that’s cool, but I’m not consciously trying to look like her.
“I’m just really comfortable dressed like this, even though I do get stares.
“I cop so much for my hair.
“Women come up and take pictures of me and ask if they can put them on Facebook.
“I get the occasional idiot but it’s usually women and they’re lovely.”
Ms D’Orsi, 25, is a little young to remember much about the early days of the princess, but she doesn’t mind the comparisons.
“It’s lovely and always a compliment,” she said.
“I was always a tomboy, but I got to a point where I knew I had to present myself better. I used to be a major dag.
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
The Lady Dior makes a cool comeback, writes DAZMAN MANAN.
WHILE its ladylike vibes may not exactly appeal to the modern and edgy IT girls of today, Lady Dior has nevertheless managed to find its way into their cool closets.
Mischa Barton was recently spotted carrying her oversized patent version with frayed, skinny jeans, peasant blouse and canvas sneakers lending her boho-chic look a touch of elegance.
Sarah Jessica Parker was probably channelling her Carrie Bradshaw character when she was photographed in a woollen skullcap, sporty sunglasses and a classy, black lambskin Lady Dior.
Refreshingly fashionable, Barton and Parker’s quirky pairings of the utterly sophisticated bag has guaranteed the Lady Dior a cool comeback.
Launched in September 1995, the Lady Dior bag was given to the late Diana, Princess of Wales by former French First Lady Bernadette Chirac, on the occasion of her visit to the Cézanne exhibition at the Grand Palais in Paris, sponsored by the LVMH group.
The house of Dior’s latest creation was immediately adopted by the Princess, who ordered every available version and colour including a black crocodile, a pink ostrich and a black satin with diamante-studded charms.
In November 1995, during her visit to a children’s home in Birmingham, Diana was photographed by the international press with the bag, holding a child in her arms. That was the beginning of a success story for the coveted carrier.
A few weeks later, during a state visit to Argentina, she again appeared with her favourite bag leaving the official plane. The bag was from then on associated with the world’s most photographed woman. In 1996, as a homage to the Princess, it was renamed Lady Dior with her blessing.
Created in a couture spirit, the square, structured carrier in padded stitched leather reflects a number of the Dior house codes. The stitching pattern or cannage is inspired by the Napoléon III chairs once used by Christian Dior to welcome his elegant customers on the day of his runway show in 1947. The letters D.I.O.R. on charm pendants act as an eternal signature.
Apart from Hollywood celebrities, the iconic bag has been seen on the arms of French First Lady Carla Bruni, Italian actress Monica Bellucci, French actress Marion Cotillard and Datuk Michelle Yeoh. New Strait Times.
Posted in NEWS CLIPS, Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
We have had this photo in our archives for some time. Worn in London c. 1984 or perhaps later but we have lost the information on it. Appears to be a coral sequinned gown with shimmer bodice.
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
RARE PHOTO OF DIANA IN THE ONLY UNIFORM SHE EVER WORE. RED CROSS UNIFORM AS PATRON OF THE BRITISH RED CROSS. C. 1987
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
Worn after her separation/divorce it was seen in public several times before she died.
Posted in Photos | Leave a Comment »
Singles Holiday for Diana Fans
uk Daily Mail
The cult worship of Princess Diana’s memory shows no sign of abating as a ‘Remembering Diana’ holiday is launched for solo travellers.
Remembered: Princess Diana has become a revered figure
Fans of the Princess of Wales – who died 12 years ago – can visit Althorp, the Spencer family home in Northamptonshire and Diana’s former residence at Kensington Palace in London.
Launched by ‘Good Companions’, an offshoot of Glenton Holidays, the five-day escorted tour is based at the Grade II listed Eynsham Hall near Oxford, a manor house set in 3,000 acres of gardens and parkland.
Good Companions coordinator Norma Howe said: ‘The Diana holiday was an idea from a customer, so we’re delighted to be able to include it for the first time.
‘Even 12 years on from her tragic death, many people still want to pay homage to Diana.’
’Remembering Diana, Princess of Wales’ costs from £279 and leaves on August 3 from Scotland.
The price includes B&B accommodation, dinner, return coach travel and travel insurance plus entrance tickets.
There is no single room supplement.
For more information, call 08000 24 24 24 or visit www.glentonholidays.com.
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
As featured on CNN, FOX NEWS, MSNBC, PEOPLE, and OK! Magazine! Princess. Public Figure. Philanthropist. Parent. Diana, Princess of Wales emerged in the early 1980s as a fresh face to the stoic British monarchy with a storybook wedding, but later a tabloid breakup a modern British woman and admirable icon to not only England, but the world! We will be taking orders for this next week – please contact us to reserve a copy!
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
| CHRIS ARRANT PRESENTS PRINCESS DIANA’S STORY | |
 |
BY JENNIFER M. CONTINO
Although a lot of people know Chris Arrant for his writing about the comic medium, he’s also been writing comics for several years. But nothing as high profile as getting the chance to tell the story of Diana Princess of Wales for the Female Force Princess Diana issue. He told us what it was like working on Diana’s life story, and the challenges of fitting everything he wanted to into the special.
THE PULSE: Most people might know you for your comics reporting, but you’ve written a few comics before the Female Force Princess Diana, right?
CHRIS ARRANT: Writing has been something I’ve always wanted to do ‘ all the way back to a small-press comic I did during high school in the mid-90s called CCU Presents. But yes, I’m primarily known for comics reporting ‘ which I’ve been doing regularly since 2003.
I’ve been working on comics for some time, but only in recent years has it reached fruition. I went to school for illustration and have some half-aborted comics projects, but it really started coming together for me in 2006. It was that that year I self-published an anthology called Four Stories with four stories (duh!) written by me and illustrated by 4 artists: Joanna Estep, Eric Adams, Jessica Hickman and Matt Bayne. I self-published 500 copies and gave it out as freebies at San Diego Comicon and it really opened doors for me.
I followed that up with a webcomic called 1 Way Ticket with artist Dan Warner. While it’s currently on hiatus, it really taught me a lot of valuable lessons ‘ lessons I put to use in my comics writing and reporting, and ones I hope to put to use when Dan and I get a chance to finish that story.
Self-publishing Four Stories and 1 Way Ticket got me the attention of the editors of Negative Burn, 24Seven Vol. 2 and Comic Book Tattoo ‘ all of which I had short stories published in.
 |
After those were all published, I approached several publishers about doing longer work ‘ I love doing anthology work, but I really wanted to sink my teeth into larger work. I have several creator-owned projects I’m trying to get off the ground, and while that is being developed I hooked up with Darren Davis at Bluewater Productions. Because of my journalism background, he thought I’d be a good match to do one of the Female Force one-shots and I chose Diana, Princess of Wales as my subject.
THE PULSE: Speaking of your journalism background, how do you keep that side of your work different from the comic writing bit? I mean, every time you do a story with a publisher you work with now, are you worried people might think there is some kind of bias?
ARRANT: This is something I’m highly aware of, and I have talks with all my editors about it ‘ both my comics journalism editors Matt Brady (Newsarama), Rhett Thomas (Marvel’s Marvel Spotlight) and Calvin Reid (PW Comics Week); as well as my actual comic editors —- in this case Darren at Bluewater, and formerly Rantz Hoseley at Comic Book Tattoo and Ivan Brandon at 24Seven Vol. 2.
I actively endeavor to keep my comics writing separate from my comics journalism ‘ going to the extent of avoid covering an entire company if I’m actively writing for them, and after if I do cover them in comics journalism I try to put in a disclaimer.
My comics editors have been really great though ‘ no one’s asked for any favors or ‘ins’ at the news sources I write for. At most, I maybe assist on marketing strategy ideas for the books I’m working on. That’s what my day job is anyway ‘ I own a marketing & graphic design firm here in Florida.
Am I worried people might feel there is some kind of bias? It does enter my mind, but if I spent too much time worrying about what other people think then I’m not working. I try to be completely frank with my editors, and we work it out together.
THE PULSE: Sounds like you got it covered. So did you have a choice out of the Female Force to work on? If so, why choose Princess Diana?
ARRANT: Yes, Darren presented several different options inside the Female Force line and I ultimately decided upon Princess Diana. Darren puts a lot of thought into who to cover – and who not to cover in the FF series – but I thought that Diana would be right up my alley. It took a couple days of thinking to get my head into it, but after reading some essays and watching some videos it really sunk in that doing a commemorative biography of Diana Princess of Wales would be ideal for me.
THE PULSE: Did you know a lot about Princess Diana or did you start to discover more about her after she was killed like a lot of us?
ARRANT: Prior to working on this book I had only read one book on Diana. Several years ago I read Andrew Morton’s book on Diana after her death. I was fascinated by the celebrity status she attained and the tragic ending of her life. My mother was a lifelong fan of her work, but it wasn’t until I read Diana Her True Story that I could see why people grew so attached to her.
 |
THE PULSE: What were some of the things you were surprised to learn about Princess Diana?
ARRANT: Princess Diana’s life was many things, but I was most surprised by is the amazing amount of willpower and intelligence she showed. Although she has famously called herself “thick as a plank” and is haunted by low scores in school, Diana’s ability to talk, negotiate and maneuver in the company she kept of royals, politicians and celebrity showed amazing tenacity and resourcefulness. Diana took the mantle of princess and broadened it to speak on important issues she saw in her travels, and forced the public to speak about such formerly taboo things such as AIDS.
And personally, her “comeback” after the very public divorce with Prince Charles was amazing. In examining her life as a whole I’m amazed by the flow of her life which simulated a three-act structure of a great play.
THE PULSE: So how did you figure out what to include here and what needed to be left out? After all you only had so many pages to tell your story ….
ARRANT: After Bluewater Publisher Darren and I agreed on the tone of the book, I wrote a very detailed timeline of all the events in Diana’s life, from her birth to the day of her funeral. All in all it amounted to over 300 entries into this timeline, and then around that I began identifying themes and narratives that were inherent in the course of her life. After all that was done, I pinpointed all of the must-have moments of the book – both in imagery and in substance, that really define Diana’s life. Using those moments, I did a very rough breakdown of the 22-pages into 1-page increments and used that as a roadmap to what the final book turned out to be.
My wife will tell you I’m all about using analogies to describe something, so imagine writing this book as if you’re planning a road trip. You have X days and you know what your big destination is, but you also look for smaller things to see on your way to and from the big destination. And along the way you might see something you hadn’t planned on and decide to stop, which is exactly what happened when writing the final script. Along the way there were two spots were I went off my outline to include some moments that were originally on the cutting room floor.
THE PULSE: Like what? What are some things we might see here that haven’t been too touched upon?
ARRANT: Well, Diana’s life has been covered in a number of articles, books, television series and movies so I can’t claim that I found any new territory. But in chronicling the defining moments of Diana’s life, the themes that began to appear really pushed me as a writer to explore the more personal side of her life, especially her interactions with her former husband and children. I strove to get to the bottom of why Diana might’ve fallen for Charles in the first place – was it because he was a Prince, or was their a real connection there?
 |
And with her children, the fact that she was a mother was well-known but getting past all the lights and media scrutiny, I researched very in-depth to discover and portray the real moments between a mother and her sons that some people might not know about.
THE PULSE: Were you able to talk to anyone who knew Diana?
ARRANT: Although I tried on several occasions and with several different people, unfortunately no I wasn’t about to talk with anyone who knew Diana closely. Instead I relied on second-hand information shown in books, articles and video pieces done on Diana.
THE PULSE: Do you think being able to talk to someone would have made things different in the long run?
ARRANT: Definitely. As a journalist, the quality of your sources and the ability to talk to them first hand really enriches the strength of a piece. But while I didn’t have first-hand access to any individuals close to Diana, I relied on the next best thing available.
THE PULSE: Right. You said your mom was a fan, what does she think of you working on this project?
ARRANT: Actually, she doesn’t know. I’ve been trying to keep a tight lid on it here on the home front so when the book finally comes out I can present her an actual copy of the book. She’s not very internet-savvy, so I think my secret is safe. [laughs]
 |
What do you think she’ll think?
THE PULSE: She’s a mom. She’ll be very proud! What did working on this project teach you about the ins and outs of the industry that you really hadn’t known yet?
ARRANT: Although I’ve done several comics before, this is my first full-length comic book. Short stories are like writing a perfect three-minute song, while doing a full-length comic is like doing a Led Zeppelin-esque epic 8 or 9 minute song. Every page was measured so I didn’t use too much bravado or pomp, while still delivering the goods and building up for those high moments. I learned a lot about pacing with this book.
THE PULSE: What was the editorial process like? Did they like what you did basically or were there a lot of changes being asked for? What’s that like?
ARRANT: Working as a comics journalist, I’ve heard and read a lot of horror stories about editorial changes. And even though I don’t work in comics full-time, I work with editors every day as a journalist and in a similar situation with clients as a graphic designer. For Female Force: Princess Diana, Darren was very hands-off to the editorial: we worked closely together in the beginning to figure out the shape and tone of the books, but once that was settled he gave me free range to write a great 22 page comic commemorating Princess Diana. Internally I went through several drafts, but Darren approved the one draft I sent to him – the final. And no rewrites!
THE PULSE: Who brought this story to life?
ARRANT: Andrew Yerrakadu did an amazing job drawing this book. Andrew’s done some work in the past online and with some smaller publishers, but for both of us this is our biggest project to date. You wouldn’t know it from looking, but he’s an attorney who works on comics by night. That sounds like a superhero, doesn’t it?
And rounding out the art team on this is colorist Kristy Swan and lettering by DigitalCAPS. Coloring might look easy to some, but it’s hard to do what Kristy does, especially with this kind of story where you’re balancing these real events while striving to create something that lives up to the image of Diana.
THE PULSE: What other projects are you working on?
ARRANT: I’ve got several projects in the works, including a full-length graphic novel of the short story Eric Adams and I did called Stuart which ran in Negative Burn and my self-published book Four Stories. I’ve also got a three-issue miniseries I’m hoping to get off the ground this month, I’m just looking for the right artist to make it sing.
Besides that, Darren and I are already talk about what I can do next for BlueWater — I’d really love the chance to do an issue of Vincent Price Presents.
******************************************************************
We’d like to thank Chris for letting us use this interview and fabulous preview of photos to promote the book and if you would like to order it please let us know. theprincessisin@princessdianabookboutique.com
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
.jpg)
Ever since the Virgin Megastore closed at Downtown Disney’s West Side, speculation has been rampant on what will go inside the shuttered space. The latest rumor states that an agreement has been signed between Disney and Maureen Rorech Dunkel, a woman who purchased 14 of the princess’s dresses just weeks before her death, to display them at Downtown Disney.Click here to read the report.
Since this rumor is not confirmed. there is no word on whether there will be an admission charge to view the dresses if they do indeed come to Disney. There is also the question of whether the display would be permanent or just a temporary attraction until something else moves into the enormous store.
The Disney name is certainly tied closely to princesses, albeit the fictional kind. Time will tell whether Diana (pictured at right), a real-life princess who had a not so happily ever after, will join them.
Since this rumor is not confirmed. there is no word on whether there will be an admission charge to view the dresses if they do indeed come to Disney. There is also the question of whether the display would be permanent or just a temporary attraction until something else moves into the enormous store.
The Disney name is certainly tied closely to princesses, albeit the fictional kind. Time will tell whether Diana (pictured at right), a real-life princess who had a not so happily ever after, will join them.
Ever since the Virgin Megastore closed at Downtown Disney’s West Side, speculation has been rampant on what will go inside the shuttered space. The latest rumor states that an agreement has been signed between Disney and Maureen Rorech Dunkel, a woman who purchased 14 of the princess’s dresses just weeks before her death, to display them at Downtown Disney.Click here to read the report.
Since this rumor is not confirmed. there is no word on whether there will be an admission charge to view the dresses if they do indeed come to Disney. There is also the question of whether the display would be permanent or just a temporary attraction until something else moves into the enormous store.
The Disney name is certainly tied closely to princesses, albeit the fictional kind. Time will tell whether Diana (pictured at right), a real-life princess who had a not so happily ever after, will join them.
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
Catherine Walker (born in 1945) designed this dress which Princess Di commissioned for an official visit to Hong Kong in November, 1989.
Catherine Walker said about her design, “I chose pearls because they seemed so appropriate for a visit to the Orient.”The dress is made of silk with oyster pearls and sequins. Embroidery was by 5 Lock LTD. What a thrill it must have been to work on this dress
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
The new exhibit at Downtown Disney showcases the many lives of the late Princess Diana, from childhood to princess to mum to philanthropist to icon.
During a walk-through of “Diana — the People’s Princess,” I was reminded that royals are people, too. The displays show off hundreds of regal artifacts, including some chic, rarely-seen-in-America dresses, but what stuck with me are the hundreds of items showing Diana’s human touches.
For instance, on display is a blanket that the princess used in Balmoral, the castle in Scotland. She would get chilly, just like real people, right? And maybe someone in the castle was a cover hog because stitched along the edge is a tag that reads “HRH Princess of Wales.” Hands off, the princess has spoken.
There are many handwritten pieces as well. Diana was prompt in her thank-you cards, and she wrote out birthday invitations that look like they could have been purchased at Party City.
On one wall is a handwritten schedule for her hair appointments. Some days have an additional notation — “tiara” — for days that a crown-friendly ‘do was required.
On the royal side, the dresses are impressive and flanked by photos of Diana wearing them. Most familiar might the black velvet V- neck ensemble she wore for an official portrait in 1985. What you can’t see in that portrait is the cool, elegant back, topped by a decorative rose at the back of the neck.
In the back is a plaid dress that Diana wore to an event in Scotland.
“She was very astute in matching her fashion to the country or institution she was visiting,” says Maureen Rorech Dunkel, founder of The People’s Princess Charitable Foundation, which is presenting the exhibit.
A series of larger-than-life photographs serves as a timeline for her fashion evolution.
“I’m trying to hone into her multiples identities,” Dunkel says.
Many of the displays are oversized, which is a good thing considering the size of the room. The displays wind around the ground floor of the building, which housed the Virgin Megastore until the entire chain closed earlier this year. Giant banners and photographs dangle from the rafters as well as on the exterior of the building, where images of rock singers and pop stars used to hang out.
Diana’s death is covered without being too maudlin. Notable items within a memorial case are Elton John‘s “Candle in the Wind” music and a ceremonial jacket worn by a pallbearer. Nearby is a large representation of the thousands of flowers that mourners placed at the palace gate.
The exhibit typically takes 35 to 45 minutes to experience, Dunkel says. Frankly, I would have guessed longer — there are so many little things to absorb. And larger pieces such as the doll-sized replica of Diana’s wedding dress (and 25-foot train) are time-consuming items. But don’t take a picture — photography is extremely restricted.
The artifacts will be at Downtown Disney through November. It’s easy to imagine making a night of Cirque du Soleil or dinner with Diana for dessert. Sweet.
COURTESY OF ORLANDO SENTINEL.COM
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
We would like to highlight this rarely seen collectible from Princess Diana’s Wedding in 1981. Poet Laureate John Betjeman wrote the official poem or ode for their wedding. Only 125 copies exist in the world. Single sheet in red and blue decorative print. Some were signed by the poet.
Posted in NEWS CLIPS | Leave a Comment »
Diana and Charles in Hyde Park for the Pavarotti concert 1991. In the rain, expressions on their faces say it all. We are going to be showcasing some rare photos over the next month from our extensive photo archives. Stay tuned!
Posted in Photos | Leave a Comment »
A black velvet strapless evening gown edged with silk grosgrain and with three large diamonte buttons to front. This dress was a favourite of the Princess of Wales, she was often photographed wearing it during the Winter of 1988/1989 and when sitting for her portrait specified that her figure wore this dress the best. The clean, sophisticated lines of this dress show how Diana was moving away from the frilly, girlie designs of the first years of her marriage. Victor Edelstein became a favourite designer of the Princess of Wales
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
|
LETTERS ARE ON EBAY FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN PURSUING THEM! 2001 INTERVIEW PUBLISHED ABOVE IN TORONTO
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
We are delighted to show a very rare leather edition of the Tribute in Dress Book from 1998, published by the Memorial Fund chaired by Paul Burrell her former butler. Absolutely luxurious volume with gilt and moire. We know of no other place to find it! If you are interested in purchasing it and would like more details please contact us at the Princess Diana Book Boutique.
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
WE HAVE A NEW CARDIGAN STYLE SHEEP SWEATER JUST IN!
WWW.PRINCESSDIANABOOKBOUTIQUE.COM
By Camilla Tominey and Charlie Wells – UK DAILY EXPRESS
A WOOLLY jumper like the one made famous by Princess Diana is set to be a catwalk sensation.
French fashion house Chloe has designed a £155 red jumper with white sheep, similar to the one Diana used to wear in the Eighties.
It might look like something your granny knitted but designer woolly jumpers like this are poised to be all the rage this winter.
Fashion followers have already started snapping up the sweaters, which are perfect in the credit crunch as they can often be found buried at the back of wardrobes or on the rails of charity shops. With knitting back in vogue again, do-it-yourself is even an option.
Diana was photographed in the jumper, which featured one black sheep in the flock, at a polo match at Smith’s Lawn Polo Club in Windsor, Berkshire, in June 1983.
It was designed by Joanna Osborne and Sally Muir, whose company Warm and Wonderful was propelled to fame after pictures of Diana in the sweater were splashed across front pages. It was a gift from the mother of one of the Princess’s pageboys.
Tomorrow is the 12th anniversary of Diana’s death in a Paris car crash. Mourners are expected to lay tributes at the Pont D’Alma, the tunnel where she died, at Kensington Palace in London where she lived, and at Althorp in Northamptonshire, where she grew up and is buried.
UPDATE – WE HAVE A NEW SHEEP SWEATER IN THE BOUTIQUE!
http://www.princessdianabookboutique.com/store/products/details/?product=4130
THE PATTERNS FOR THESE SWEATERS ARE AVAILABLE HERE:
http://www.princessdianabookboutique.com/store/products/details/?product=3040
Posted in Fashions, NEWS CLIPS, Photos, princess diana | 1 Comment »
Last Tuesday was the 12th anniversary of the death of Princess Diana, following a car accident in the underground tunnel at Pont de L’Alma in Paris. Her death brought about an unprecedented outpouring of grief and anger directed at the British royal family for their treatment of her.
The famous British barrister Michael Mansfield, QC, who handled dozens of high-profile cases, from the Birmingham Six to Stephen Lawrence, has now said in his riveting new book, Memoirs of a Radical Lawyer, that he “cannot accept the idea that the Alma tunnel tragedy was an accident; they probably hope that it would be perceived as such”.
This is not the first time such claims have been made. Two years before her death, Diana had told Lord Mishcon, her solicitor, that “efforts would be made if not to get rid of her (be it a car accident with brake failure or whatever) at least to see that she was so injured or damaged as to be declared unbalanced”. Paul Burrell, Diana’s butler, also disclosed a note by Diana, which he maintained she wrote in 1996, saying “This particular phase in my life is the most dangerous — my husband is planning ‘an accident’ in my car. Brake failure and serious head injury in order to make the path clear for him to marry”.
Many saw this as an instance of paranoia on Diana’s part. Michael Mansfield, a wealthy man, who acted for Mohamed Al Fayed at the inquest into the deaths of Princess Diana and her lover Dodi Al Fayed in April 2008, pointed out that he took the case, not for money, but “out of interest and a real sympathy for Al Fayed who had been unceasingly and erroneously attacked for wanting to know what any grieving parent would want: why his child died”.
He said:”There are still unanswered questions regarding the tragic accident that took place in the Alma tunnel.”
He further pointed out that on April 7, 2008, the jury at the inquest came to the conclusion, not that it was a tragic accident, but returned a verdict of “unlawful killing by the drivers of both the Mercedes and the following vehicles”. The “following vehicles” referred to were not those of the paparazzi, as many thought, but other vehicles including the infamous white Fiat which apparently had no more than glancing contact with the Mercedes carrying Dodi and Diana, but also a dark car in front of the Princess’s car, which slowed it down, and also a large motorbike tailgating it. There had also been witnesses in the tunnel, Benoit Boura and Gaelle L’Hostis, who saw the Mercedes sandwiched between a dark blocking vehicle immediately in front, with which the Mercedes had collided before it hit the 13th pillar and skewed across the road, hitting the far wall of the tunnel, and a large motorcycle right behind. Neither vehicle was traced. Two other witnesses, Clifford Gooroovadoo and Olivier Partouche, who were on foot near the entrance to the tunnel, confirmed seeing both the dark car and the motorcycle, but Partouche also thought he saw flashes of light before the vehicles disappeared into the underpass.
In days of yore, it was customary to read a fairy story to children at bedtime. Rapunzel and Rumpelstiltskin spring to mind. Both of the heroines in the stories were locked in isolation in towers. They, of course, had happy endings, being rescued by handsome princes.
A couple of television documentaries last week covered Diana’s life and I was shocked all over again by how callously this young girl was treated by the House of Windsor.
In 1980, Prince Charles, having played the field for a number of years, was in his 30s and under pressure to marry and produce an heir and a spare.
He had dated Sabrina Guinness, Susan George, Helga Wagner, Lucia Santa Cruz, the daughter of the Chilean Ambassador, reputed to have introduced him to Camilla Shand — later Parker Bowles — in 1971 and countless others. He missed the boat first time around with Camilla in the Seventies, as he went off to sea and she married someone else. It was rumoured too that his Mama did not think she was suitable. The family and the establishment had a good look around for a suitable bride, who had to be a virgin. They came up with the young and innocent Diana Spencer, 19-year-old younger sister of Lady Sarah Spencer, whom he had also dated.
In their engagement interview, when asked if they were in love, Diana said coyly, from under her fringe, “of course”, while Charles said “whatever that is”. Diana was already aware of Camilla just before the wedding, and nearly called it off. Coming down the aisle with Prince Charles after their marriage she looked like a creamy innocent fawn, so young, so inexperienced, it was heartbreaking.
Trouble started on the honeymoon, when it was clear Charles was still in touch with Camilla but pettiness really set in when they were doing walkabouts on a royal tour of Australia. People wanted to see Diana up close rather than her prince.
Diana said Charles resumed his relationship with Camilla Parker Bowles in 1983, and she received little sympathy with her post-natal depression after the birth of her two boys. She had produced the heir and the spare. Diana didn’t realise that she was supposed to do like other royal brides before her, Queen Alexandra, for example, and turn a blind eye to her husband’s philandering. Windsor spokespersons began to refer to her as unstable. She herself referred very openly to her post natal depression in later interviews .
In some of the footage shown last week from the Eighties, Diana was shockingly skeletal. Is it any wonder? She was absolutely isolated by the Windsors. She said her post would go missing. She said she was watched all the time. But she also admitted to being bulimic. When the separation eventually came, she was sent to live in splendid isolation in Kensington Palace.
Diana collaborated in 1992 with Andrew Morton in a ‘tell all’ book. This was an absolutely sensational thing for a royal
to do, but she was maturing and fighting back. You could see it in her face as the years went on. Divorce ensued, and both gave sensational interviews. The Palace seemed petty as they stripped the mother of the future King of her HRH title. By 1997, the inexperienced and gauche young girl had turned into a sexy superstar and a continual thorn in the side of the Windsors. She was looking for a meaningful role on the world stage for herself, and campaigned against landmines, making a highly publicised visit to Angola in January 1997.
She was described in some quarters as being a “loose cannon” and interfering in political affairs.
Diana always said she was never going to go quietly, there wasn’t a lot of coverage on mainstream British television of the anniversary, but Michael Mansfield is keeping her torch alight. The Irish Independent
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
We love the tartans at Braemar! The Recent Games were just held on September 5, 2009. Diana always had a wonderfully fashionable tartan outfit. Here she is in the Caroline Charles outfit and the Glengarry Cap outfit.
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
Princess Diana’s Klondike Ensemble is a Pink/Peach Silk Period Dress and Hat in the style of 1880 worn by her during a Royal Tour to Canada in 1983. The dress is a form-fitting princess line gown of wild silk, with swagged overskirt ruched at sides and back to reveal a silk lace flounced underskirt and back train; the lace is repeated at the collar, bodice jabot and cuffs. The dress also contains interior bodice boning. The hat consists of cream petal straw trimmed with period velours au sabre silk ribbon, silk flowers and pearl sprigs. Both the dress and hat are currently in excellent condition. Princess Diana wore the dress and hat June 1983, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, at a Klondike period gala event. The event was part of the Prince and Princess’s Canadian Royal Tour of that year. In need of an appropriate gown for the occasion, she chose this one from a selection of period pieces brought to her at Kensington Palace by Oscar-winning costume designer John Bright, at whose studio, Cosprop, the dress was made. This dress, which Diana mischievously chose, was first worn by Francesca Annis in the 1978 mini-series “Lillie” (Lillie Langtry (“Lillie”), along with Prince Charles’s mistress Camilla Parker Bowles’s great-grandmother, Alice Keppel, had both been mistresses of Charles’s great-great grandfather Edward VII when he was Prince of Wales in the late 1800’s [98]).
Linda Mattock [77] had designed this dress as a “Langtry” dress, exemplifying the essence of Lillie’s style. Diana then had the Klondike dress personally fitted on her by Mr. Bright and he altered it to her measurements. Mr. Bright also designed and made the hat specifically for Diana to wear with the dress. After Princess Diana wore the dress and hat, John Bright stored them until they were sold in association with Bonham’s of London to Dr. Michael H. Smith for the benefit of MediCinema (a charitable organization that enhances the care of hospital patients by providing free film screenings to them and their families) [66]. The dress is currently on loan to Kensington Palace. The fairy-tale princess-like Klondike dress and hat is one of Diana’s most published ensembles, with pictures or articles of her wearing it appearing in over 100 publications, including books, newspapers, magazines, CD ROMs, web pages, postcards and videos.
Posted in Fashions, NEWS CLIPS, Photos | Leave a Comment »
This tweed sports suit, worn for the famous photo shoot in the grounds of Balmoral, was made for Princess Diana’s honeymoon by designer Bill Pashley. Two copies were made and Diana chose the larger one as there was more room in the shoulders for shooting. The Princess of Wales asked Mr Pashley not to make the design for anyone else. He kept his word and stored the smaller unworn suit in a cupboard in his studio, only rediscovering it during a clean-out earlier this year. The designer generously donated the ensemble to Historic Royal Palaces. It is rare to find an informal outfit created for the Princess of Wales in a public collection: most are evening dresses. UK Independent
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
This unique out of print book gives one a guided tour of over 300 British shops and manufacturers who provide the Royal Family, by appointment, with everything from nightware to dog kennels to champagne. Whether you would like to live like a Queen or dress like a princess this book shows you how. For those of you interested in where Diana shopped – where she bought the red sheep sweater and other items – this book tells you. Informative and largely forgotten book on Royal Shopping – included with photos throughout.
http://www.princessdianabookboutique.com/store/products/details/?product=3038
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
With the resurgence of interest in the various 1980′s whimsically designed sweaters and other clothing of Princess Diana, we are excited to announce that we will soon be offering limited quantities of some of the more popular items such as the Red Sheep Black Sheep Sweater and its variations (a really neat black one with red and white sheep!) as well as a couple other sweaters she made popular in the 1980′s. We will also have other replica clothing items as well. We have had numerous requests for the sheep sweater and if there are other items you are searching for please let us know! We will do our best to locate them for you!
Stay tuned to the Princess Diana Book Boutique for more items under the new category – Princess Diana Replica Sweaters/Clothing!
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
LATE Princess Diana was truly a people’s princess, who is still popular with the same epithet, even after more than ten years of her death. Her belongings have been treated as souvenirs, with fans ready to shell out millions for them.
Since her untimely, tragic death in 1997, her items have been auctioned to collect donations for charity. The princess, before her death, used to work tirelessly for several charity organisations across the world, including those in poverty ridden Africa and developing Asia.
In one such auction, a thanksgiving letter written by Diana to her friend, fetched 800 pounds. The letter was written to Bruce Oldfield and business partner Anita, on December 20, 1988, to express her thanks for the blouse she got tailored for herself from the designer friend. The auction was organised during a show on the popular BBC programme, BBC2 Show, for a charity firm, Bernado’s, working for the welfare of children.
“I do love my Christmas present and how smart it is. You are incredibly kind to have given it to me and I am overwhelmed and speechless (makes a change!) by the arrival. I have never been able to keep a parcel until the right day so I fear I’ve opened it immediately. Thank you both more than I can possibly say for thinking of me. Lots of love from Diana,” she wrote in the letter.
The designer Bruce who too was raised in Bernado’s, was euphoric with the response generated by the letter. He said, “It’s wonderful that they made such a staggering amount.” He further added “I’m sure Princess Diana would be pleased that a simple card and thank you letter would help to support a charity of which she was president.”
Starting from the mid eighties, until her death, she had tirelessly worked for AIDS awareness, under privileged children, leprosy, women empowerment, welfare of the elderly and the youth. MeriNews Source.
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
Princess Diana on a royal visit for the official opening of the community centre on Whitehall Road, Bristol in May 1987.
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
This gorgeous winter white Bruce Oldfield design is part of the Kensington Palace Collection on display at the Palace. The neckline is deep and cut square at the back. The overjacket is of silk lace and the bodice has short sleeves comprising three lace frills with two deeper flounces and the waistline, caught by a satin belt. This dress was worn by the Princess at a State Banquet given at Buckingham Palace for President Mubarak of Egypt.
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
A new set of Princess Diana letters is to be auctioned in February next year, expected to bring in over £20,000. The letters, written to Diana’s beautician Janet Filderman in the 1980s, tell tales of her young children’s antics at Christmas, how Diana was unable to resist opening Christmas gifts in advance (a habit that she apparently passed on to William), and how difficult, at times, she found life as the forefront of everything.
Penned in large looping letters, the missives will be sold off on February 13 by International Autograph Auctions at the Radisson Edwardian Hotel in Heathrow, London.
Princess Diana’s letters are an interesting glimpse into a character who, even 12 years after her death, is searched for daily on the Internet. She is the #4 Search on the internet according to AskJeeves.com.
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
The regal photo of Diana at Highgrove, 1981. Collingwood Jewellers diamond necklace and matching earrings. The jeweller had wanted to gift Diana of these two pieces of jewellery at the time of her wedding but the Palace thought it too grand a gift for the new Princess. Pity, they are gorgeous. They were subsequently sold to an Iranian buyer.
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
For those of you who can’t get enough of Diana’s Tiaras here is one more! If you are heading to Atlanta for the Diana A Celebration Exhibit it will be there on display! Thanks to Arts and Exhibitions International for the Press Photo!
The Spencer Tiara c.1830
A gold tiara in the form of scrolling foliage and tulip and star shaped flowers decorated with diamonds in silver settings. Although the Spencer tiara is traditionally believed to have been made in 1767 the style would suggest a date around the 1830s. The tiara has been remounted in the 20th century and the small scrolls at either end are what remains of an earlier setting.
We will soon have a book of Tiaras on sale in the Boutique. Please contact us if you are interested in purchasing one!
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
The Wedding Slippers were made by Clive Shilton of embroidered ivory silk and detailed with mother of pearl sequins. Heart shaped rosette with lace on the vamp of each shoe. Completing the look is a tooled leather sole done by hand with gold and a fleurette pattern including the CD insignia with a heart. Two pairs of these slippers where made for her in case of emergency on the wedding day itself. Lovely!
Posted in Fashions | Leave a Comment »
Worn to the Pavarotti Concert in Hyde Park London in 1991. Her most famous photo wearing this outfit is when she got soaked in the rain at the concert.
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
Versace Couture Satin Dress with one shoulder jeweled tie and beaded seed pearl trim rope pendant. Famously worn on the Cover of Vanity Fair’s Black and White Issue July 1997 for the publicity of her dresses sale during the photo shoot with Mario Testino.
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
PEARL AND GOLD ENCRUSTED SHALWAR KAMEEZ WORN IN LONDON 1996 AT THE DORCHESTER HOTEL FOR IMRAN KHAN’S CANCER BENEFIT RECEPTION. GIFT FROM KHAN’S WIFE JEMIMA, DESIGNER UNKNOWN.
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
Attention all Diana Fans! We’ve got more dress and jewellry photos coming soon. Many of the unseen dress photos you see are from the Diana Celebration Book from Japan. It is available in my boutique if you are interested in owning a copy! It is a hardcover book and extremely nice! A one time publication and much much nicer than the one for sale during the tour in the USA.
http://www.princessdianabookboutique.com/store/products/details/?product=188
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
This is one of the original T Shirts made for Princess Diana’s trip to New York City in 1989. This is not a reproduction but the original shirt from the tour. These shirts were produced in limited quantities and are today very scarce. The shirt is listed in Charles Noble’s book, Collecting on A Princess, as a rare collectible!
http://www.princessdianabookboutique.com/store/products/details/?product=4007
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
Dresses of Inspiration Hardcover now available!
www.princessdianabookboutique.com/store/products/details/?product=4035
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
If you haven’t been to the exhibit yet in Naples, Florida at the Von Liebig Art Center do try to go! The exhibition of Diana’s dresses is wonderful and there are other items of Diana memorabilia there to see as well including letters she wrote by hand, greeting cards, a collection of all the Christmas Cards from both she and Charles and hers after their separation. The book is in the boutique for sale and it does have all the dresses in it. The exhibition runs through June 2010. Below are some of the dresses you will see in the book and which were on display at the show.
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
ICONIC DRESSES WORN BY PRINCESS DIANA UP FOR AUCTION
By Rebecca English
13th April 2010
Daring: Diana wore the black Emanuel evening gown aged 19 in 1981. It is expected to fetch £50,000 at auctionIt was the daring black dress that set a thousand flashbulbs popping – and launched a worldwide obsession with Princess Diana’s style that still endures today.
Now fans will be given the chance to buy the iconic taffeta Emanuel creation worn by the 19-year-old royal-in-waiting for her first official appearance with fiancé, Prince Charles.
The gown – thought by teenage Diana to be the epitome of grown-up glamour, but one that left staid palace courtiers spluttering into their G&Ts – is set to fetch up to £50,000 when it comes up for auction in June.
It is one of 30 lots being put up for sale in June by designers David and Elizabeth Emanuel, who were instrumental in shaping the young princess’s interest in fashion.
Among them is the chiffon blouse worn by the then Lady Diana Spencer for her engagement portrait taken by Lord Snowdon, estimated at £10,000-£15,000.
The auction also includes original sketches of her wedding dress, which could reach £1,200 [pictured], its final calico ‘toile’ which is estimated at £8,000 to £12,000 – and even an ivory paper taffeta bridal gown which was used by the princess for fittings (est £2,000-£3,000).
Also of interest are a voluminous ivory tulle petticoat worn by Diana to her wedding dress rehearsal in July 1981 [pictured] (est £600-£1,000), a book of invoices and letters relating to the wedding gown (est £600 to £900) and sketches of dresses worn for her ‘Gulf’ tour in 1986 [pictured] (est £1,200-£1,800).
There is even a folder charting the princess’s measurements between 1981 and 1987 (est £400-£600) – a period when she was suffering from severe anorexia and bulemia and pregnant with her two sons.
The black dress, worn by Diana to a charity ball at Goldsmiths’ Hall in the City in March 1981, will be particularly attractive to collectors, however, because of the way in which it instantly catapulted her onto the world stage.
Until that moment members of the royal family were not known for their fashion credentials, black was a colour almost solely reserved for mourning and princesses were definitely not prone to displaying such a daring amount of decolletage.
Reminiscing about the dress recently, Miss Emanuel said: ‘The transformation was incredible. She arrived [at her studio] looking like the nursery school teacher she was, but now she looked like a movie star.
‘We gave her the dress and a little shawl to go with it so she could cover up on the night and away she went.
An original sketch of the silk ‘Gulf’ dress worn by Diana in Bahrain in 1986; right, the chiffon blouse she wore for her engagement portrait in 1980
‘We hadn’t considered the fact that when Diana bent over – as she would have to do when getting out of the car – she would show quite a lot of cleavage. We just thought she looked fabulous.’
Rumours abounded at the time that Diana had been forced to destroy the dress because her in-laws were so shocked it about.
In fact she adored it and returned it the Emanuels only to be altered because she had lost so much weight.
Unfortunately the changes required would have been so drastic that the couple decided it was easier to remake her smaller version.
The tulle petticoat worn by Diana for her wedding rehearsal at St Paul’s (left) and right, the original sketch of the wedding dress, submitted to Diana in 1981
As for the original, it was kept in a storeroom and only recently re-discovered, 19 years after it first created such a stir.
The dress will go under the hammer on June 8 in London at specialist vintage fashion auctioneers Kerry Taylor Auctions.
Miss Taylor said yesterday: ‘The Emanuel Archive contains lots of rare memorabilia and ranges from actual clothes form by the princess to fashion sketches, invoices, and letters. It records the emergence and transformation of Lady Diana Spencer to the style icon we know today.
‘The petticoat she wore to her wedding rehearsal could even be bought by another bride-to-be and turned into their own wedding dress.’
For more information see www.kerrytaylorauctions.com
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
An extraordinary journey retracing step by step the hidden streets of Princess Diana’s Capital.
http://www.princessdianabookboutique.com/store/products/details/?product=3016
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
Scarlet Dinner Gown worn privately by Princess Diana. Lot 67 at Christie’s Auction. Long beaded bodice. Rarely seen. Designer was Bruce Oldfield.
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
I am so thrilled at the response to our blog. To our fans, and in particular our international fans, I thank you. Be assured that more great Diana information and photos which you all love, is forthcoming and be sure to visit our website for great Diana books and memorabilia. We entertain all offers on items so please write to us. In the meantime, thank you so very much for making us a very popular blog on Princess Diana!!
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
Worn for private dinners only, this Catherine Walker Gown has a white satin color and cuffs. It was part of Christie’s Auction Lot 36 and is in the auction book listed as selling for $28,750.
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
Worn at the Barbicon in London in 1992 and again in Hong Kong, it was designed by Valentino. Photo from the Diana a Celebration book from Japan which covers an amazing amount of her wardrobe. Book is available in our boutique. Diana also wore the dress in Lille, France at a concert given by Paul and Linda McCartney.
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
In 1995, it was clear that Diana was beginning to enjoy her independent life. She wore this Christian LaCroix dress to the Petit Palais in Paris and it was a real showpiece. With its bow in front and matching red shoes and nails she looked anything but royal.
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
1. The PoltiMore Tiara – Owned and Worn by Princess Margaret on her Wedding Day and on subsequent occasions in her lifetime. Sold at Christie’s Auction.
2. The Queen Victoria Ruby and Diamond Tiara.
3. The Queen Victoria Emerald and Diamond Tiara.
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
Princess Diana may be gone, but she’s certainly not forgotten.
The daring black taffeta gown that she wore for her first public appearance as Prince Charles fiancée, fetched a whopping £192,000 (about $276,621) at Kerry Taylor Auctions in London yesterday. Bought by Chilean fashion museum Fundación Museo De La Moda, the dress — designed by Elizabeth Emanuel and David Emanuel — was sold along with an original copy of the invoice, fashion sketches, and photographs of Di wearing it.
“As the weeks before her wedding progressed, Diana lost so much weight that she returned the gown to the Emanuels to have it taken in,” explained auctioneer Kerry Taylor at yesterday’s sale. “The alterations required were so drastic that they decided it would be easier to re-make a smaller version for her. They kept the original and forgot about it only re-discovering it quite recently.”
A bold choice at the time for its color — which was reserved for funerals in royal circles — and its somewhat revealing nature, the strapless dress established Princess Diana as a budding fashion icon.
Jorge Yarur, founder of the museum that bought the dress, said that upon his death, Princess Diana’s dress will be returned home, donated to Kensington Palace.
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
The Necklace:
”Brilliant cut diamond & marquise diamond scroll motif center with South Sea cultured pearl five stone & marquise diamond fringe drop, to a brilliant cut diamond two row collet back chain tapering to a single row mounted in platinum claw set, with an integral box clasp. It contains:
5 matching cultured pearls 12mm
11 marquise diamonds 7.71 carat
3 marquise diamonds 0.88 carat
164 diamonds 42.35 carat
The Earrings:
A pair of brilliant cut diamond and marquise diamond fancy cluster top South Sea cultured pearl drop earrings, mounted in platinum, claw set, to peg and clip fittings
2 matching cultured pearls 12mm
6 marquise diamonds 1.87 carat
30 diamonds 9.38 carat
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
Why is Earl Spencer such a Mean Father?
Article From the Daily Mail, London…..
Serial adulterer. Hypocrite. Bully. And a reputation, effortlessly acquired, for insensitivity bordering on the boorish.
Earl Spencer has been accused of many things down the years. Sometimes it has seemed as if the Spencer name could hardly sink any lower. Maybe it can.
The reason for this observation can be found in the contents of a High Court writ served on the lawyers who represented him in his bitter divorce from his second wife Caroline, the mother of his children, Ned, six, and Lara, four.
Lawsuit: Earl Spencer with his ex-wife Caroline
The case is about alleged failings in the legal advice Charles Spencer received that resulted, he says, in Caroline getting an extra £1 million as part of her final settlement.
Behind those bare facts, however, lies the full story. For the information contained in the document probably tells us more about Charles Spencer himself than any interview; in particular what some might construe as his ‘penny pinching’ attitude.
Princess Diana’s brother, after all, is one of Britain’s wealthiest men, with a personal fortune of around £100 million. Yet, we now know he was unhappy about the amount of money that should be set aside to provide for his own flesh and blood.
The proof is there, in black and white, on Page 31 of the writ.
Ned and Lara will each get £30,000 a year. These payments will continue until his son and daughter (the earl also has four older children from his first marriage) complete their secondary education.
But what did their father think he should have paid for their upkeep? Answer: £25,000. In other words, a £5,000 per child per year saving for the man with the £100 million fortune.
Apart from the £30,000, Ned and Lara will also get £26,000 a year each for such things as ‘domestic assistance’ and medical bills. Their father, on the other hand, wanted to pay them £15,000 each.
The Earl was given credit for his impassioned address at the funeral of his sister Princess Diana, in 1997
Now, to you or me, the sums might seem enormous. But bear in mind that putting the children through private education alone - if that is what their mother chooses for them - could eat up much of that money. The fees at top public schools such as Eton, which the Earl himself attended, come close to £30,000 a year. Charles Spencer blames his barrister Sir Nicholas Mostyn, QC, and his colleagues for having to dig deeper into his pockets to provide for his own family.
They did not warn him, he says, that changes in the law meant his divorce hearing last year would not be in private. To avoid the public gaze, he settled out of court. He insists his negotiating strategy would have changed had he been informed of the rule change earlier.
It meant, he said, that Caroline, 42, - former wife of media guru Matthew Freud and known to friends as ‘Pidge’ - eventually walked away with a £5.65 million settlement, instead of £4.5 million.
Surely no one who has any knowledge of Charles Spencer’s track record as a husband would begrudge her a single penny. He and Caroline had been together for six years when he left her in 2006 for a glamorous American reporter who had been sent by her TV station to interview him. After 18 months he dumped her, too.
The very thing Charles Spencer feared most, of course - his private life being opened up to public scrutiny - has now come to pass because of his lawsuit. Not that Charles Spencer thinks he has done anything wrong. He never does.
In his own eyes, at least, he is the victim: of the Press (‘vicious’, ‘ vindictive’, ‘dishonest’ and ‘highly intrusive’ is how his writ describes the media); and of Caroline herself, whose original requests during their divorce negotiations he deemed to be ‘beyond any reasonable expectation’.
What his divorce document doesn’t disclose is the exact fate of the former martial home; the Georgian townhouse, with elegant porticoed facade and overlooking Regent’s Canal in North West London, where Caroline and the children - his children - had been living happily since their parents separated four years ago and where Caroline wanted to remain.
It is believed to have been the principal reason why their divorce dragged on for so long.
The sticking point has now been resolved. As part of the settlement, Charles has got the house and Caroline has moved out into rented accommodation.
So much for Charles Spencer’s devotion to his ‘blood family’, which he famously referred to in his impassioned address at his sister Princess Diana’s funeral in 1997.
But then what should we expect from a man who has shown such a shameless approach throughout his personal life?
During his first divorce in 1997, from model Victoria Lockwood, the mother of his four other children, she claimed he was a pathological philanderer in the five months that she was in an addiction clinic battling anorexia and drinking problems. Spencer denies these claims.
The disregard manifested itself in other ways. At a party, when he was reminded of his late father’s remark that he should stick with Victoria through ‘thick and thin’, Spencer famously joked to guests that Victoria was ‘thin, and certainly thick.’ He insists this was not meant to be taken seriously.
The Earl with his first wife, South African model Victoria Lockwood. The pair are seen here holding their twins
His divorce from Victoria was settled in South Africa, avoiding an expensive English divorce award. Victoria, 45, mother of Kitty, 19, twins Eliza and Katya, 18, and Louis, 16, still lives in Cape Town.
After Victoria came Caroline, of course. We have already mentioned how he walked out on her for another woman four years ago.
She was American television reporter Coleen Sullivan. The glamorous Coleen threw up her career - and a long-term fiance - to make her life with Charles Spencer in England after going to interview him at Althorp about Princess Diana. After two years, he decided that life without Coleen would be preferable to life with her.
Back in Bonny Doon, a dusty township south of San Francisco, her father Michael Sullivan, screwed up his face when asked this week about his daughter’s relationship with Spencer. ‘He’s a jerk,’ declared Mr Sullivan, a former police officer in his 60s. ‘He [Spencer] can’t handle strong women.’
It seems that Coleen took exception to his unreasonable behaviour and was not afraid to speak her mind. ‘My daughter spoke up and said: “Hey, you can’t do that,” ‘ recalls Mr Sullivan. ‘And he couldn’t take it. She’s much better off without him.’ Coleen is now working as an anchor for a TV station in southern California.
As for the Earl? Well, he now divides his time between London, his family’s ancestral seat at Althorp in Northamptonshire, and Cornwall, where his new girlfriend has a home.
A tribute in memory of the Princess was laid by the Spencer family at Althorp House, Northampton
When he is in London, the Earl’s gleaming Maserati can be seen parked outside the house. Even the cheapest Maserati, combining Italian style and engineering perfection, costs in excess of £50,000, which, it could be argued, rather puts those
‘maintenance payments’ into perspective.
The latest woman on his arm, Bianca Eliot, 34, a mother of three and widow of the late Bohemian aristocrat Jago Eliot, has a grace-and-favour home in the Cornish village of Tideford, on the Port Eliot estate of her father-in-law, the Earl of St Germans.
The couple met at the Groucho Club in Soho two years ago. Spencer proposed in March and the couple are said to be planning a wedding possibly as early as September, raising the unlikely prospect of Earl Spencer one day becoming the nominal head by marriage of both the 6,000acre Port Eliot estate, as well as Althorp, with an extended family of nine children ranging in age from four to 19.
The irony, of course, is that throughout his life, Charles Spencer has shown he is ill-suited to family life. That is evident, some might say, from the writ he has now served on his team of lawyers.
The maintenance payments must be nothing more than small change to Charles Spencer. But having said that, the upkeep of Althorp, which is shrouded in scaffolding, is a major financial drain. Items from the family’s estate, you may remember, including a Rubens painting, were recently sold at auction to raise £10 million for a new roof.
Also, the number of paying visitors visiting Althorp is down because of all the building work. (Inquiries into any details of the earl’s finances lead to an immediate letter from his libel lawyers).
But let’s return to the divorce lawyers at the centre of our story.
Charles Spencer’s writ discloses embarrassing remarks his barrister Sir Nicholas made about the High Court judge who decided the Spencers’ divorce hearing in June 2009 should be open to the Press.
And it was this aspect of the case that made the papers this week, rather than the more fascinating details about Charles Spencer and the levels of financial provision he has made for his children.
Perhaps it was understandable in the circumstances.
Sir Nicholas, a keen farmer, named seven pigs after the judge in disgust at his verdict in an email to his client, including: ‘Selfregarding’, ‘Pompous’ and ‘Pillock’ - names, no doubt, earl Spencer’s critics would claim apply equally to him.
With perhaps one other: ‘Penny Pinching.’
A collection of items from Althorp auctioned a Christie’s earlier this month
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
Three extraordinary sales of forgotten treasures found at the ancestral home of the Spencer family are expected to yield £20 million. Elizabeth Grice reports
£300 – £500 Two Althorp Estate beech grain shovels from the late 19th century Photo: CHRISTIE’S
£15,000 – £25,000 One of four Victorian glass and velvet centrepieces
£200 – £300 A Victorian gilt metal Spencer House key for St James’s Palace gate Photo: CHRISTIE’S
£500 – £800 A selection of riding crops, from the mid-19th century Photo: CHRISTIE’S
£15,000 – £20,000 An 18th-century Chinese armorial dinner service Photo: CHRISTIE’S
£1,000 – £1,500 A George III mahogany, parcel-gilt and painted door from Spencer House Photo: CHRISTIE’S
£300 – £500 Ice skates from the early 20th century Photo: CHRISTIE’S
£600 – £900 A brass-bound oak letter cabinet, circa 1870 Photo: CHRISTIE’S
Andrew Waters and Jeffrey Lassaline of Christie’s inspect the Spencers’ silverware Photo: ANDREW CROWLEY
Torch in hand, Andy Waters felt his way down the dark stone corridors beneath Althorp House. The attics and stables of the ancestral home of the Spencer family were already yielding a chaotic hoard of forgotten treasures and now the Christie’s man was stumbling through the labyrinthine cellars towards his Tutankhamun moment.
“I crept along by the light of my torch,” he says. “I could see some brass flashing in the darkness. I went back for a plug-in light so I could see what was in this dark corner. Wrapped in old newspapers was a complete Victorian batterie de cuisine – more than 100 pieces, including copper pans, fish kettles and jelly moulds, that had been put aside 60 or 70 years ago and not used since.”
Entering the tomb of Tutankhamun with his candle, the Egyptologist Howard Carter was a trifle more emotional about his find, but his exclamation as he saw the glint of gold – “I see wonderful things” – fits the occasion perfectly.
Waters has been toiling in the dark recesses of the Spencers’ country seat in Northamptonshire for the past three months, assembling the contents of what will be one of three sales of art and antiques this summer. The proceeds will pay for the current re-roofing and renovation project at Althorp Estate, childhood home of the late Diana, Princess of Wales.
The sales include treasures from both Althorp and Spencer House in St James’s, and are expected to make £20 million, of which half will come from the sale of two old masters, a Rubens and a Guernico.
And the trawl is not over yet. From time to time, Waters emerges blinking into the daylight with a new object of wonder as a team of porters bears the stash away – Meissen and Sèvres porcelain, time-blackened silver, innumerable chairs, cut-glass table display centrepieces. Five-hundred years of acquisition by a single family is enshrined in a gorgeous gallimaufry of items that outlived their usefulness or their charm and were put into store.
“When we went into the attics,” says Waters, head of Christie’s private collection and country house sales, “a run of what used to be servants’ bedrooms, they were full to bursting. The safes were overfull. We did not know from hour to hour what we would find. Dawn, the head housekeeper, was seeing some of the items for the first time and so was William, the butler. It is exciting that there is a provenance for almost everything. If there is a back story, we always try to nail it.”
The idea of finding treasure in the attic is so potent that even people without attics fantasise about it. Waters and his colleagues have been living out a kind of auction-house dream. They have uncovered everything the inventive aristocrat required for a well-rounded existence, from horse-drawn carriages and coachmen’s livery to several centuries of textiles, fine furniture, old cricket bats, ice skates, snuffboxes and beechwood shovels.
Such a haphazard agglomeration of the grand, the practical, the ostentatious and the frankly superfluous is rare. A set of four Irish glass table display centrepieces (£15,000-£25,000) commissioned by the Fifth Earl Spencer when he was Viceroy of Ireland; 17th-century Japanese mother-of-pearl inlaid Imari vases (£50,000-£80,000); a tortoiseshell dog collar with gold inlay (£500-£700); a snakeskin box of George III drafting tools (£500-£700); a George III silver-gilt child’s rattle and coral teether, circa 1800, with eight bells and a whistle (£400-£500) – a bit chewed, obviously, but still in its velvet-lined Bond Street box. Would upper-class family life have been supportable without them?
The 750 lots will consist of up to 5,000 individual items. Key works of art and furniture are from the family’s former London home, Spencer House, but some 500 lots are from the attics, stables and cellars at Althorp. Waters and his colleague, Jeffrey Lassaline, senior specialist in the silver department, are like boys in a sweetshop. They eye up the silver strongroom in Christie’s basement where hundreds of items are waiting to be cleaned, researched and catalogued. Nothing like this diversity, they say, would appear in regular sales.
Lassaline caresses a George II silver spoon engraved “kitchen”. It was made in 1755, so he surmises that it was part of a service made to mark the marriage of the First Earl. The Spencer family crest is somewhat worn and the spoon’s lopsided bowl testifies to centuries of stirring the pot. This is thrilling to a collector, he says, because it will always retain its provenance, and provenance adds cachet.
Waters produces a piece of old wood that you might find in a skip. “This doesn’t look particularly exciting,” he says, “but the label says this is the only piece of wood saved from the stables at Spencer House during the German bombardment of May 1941. Interestingly, a bomb also hit Christie’s in 1941 and for a time Spencer House was a temporary home for Christie’s, so that’s a nice synergy.”
The two carved roundels on the board, part of an elaborate whip rack, were where carriage drivers hung their whips. At Althorp, every aspect of life had its designer curio. And this being the house sale of a family of hoarders, the coachmen’s whips and hunting crops have survived, too.
Between the wars, the magnificent Spencer carriage collection was moved for safekeeping to the stables at Althorp House, a precaution that ensured its survival as the most important group of aristocratic 19th century horse-drawn family vehicles in existence – and the most extensive to remain in the family for whom they were made. At the top of the range, there’s the grand two-seater Regency state chariot lined with red Padua watered silk (£50,000-£80,000). Down the order, a posting barouche, complete with two postilions’ saddles (£20,000-£30,000), a park barouche for the ritual of driving out in Hyde Park (£20,000-£30,000), phaetons for the ladies and a charming little cream-and-livery-painted children’s horse-drawn sleigh (£2,000-£4,000).
“They were probably last used in the 19th century,” says Edward Clive, a director of Christie’s. “They are 13 carriages of the full spectrum, from the grandest Hyde Park Coronation-type conveyance to the private omnibus that must have been used to ferry guests from the station in Northampton to the house. All the undercarriages are painted in the same livery: Padua red with a yellow edging, the colour of the local Pytchley Hunt.”
He produces two “white metal” coronets, the size of small pineapples. “Feel the weight,” he says. “They were spares, identical to the four coronets on the roof of the state chariot.” Did this family throw away nothing?
The sale’s most modest item is a key. No one is quite sure whether the gilded Spencer House key (£200-£300), inscribed “St James’s Palace Gates, VR”, unlocked a garden gate, now vanished, or a private gate between St James’s Palace and Spencer House. Christie’s is working on it. Meantime, they are sure of one thing: the key makes a perfect Lot 1.
We have the auction catalogue for sale in the boutique at the following link:
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
http://www.princessdianabookboutique.com/store/products/details/?product=4091
(accepting reasonable offers on these items!)
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
We invite you to visit a very good friend of ours who hosts the Diana Forever website. She has a wonderful site full of many photos of the Princess~ Please visit at: www.dianaforever.com
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
Princess Diana dressed for country pursuits at Balmoral, Scotland, c. 1988. We will soon have an assortment of her tartan and plaid outfits, just in time for autumn! If you have any you would like to share with us please contact us and we will post them!
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
Catherine Walker, 65, Creator of Dresses for Princess Diana, Dies
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: September 26, 2010
- LONDON (AP) — Catherine Walker, a fashion designer whose work was championed by Princess Diana, died on Thursday. She was 65.
Kirsty Wigglesworth/Press Association, via Associated Press
Catherine Walker in 2004.
Ms. Walker had been suffering from cancer, her family said.
She was best known for creating some of Princess Diana’s most famous outfits. The princess was buried in a black dress created by Ms. Walker.
Ms. Walker eschewed fashion traditions, never showing her clothes in catwalk shows and usually shunning the limelight, but she was named couture designer of the year at the 1990 British Fashion Awards.
Catherine Marguerite Marie-Therese Baheux was born in the Pas-de-Calais region of France on June 27, 1945. She studied philosophy at the universities of Lille and Aix-en Province, before moving to London, where she married John Walker, a lawyer.
After her husband died in an accident in 1975, Ms. Walker was left to raise their two daughters alone, enrolling in a fashion course and eventually building a successful business.
She first sold garments in 1976, offering her designs from a basket as she walked up and down the King’s Road shopping district in London’s Chelsea neighborhood.
In recent years, as her health declined, she trained a design team to continue her brand, Catherine Walker & Co.
A memoir titled “Catherine Walker” was published in 1998. The subtitle was “An autobiography by the private couturier to Diana, princess of Wales.”
She is survived by her second husband, Said Ismael, and her two daughters, Naomi and Marianne, from her first marriage. New York Times.
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
Guernsey’s Auction House in New York is putting a number of what it calls “iconic” items” on the block Friday, including a necklace worn by Princess Diana to one of her last major public appearances — the gala performance of “Swan Lake” at the Royal Albert Hall in London in June 1997, just weeks before her tragic death.
It’s estimated the necklace and matching earrings that are also being sold will fetch between $1.5 million and $2.5 million.
Diana didn’t wear the earrings, because they weren’t ready at the time.
The necklace has 164 diamonds, totaling 42.35 carats. Fourteen of the diamonds are marquise.
NECKLACE STATS:
5 matching cultured pearls 12mm
11 marquise diamonds that total in 7.71 carat
3 marquise diamonds that total in 0.88 carat (these make up the clasp in the back)
The necklace is described as “a brilliant cut diamond and marquise diamond scroll motif center with a South Sea cultured pearl five stone and marquise diamond fringe drop, to a brilliant cut diamond two row collet back chain tapering to a single row; mounted in platinum, claw set, with an integral box clasp.”
The necklace was made specifically for Diana by the royals’ crown jeweler, David Thomas, and the director of a firm called Garrard. They wanted to capture Princess Diana’s taste and incorporate South Sea pearls, which she loved.
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
We hope you will take a visit to the website of a good friend of ours in England who has a wonderfully informative and beautifully designed site in memory of Princess Diana. She also explores Diana collectibles, gives advice on collecting and has numerous interviews and other Diana news posted daily. Please visit!
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
Lady Diana and Prince Charles, June 1981 arriving in London, Diana carrying her own luggage.
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
The Sapphire Brooch was a wedding present to Diana from the Queen Mother. She later had it made into the famous choker with three strands of pearls that clasped at the neck.
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
Prince William: Engaged to Kate
Middleton!
Prince William and his longtime love, Kate Middleton, have announced their engagement.
The bride and groom, both 28, will wed in spring or summer of next year. Prince William proposed back in October during a trip to Kenya with Kate – but only after asking the permission of her father first, People notes.
After their wedding, Prince William and Kate will live in northern Wales and he’ll continue his service in the Royal Air Force.
Congratulations to the happy couple!!
Excerpt from People Magazine.
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
When Prince William asked his long-time girlfriend Kate Middleton to marry him, he gave her his mother’s engagement ring.
The Prince popped the question with the blue sapphire and diamond ring that his father Charles, the Prince of Wales, gave to Diana, Princess of Wales, back in February 1981.
Princess Diana chose the ring from a selection presented to her by jewelers Garrard.
Royal officials officially announced Tuesday that Prince William would wed Middleton.
A spokesperson for Prince Charles’ said the heir to the British throne is “delighted to announce the engagement of Prince William to Miss Catherine Middleton.”
The palace says they got engaged last month during a vacation in Kenya. The couple – both of whom are 28 – are expected to marry next spring or summer in London.
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
Prince William has won the battle for a spring Royal wedding and will marry Kate Middleton on Friday, April 29 next year, it was announced today.
Clarence House revealed the date – which by coincidence is also St Catherine’s Day – this lunchtime and confirmed the couple will tie the knot in Westminster Abbey.
Officials said the Prince and his bride-to-be, who are ‘over the moon’ about being engaged, are ‘calling the shots’ over the planning of their big day.
In a shock move, the Middletons are set to share the bill with the Royal family to avoid piling the cost on the taxpayer – although the public will still have to cover the multi-million cost of policing.
Britain will celebrate over a four-day weekend and school children still on holiday after Easter a weekend earlier will be able to travel to London to take part in street parties.
Scroll down for video
Marrying in April: Prince William and Kate Middleton will have a spring wedding
Westminster Abbey today as the Archbishop of York John Sentamu and the Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams lead a Eucharist attended by the QueenDavid Cameron and his Cabinet agreed this morning that there will be a special Bank Holiday, while the following Monday is also the first May Day holiday.
The Abbey had been regarded as a certainty for the venue since the Mail published exclusive pictures of Kate leaving there last Wednesday.
The Gothic church has welcomed kings and queens for more than 700 years. It is the final resting place of 17 monarchs and the Queen and the Queen Mother both married there.
For William, it holds painful memories because it was where his mother’s funeral took place in 1997 when he was just 15 but again he has chosen to embrace this legacy rather than avoid it.
His private secretary Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton said the couple had chosen the Abbey for its ‘staggering beauty’, 1,000-year Royal history and the intimate feel it maintains despite its size.
But he added: ‘The venue has long associations with the Royal family – it is in many ways the Royal family’s church – and of course with Prince William personally.
‘For Miss Middleton, the associations she has with the Abbey are quite simply the same as any British person would have for such a glorious and holy place.’
The timing of the wedding has yet to be fixed. In a bizarre twist, it falls on the same date as Adolf Hitler’s macabre marriage to Eva Braun as the Third Reich collapsed.
The Nazi dictator married his long-time mistress deep in the Fuehrer’s bunker below Berlin as the Russians closed in and the pair committed suicide together the next day.
Recce: Kate Middleton leaving Westminster Abbey last Wednesday
Sharing the bill: Kate’s parents Michael and Carole are contributing to the costs of the dayWilliam and Kate are said to be planning a ‘very traditional’ ceremony to show Britain ‘at its best’ and intend to have as many people as possible inside the Abbey.
WHO IS ST CATHERINE OF SIENA?
The royal wedding is to take place on April 29, the feast day of St Catherine of Siena, who has been an inspiration to countless people over more than 600 years and is widely regarded as having helped to further the Christian ideal.
Catherine Benincasa was born in the Italian city on March 25, 1347, the youngest of 25 children. Her father Giacomo was a prosperous wool dyer.
At the age of six she had a remarkable experience which shaped the rest of her life. While walking with her brother she stopped still in the road, gazing up into the sky. She believed she had seen a vision of Christ, seated in glory with the Apostles Peter, Paul, and John, and a year later made a secret vow to give her life to God.
She rejected suggestions of marriage, and her father, displeased at first, came to realise that he would not change her mind as she took up a life of prayer and fasting.
She was allowed to assume the black habit of a Dominican tertiary, which was usually granted only to matrons or widows, and volunteered to nurse the sick in the city hospitals, helping fight the ravages of plague.
Her deeds of mercy, coupled with a growing reputation as a worker of miracles, caused the Sienese to turn to Catherine in all kinds of difficulties, and she became involved in seeking to heal the factionalism at the head of the Church, prevailing on Pope Gregory XI to move the Papacy back to Rome from Avignon in 1377.
Later she also strove to end the ‘Great Schism’ which followed the Pope’s death, with Western Christendom temporarily divided.
For Catherine, though, her life was nearing its close, at the age of 33. On April 21, 1380, a paralytic stroke made her helpless from the waist downwards, and she died eight days later.
Pope Pius II canonised her in 1461.
Her talents as a writer caused her to be compared with her countrymen, Dante and Petrarch. She wrote the treatise A Dialogue and some 400 letters, many of them of great literary beauty.
They are also keen to have a street party atmosphere outside in Parliament Square and the surrounding streets to allow the public to celebrate with them.
Officials have been given the all clear to invite heads of state to the ceremony, meaning the likes of Barack Obama and Nicolas Sarkozy could attend.
The Royal household has been in deadlock over the timing of the ceremony for seven days, with courtiers struggling to secure an agreement.
Officials had wanted a summer ceremony to ensure good weather but William, 28, is understood to have insisted on a spring wedding.
Aides had argued that a deluge of rain at an event likely to draw the biggest TV audience in history would only cement the image of ‘rainy Blighty’ in the mind of potential tourists.
The date is also a blow for the Liberal Democrats who fear it will eclipse the referendum on the electoral system the following week.
They were hoping for a wedding in mid-May instead, after the May 5 poll which was promised by the Tories as part of the coalition agreement.
Courtiers wanted to confirm the wedding date today to avoid a five-day state visit to the Gulf by the Queen, Prince Philip and Prince Andrew starting tomorrow being overshadowed.
Kate and William made up their minds on Friday but deliberations have been protracted because a long list of mandarins all have to be allowed their say.
Mr Lowther-Pinkerton, who has been leading the planning on William’s behalf, said everyone including the Prince and Kate were mindful of ‘the current economic situation’.
‘To that end the Royal family and the Middleton family will pay for the wedding,’ he revealed during a Palace briefing this morning.
The move follows the precedent set by the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh’s wedding in 1947 and Charles and Diana’s nuptials in 1981.
William and Kate are ‘calling the shots’ in planning the wedding but have a ‘rather large supporting cast’, Mr Lowther-Pinkerton said.
‘We know that the world will be watching on April 29, and the couple are very, very keen indeed that the spectacle should be a classic example of what Britain does best.’
They are both ‘mindful’ of wider issues like the economy and soldiers’ commitments and William has already insisted only troops on ceremonial duty should be involved in the event.
Long history: Princess Elizabeth marring Prince Philip in 1947
Pomp: Prince Andrew and Fergie outside the Abbey in 1986 and (right) Elizabeth and Prince Philip in 1947
Painful memories: The funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales, was held at Westminster Abbey in 1997Mr Lowther-Pinkerton also spoke of how excited the couple are to finally be engaged after their marathon, eight -year courtship.
How the Mail reported Kate Middleton had visited the Abbey last week‘I’ve never seen two happier people, which is absolutely fabulous to work in that sort of environment,’ he said.
‘They’re on Cloud Nine, like any other newly-engaged couple. They’re now getting stuck into organising their wedding.
They are very much in charge of the arrangements for the big day. They’re giving us and the Household office very firm direction indeed.’
Mr Cameron welcomed the announcement of the date, saying: ‘The wedding of Kate and William will be a happy and momentous occasion.
‘We want to mark the day as one of national celebration – a public holiday will ensure the most people possible will have a chance to celebrate on the day.
‘The costs of the wedding itself will be met by the Royal Household, with Government meeting any wider security or transport related costs.’
The Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr John Hall, said: ‘We are very pleased they have chosen Westminster Abbey for their marriage and look forward to the detailed planning for what will be a great and happy occasion for the couple themselves, for their families and friends, for the country and Commonwealth and for well-wishers across the globe.’
Who had a say over the date of the royal wedding?
The Queen at Westminster Abbey todayThe Queen
Her aides had to check the timing was suitable – for example it could not fall in the Easter and Lent period or clash with state visits in the UK or abroad. William has insisted the plans are handled by his team rather than Buckingham Palace, leading the Queen to joke she has ‘no idea’ what is going on.
Prince Charles
William’s father is expected to foot the bill for much of the wedding, and holds a lot of sway. He has made it clear he expects his former valet Michael Fawcett, who organised his wedding to Camilla, to be involved.
Lord Peel
The Lord Chamberlain – the most senior official in the Royal Household – has an office responsible for planning royal ceremonial events from garden parties to investitures and weddings. Headed by the Comptroller, Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Ford, it will oversee all aspects of the day.
Michael and Carole Middleton
Kate’s parents obviously had a say – but after waiting for this day for seven years they are unlikely to have let other engagements get in the way and are said to be ‘very flexible’.
David Cameron and Nick Clegg
Civil servants will have gone through the Government’s political diary, but Downing Street had insisted there would be no political interference from the Prime Minister’s aides. The Liberal Democrats fear a late-April wedding could eclipse their cherished referendum on electoral reform on May 5. The Scottish Parliament has also been consulted.
Ed Miliband
The Leader of the Opposition will have been invited to highlight potential clashes in discussions with the Palace, but the Labour Party stressed the final decision is William and Kate’s.
Dr Rowan Williams
The Archbishop of Canterbury is widely expected to pronounce William and Kate man and wife at Westminster Abbey, the venue they are understood to have chosen. A spokesman declined to comment.
Dr John Hall
The Dean of Westminster governs the Abbey and answers to the Queen. As the most senior clergyman there, he showed Kate Middleton around when she requested a secret visit the day after announcing her engagement.
Sir Stephen Lamport
The Receiver General of Westminster Abbey is responsible for logistics. As a former private secretary to Prince Charles, he is ideally placed to go between the church and Palace, and helped to show Kate around on Wednesday last week.
Charles will split the bill with the MiddletonsSir Paul Stephenson
As Commissioner of the Met Police, he will oversee plans for the vast police operation on the day, and counter-terrorism in the lead up to it. Several police departments – including the Mounted Branch responsible for topping and tailing royal processions and marshalling tourists – will be involved.
The Army
Officials held a meeting with St James’s Palace yesterday. William’s RAF colleagues may organise a helicopter fly-past on his wedding day. No formal request has yet been made but an MoD spokesman said they were ‘standing by’.
Heads of State
President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle are said to be keen to attend the wedding. Their diary dates will be communicated to the Government, it is thought. French president Nicolas Sarkozy and his wife Carla could also be invited.
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
All fashion photos are available in the book in our Boutique – “Diana A Celebration” from Japan.
http://www.princessdianabookboutique.com/store/products/details/?product=188
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
Sandringham, Christmas, 1985
- Kossack Outfit
Turning on Christmas Lights, Regent Street, London, 1981
Liechenstein, Skiing with Prince Charles, 1984
All photos from “The Royal Christmas Book” at link below:
http://www.princessdianabookboutique.com/store/products/details/?product=277
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
Model claims Prince Charles
asked her for a ‘private show’
under Camilla’s nose
By Fay Schlesinger
Last updated at 10:44 PM on 11th January 2011
- Comments (0)
- Add to My Stories
Prince Charles flirted with an exotic supermodel before asking her to perform a ‘private catwalk show’ for him, she has claimed.
Mozambique-born Tasha de Vasconcelos alleges that the Prince propositioned her under the nose of Camilla Parker Bowles at an exclusive party.
In an autobiography to be published this week, the 42-year-old model and actress claims to have shared a series of amorous exchanges with Charles, now 62.
Encounters: Model Tasha de Vasconcelos alleges that Prince Charles asked for a private catwalk show at a soiree at Syon House in West London and praised her dress at another function
She said they began with a ‘clumsy’ chat-up line and ‘seductive smile’ from the heir to the throne in 1999, but soon accelerated.
The model said he approached her again at a soiree in Syon House, the Duke of Northumberland’s West London home.
In claims that seem far-fetched, and language reminiscent of a Mills and Boon novel, Miss de Vasconcelos claims: ‘During the evening, I saw his eyes glance over my necklace, which lit up my face, and to the more intimate attractions of the curves beneath my Versace dress.
The Prince had become a man. “You are magnificent,” he dared to utter. “Would you ever consider a private catwalk show… just for me?”’
A real gentleman: Miss de Vasconcelos uses her book to says the Prince is ‘elegant and seductive’, while also claims she once put Prince Andrew in his place at a function
The model said she turned down the request as she was ‘disconcerted by all the other diamond-encrusted women listening in around us’ and ‘had read that the great love of his life was called Camilla’.
Camilla – who was to marry the prince five years later, becoming the Duchess of Cornwall – is said to have seen red over the pair’s increasingly close rapport.
When the Prince encountered Miss de Vasconcelos at a Macmillan cancer charity dinner with Camilla, he made a point of praising her dress – made by Princess Diana’s favourite designer Catherine Walker.
The model said: ‘Charles came up to me anyway to tell me how beautiful my dress was. A way of reminding me, I suppose, that he was still interested in what was inside it. Camilla didn’t utter a single word to me for the whole night.’
She met Charles for the first time at a polo match in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, in 1999, after being introduced by publicist Aurelia Stephenson, the then girlfriend of his brother Prince Andrew.
Charles was said to be mesmerised by the half-Portuguese’s beauty, but managed only a ‘seductive smile’ as he told her she reminded him of an Australian friend called Kanga.
Apparently unknown to Miss de Vasconcelos, that friend was socialite Lady Kanga Tryon – the Prince’s lover in the 1970s, who died shortly after Princess Diana in 1997.
The exchanges allegedly came in 1999 and 2000 when the model – who appeared in the spoof spy movie Johnny English starring Rowan Atkinson – was living in London.
Miss de Vasconcelos and Charles met several times and she was invited to Clarence House and to a private lunch with Charles at an unidentified palace, she said in her book, Beauty As A Weapon.
She added: ‘Every time our paths crossed, the Prince always stepped away from the hangers-on around him to come over and have a little chat with me. Discreet. Charming. But always a charmer. I must say he was my kind of man.
‘A real gentleman, elegant and seductive. This man pleased me, and his male instincts could detect that.’
During that time, she also claims to have put the outspoken Duke of York in his place after he rudely asked in front of other guests whether she was a virgin, replying: ‘A real gentleman never asks that kind of question.’
Miss de Vasconcelos – who now lives in Monaco and counts France’s first lady Carla Bruni among her close friends – has denied persistent rumours about a relationship with Prince Albert of Monaco.
A Clarence House spokesman said: ‘We never comment on private conversations.’
From the Daily Mail. www.dailymail.co.uk
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
Earl Charles Spencer and Karen Gordon and (right) with Bianca Eliot in 2009 Photo: PA/REX FEATURES
By Gordon Rayner, Chief Reporter 7:00AM GMT 16 Feb 2011
The Earl, whose previous marriages both ended in bitter divorce, proposed to Karen Gordon less than six months after announcing he had split up with his previous fiancée.
The couple will wed on June 18 at the Spencer family home, Althorp in Northamptonshire, where the Earl married both of his previous wives.
A spokesman for the couple said the ceremony would be a “private wedding” attended by family and close friends.
The 46-year-old Earl is understood to have started dating Mrs Gordon, 38, towards the end of last year after he and his previous girlfriend, Bianca, Lady Eliot, broke off their engagement.
The couple were photographed walking arm in arm in New York last November and had been spotted dining at the Wolseley restaurant in London’s Piccadilly in October, though Mrs Gordon’s identity was not known at the time.
Related Articles
Mrs Gordon, a mother of two and former model, was previously married to Mark Gordon, a millionaire film producer whose credits include Saving Private Ryan.
After the couple separated in 2003, she used her divorce settlement to set up her own charity, Whole Child International, which works to improve the care of orphaned, abandoned, abused and neglected children in developing countries and has been praised by the Dalai Lama.
The Earl’s decision to marry again may come as a surprise to some of his friends, given the unhappy circumstances in which his previous marriages ended.
In 1989, the Prince of Wales and the Earl’s sister, Diana, Princess of Wales were guests at his first marriage, to former model Victoria Lockwood, with whom he went on to have four children now aged between 16 and 20.
The Earl had proposed to Miss Lockwood just 10 days after they met but, in 1997, just weeks after the Princess of Wales’s death, the Earl was exposed as a serial adulterer in a divorce hearing in South Africa, where the family lived.
Miss Lockwood claimed the Earl had 12 girlfriends in five months, and one of his former lovers, Chantal Collopy, a model, offered to testify against him at the hearing after discovering he had been seeing her while his wife was being treated for anorexia and drug addiction.
The woman who accompanied the Earl to the Princess’s funeral was Josie Borain, a Calvin Klein model who later became a friend of Miss Lockwood.
In his eulogy he suggested that his sister’s “blood family” were the best people to look after her sons, Princes William and Harry.
He married his second wife, Caroline Freud, in 2001. The couple had two children, now aged seven and four, but divorced in 2009. Mrs Freud fought her husband for the family’s London home, where she had hoped to bring up the couple’s children, but the Earl won and his ex-wife was forced to move out.
The Earl had left his second wife when the couple’s youngest child was four months old, after beginning an affair with Coleen Sullivan, an American television reporter whom he met when she interviewed him. Miss Sullivan put her career on hold to begin a new life with the Earl, but their relationship was over after 18 months.
Last year the Earl became engaged to Lady Eliot but parted in September.
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
30 years ago on February 24, 1981, Prince Charles announced his engagement to Lady Diana Spencer in the gardens at Buckingham Palace. We remember that day with nostalgia and deep regret that she is not with us today.
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
DIANA’S COACH FOR KATE’S BIG DAY!
Upwardly mobile: Kate Middleton has chosen to arrive at her wedding as a ‘commoner’ on four wheels and depart as a fully fledged royal in a horse-drawn carriageKate Middleton is to return from her wedding in the same open-top coach that Princess Diana used after hers, it was revealed yesterday.
Prince William and his new bride will leave Westminster Abbey for Buckingham Palace in the 1902 State Landau which carried Diana and Prince Charles following their marriage in 1981.
Not only that, but Kate will go to the Abbey in the Rolls-Royce Phantom VI that was attacked by student rioters as it carried Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall in December.
At the height of the London protests, the mob smashed a window, daubed the car with white paint and even poked Camilla with a stick through a window.
A photograph of the duchess gasping in shock underlined the panic she and Charles felt as they made their way to the Royal Variety Performance.
The car’s battered window and bodywork are still being repaired.
Kate has chosen the limousine – a present to the Queen from Rolls-Royce to mark her Silver Jubilee in 1977 – because its large windows will give the public the best possible view as she heads to the Abbey alongside her father on April 29.
She has decided to arrive as a ‘commoner’ on four wheels and depart as a fully fledged royal in the horse-drawn carriage.
The Rolls-Royce Phantom VI weighs two-and-a-half tons, is 20ft long and is one of only 374 ever made.
It is worth more than £1million and has security measures including tyres that can still be driven on when flat, reinforced steel doors and toughened glass. It was used by Charles and Camilla at their 2005 wedding.
Scroll down for video
Royal wedding: The 1902 State Landau, built by Hoopers for Edward VII’s coronation, gets a polish-up in the Royal Mews
Flashback: The coach carries Diana and Prince Charles to Buckingham Palace after their wedding at St Paul’s Cathedral in 1981The 1902 State Landau was built by Hoopers for Edward VII’s coronation and, in consideration of his 48-inch girth, is particularly spacious.
Drawn by six of the Queen’s horses, it was also used after the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of York in 1986.
More…
The more famous Glass Coach, which was purchased for George V’s coronation in 1911 and used to transport Diana to St Paul’s Cathedral in 1981, will not feature.
That carriage, which dates from 1881 and has a permanent roof, will be used only if heavy April showers threaten to interrupt the day.
Rolls-Royce Phantom VI: The car’s window and bodywork are still being repaired after student protesters attacked it in December
Grand: The Rolls-Royce Phantom VI weighs two-and-a-half tons, is 20ft long and is one of only 374 ever madeThe newlyweds’ journey back to Buckingham Palace following the 11am ceremony will see the Royal Family ride in five coaches.
Following the bride and groom will be two Ascot Landau carriages carrying William’s best man Prince Harry and Kate’s maid of honour Pippa Middleton with their four bridesmaids and two page boys.
Two semi-state Landaus will follow, one containing the Queen and Prince Philip and the other Charles, Camilla and Kate’s parents Carole and Mike Middleton.
The procession will have squadrons from the Household Cavalry at its head and tail.
An RAF fly-past is expected, and William and Kate will emerge on the balcony of Buckingham Palace to kiss in front of a crowd of up to a million.
Wedding preparations: State Harness Cleaner David Oates, left, cleans the Round Buckle at the Royal Mews in central London while, right, carriage restorer Dave Evans cleans the side lanterns on the Glass Coach
Contingency plan: The famous Glass Coach, used to take Diana to St Paul’s for her wedding in 1981, will only be used if it rains on Kate and Wills’s big day
Polished up: The Royal Buckle, part of the State Harness. will be used on the Royal carriage when William and Kate wed on April 29Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
THE BLUE VELVET “JOHN TRAVOLTA” DRESS.
Thursday 23 June at 7pm – Toronto, Canada, Waddington’s Auctioneers
This auction includes 14 important dresses from the collection of the late Diana, Princess of Wales. Highlights of this collection include the dress Diana worn at the White House State dinner given by President and Mrs. Reagan when she danced with actor John Travolta, three dresses that Diana wore during her famous 1997 Mario Testino photo shoot for a Vanity Fair Magazine feature article, as well as several dresses that were created for specific state occasions and a dress that Diana wore for one of her official portraits.
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
One last day of joy before the Palace gates clang shut
By Jan Moir
www.dailymail.co.uk
For any bride, the week before her wedding is a precious time. Particularly if she happens to be marrying into the institution known as the House of Windsor; the famously dysfunctional and unyielding establishment with its own peculiar traditions and conventions.
Part monolith, part secure unit, it is a place where a young bride with her own hopes and dreams can expect little quarter.
Perhaps that is why the photographs taken of Kate Middleton shopping in London this week are so poignant. In her last days of carefree singledom, the princess-to-be looked happy and lovely in the spring sunshine, browsing for last-minute items for her trousseau. Hers was a modest spree on High Street fashion items, the everyday tops and frocks purchased by thousands.
Kate Middleton shopping in Chelsea this week. The princess-to-be looked happy and lovely in the spring sunshine, browsing for last-minute items for her trousseau
In a branch of Whistles, Kate even bought The Kate, a blouse so-called because it was the one she wore in her Mario Testino engagement photographs. Perhaps she spilled soup on the original.
With her flowing hair and inky, wraparound Issa dress, she exemplified street style for the modern, well-heeled girl about town. Sexy and simple. Informal curves. No restrictions here. Free woman walking!
Yet by this time next week, Kate Middleton’s life will have changed forever. By marrying Prince William, she leaves behind for ever these happy-go-lucky days and this unstructured lifestyle. Shopping, clubbing with friends, roller disco nights, girly lunches of sea bass and wine, last minute plans? All gone.
Never again will she skip down a city street with such a blithe spirit, her days of being just another face in the crowd will be long, long gone.
This time next week, Kate Middleton’s life will have changed forever. By marrying Prince William, she leaves behind for ever her unstructured lifestyle
When she steps inside Westminster Abbey next Friday, Kate leaves behind her life as a commoner to face a new dawn of royal reality; the starchy hierarchy, the endless protocols, the inevitable rules and restraint. Not to mention the insistence upon irreproachable behaviour at all times closely followed by the inexorable, crinoline parachute drop into endless, dowdy dowagerdom.
So perhaps it is to the Middleton family’s great credit that they have raised a daughter prepared to be quite so selfless, to take on such a damaged and difficult husband; a man laden with the baggage of history through no fault of his own.
Almost since the day William and Kate started dating, there has been constant carping that Kate and her mother are arriviste social climbers who have spent years plotting how to snare the prince.
The romantic in me likes to think that the truth is exactly the opposite. That Kate Middleton must love her prince a great deal, to be willing to give up so much for him.
So will these sun-splashed images turn out to be haunting ones, a brief glimpse of a girl we once knew before she disappeared from sight for ever? For it is no secret that marrying into the top tier of the Royal Family is like joining a religious order.
A week from now, Kate Middleton will be behind the grille, looking back at the life she once knew and the freedoms she took for granted.
As the gates clang shut behind her, what on earth does the future hold for Miss Middleton of Bucklebury?
Well, she has one great advantage over both Diana, Princess of Wales, and Sarah, Duchess of York.
Prince William often seems unfathomable, even tetchy, yet he has at least an understanding and working knowledge of real life that might engineer a more sympathetic entrée for Kate into royal life — rather than the shocking assault course endured by Diana and Sarah.
And for much of the first two years of their married life, Kate and William will live far from prying eyes in an isolated farmhouse in a corner of Wales. There, the new princess will be left in peace to do her royal duty — get pregnant.
And over the coming years she must get used to seeing less and less of the parents she was once so close to. For whatever happens, there will be little time or room for the Middletons in royal circles. The Queen only met the couple for the first time this week, surely a foretaste of what to expect.
In the meantime, Kate Middleton retains her spark of joy. And whatever she may or may not be, she is clearly a young woman who is very much in love, a bride to reckon with.
To be honest, the Windsors’ track record on welcoming new brides into the family firm is not good, as the fates of poor dead Diana and broken, ruined Fergie can attest to.
Have they learned their lesson this time? For Kate’s sake, let us hope so.
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
Diana’s Wedding Dress photographed in Kensington Palace
Shoes, handmade by Clive Shelton, London. Gold, hand tooled decorative leather soles.
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
Victory at Last for ‘Queen Diana’?
By Martha MacCallum
The Princess of Wales seated in her bridal gown at Buckingham Palace after her marriage to Prince Charles at St. Paul’s Cathedral on July 29, 1981. (Press Association via AP Images)
Queen Diana?
It could be Diana’s last word.
Remember another famous lady who was shunned from the royal court? While Diana met her death in a tunnel in Paris, Anne Boleyn, the second wife of Henry VIII, was scorned and ultimately beheaded at the Tower of London. But in the end, be it posthumous, Anne got what she wanted. Her daughter Elizabeth (deemed illegitimate by many since she was the child of a king who divorced his Catholic wife and left the Catholic Church) rose to the throne and ruled Great Britain with an iron fist for 44 years, as Elizabeth I.
Now there is a decision underway in England which could change the course of history for Diana’s grandchild. Duncan Sandys, the great grandson of Winston Churchill, reports that there is a movement afoot to proclaim that the first born child has the primogeniture (right to rule) whether that child is a son or a daughter. This is a big deal. By the way, Diana claimed that she always knew in her heart she would never be queen. If they had stayed married, she would have been a queen consort — not a ruler — but married to the king.
But stick with me here. Under this new law, if the first born child of Prince William and soon to be Her Royal Highness Princess William of Wales is a girl, then she would be the next in line as queen of England.
So, let’s just imagine this very plausible scenario: William decides to name his daughter after his beloved mother. That would make the future queen of England, drumroll please… Queen Diana I. Imagine what Diana would think of that.
Victory at last?
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
We now have the TV version of the Royal 1981 Wedding on DVD from the broadcast of the day! Please check our store!
http://www.princessdianabookboutique.com/store/products/details/?product=4104
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
And now, we speculate on what Kate will wear for a tiara and jewellery! We have some photos here of possibilities!
QUEEN MARY’S “GIRL’S OF GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND TIARA. IN 1893 A COMMITTEE WAS FORMED BY LADY EVE GREVILLE TO RAISE MONEY FOR “GIRLS OF GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND’ TO PURCHASE A WEDDING GIFT FOR PRINCESS MAY OF TECK, THE FUTURE QUEEN MARY. THEY COLLECTED MORE THAN 5,000 GBP, AND AFTER BUYING THE TIARA FROM GARRARD, THE SURPLUS MONEY WAS GIVEN AT PRINCESS MAY’S REQUEST TO A FUND THAT WAS TO HELP THE WIDOWS AND ORPHANS OF MEN LOST AFTER THE SINKING OF THE HMS VICTORIA. MARY THANKED THE WOMEN AND SAID AT THE TIME IT WOULD BE” ONE OF HER MOST VALUED WEDDING GIFTS AS A PRECIOUS PROOF OF THEIR GOODWILL AND AFFECTION.”
WILL KATE WEAR THIS TIARA OR ANOTHER ONE? WATCH FOR OUR POSTS AS QUEEN VICTORIA WORE FLOWERS IN HER HAIR, AS DID SARAH FERGUSON, WHO EMERGED AFTER THE CEREMONY WEARING A TIARA TO DENOTE HER NEW STATUS AS HRH DUCHESS OF YORK!
BELOW, QUEEN VICTORIA’S SAPPHIRE AND DIAMOND TIARA DESIGNED FOR HER BY PRINCE ALBERT.
Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments »
KING FAISAL OF SAUDI ARABIA BOUGHT THIS FRINGE NECKLACE OF DROP DIAMONDS SET WITH BRILLIANT BAGUETTES MADE BY THE AMERICAN JEWELLER, HARRY WINSTON AND PRESENTED IT TO THE QUEEN IN 1967 ON A STATE VISIT TO ENGLAND. DIANA WORE IT ON AT LEAST TWO OCCASIONS IN 1982 AND 1983 AND USUALLY PAIRED IT WITH HER PEARL DROP AND DIAMOND EARRINGS THAT WERE A WEDDING GIFT FROM THE AMIR OF QATAR.
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
QUEEN MARY’S TIARA THAT SHE HAD MADE BY GARRARD JEWELLERS IN TRIBUTE TO HER MATERNAL FAMILY. IT WAS MADE IN A DESIGN SHE REQUESTED IN 1914 WITH HER OWN DIAMONDS AND PEARLS FROM HER FAMILY. COPIED FROM THE ORIGINAL OWNED BY HER GRANDMOTHER, PRINCESS AUGUSTA OF HESSE WHO MARRIED THE FIRST DUKE OF CAMBRIDGE, 7TH SON OF KING GEORGE III, IN 1918.
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
Kate arrives to cheers from
thousands camped outside Abbey
for final rehearsal as order of
service reveals she WON’T ‘obey’
Wills
- Couple trying to ‘block out terror’ of wedding watched by two billion
- Syrian ambassador told he’s not invited after uprising slaughterings
- Rain and thunder could disrupt Royal wedding, forecasters say
- Kate’s younger brother James will do the ONLY reading during the service
- Royal pair broke with tradition by writing own message in official programme
- 150,000 souvenir copies of A5 guide available tomorrow for £2 each
Kate Middleton arrived at Westminster Abbey today where she was cheered by crowds of wellwishers just 24 hours before she marries Prince William.
She was joined by best man Prince Harry, as well as the bridesmaids and pageboys and members of her family for one final rehearsal of the big day which will be watched by two billion people round the globe.
The last run-through was taking place as it was revealed Miss Middleton will not promise to ‘obey’ Prince William in her vows.
Now scroll down to see the video
New picture: This portrait of the Prince William and Kate Middleton by celebrated photographer Mario Testino was published in the official programme
Today thousands of royal fans had set up tents outside the Abbey where there was a carnival atmosphere.
As Kate arrived this morning a huge cheer went up from the royal fans who had arriving from round the globe.
Waving their Union flags, the crowds were up only to wave to the passing Household Cavalry this morning before the bride-to-be arrived for a last run through.
More…
- NOW READ the Order of Service in full: See the official souvenir guide for the Royal Wedding of the century here
- The Royal tent city: Thousands pitch camp outside Westminster Abbey in preparation for London event of the year
- Wills’ last day of freedom
- Cat who got the cream: Loving the limelight, Philippa is the Middleton sister who doesn’t know the meaning of self-doubt. Just don’t call her Pippa!
- DOMINIC SANDBROOK: Why 1981 was the year that forged modern Britain
- By Royal apartment: Inside the £5,000-a-night room where Kate will stay the night before the wedding
- How did Kate Middleton’s family make their money?
- Royal Wedding: Latest news on Kate Middleton and Prince William
It is the last time Miss Middleton or a member of the Royal Family will be at the abbey before the service gets under way tomorrow, St James’s Palace said.
Today the journalist who carried out the couple’s engagement interview said they were attempting to ‘block out the terror of having two billion people’ watching them tomorrow.
Kate Middleton and Prince Harry at the Abbey this morning for the last run-through. Two billion people are expected to watch the ceremony tomorrow
In a personal message to wellwishers, the couple said they were ‘incredibly moved’ by the affection shown to them since their engagement in the official wedding programme.
Tomorrow modern-thinking Miss Middleton will pledge to ‘love, comfort, honour and keep’ William.
The soon-to-be royal is following in the footsteps of the Prince’s mother Diana who also opted not to ‘obey’ the Prince of Wales during their wedding ceremony in 1981.
The Queen, Princess Margaret and the Princess Royal all said they would obey their husbands.
William and his fiancee have selected the Series One Book of Common Prayer ceremony, from 1966, which allows the bride to drop ‘obey him’ and ‘serve him’ from the religious proceedings.
Last practice: Kate Middleton, with her mother Carole and Prince Harry, gets into a Jaguar and leaves Westminster Abbey this morning after a final run through. The next time she will be back there will be for the wedding
Grinning bride: A smiling Kate Middleton, right, arrives at Westminster Abbey for the last run through. Left, her sister Pippa enters with bridesmaid Grace van Cutsem
Page boy: William Lowther-Pinkerton, 10, arrives at Westminster Abbey for the rehearsal this morning
With William choosing not to wear a wedding ring, only the prince will say ‘With this ring I thee wed’ as he places the golden band on Kate’s finger.
The task of writing a message at the start of the official programme usually falls to the Archbishop of Canterbury.
The wrote that they were deeply touched by people’s reactions as they prepare for ‘one of the happiest days of our lives’, they said.
A St James’s Palace spokesman said: ‘The couple felt that they wanted to put in a message from themselves.’
The signatures ‘William’ and ‘Catherine’ can be seen underneath the heartfelt message.
The programme also contains a hand-drawn colour map of the carriage procession route, as well as the history of the abbey and details of William and Kate’s coats of arms.
It includes a brief history of past Royal Weddings at the abbey, where William the Conqueror was crowned in 1066.
It declares: ‘More than a millennium after the first William made his solemn oath, the abbey hosts another William and his bride for a further moment of great solemnity, but one of great joy as well.’
Some 150,000 copies of the A5 booklet, costing £2 each, will be made available along the processional route on the wedding day by a team of military cadets and Explorer Scouts.
By Royal Appointment: Page boy Tom Pettifer, eight, and Lady Louise Windsor arrive for the rehearsals this morning
Last hours: Kate Middleton and Prince Harry leaves Westminster Abbey with family and friends this morning just a day before the ceremony after the final run through
Enlarge 
Official programme: William and Kate said in their message at the start of the keepsake that they would like ‘to thank everyone most sincerely for their kindness’
As final rehearsals are carried out, the Syrian ambassador was told he is not invited after the slaughterings.
The dramatic announcement came amid mounting fury that a representative of Middle Eastern despot President Bashar Assad was to attend.
Tomorrow the Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams will conduct the vows, before pronouncing the couple ‘man and wife’.
There will be one Lesson during the service, which the couple have asked Miss Middleton’s younger brother James to read.
A message from the royal couple in the souvenir programme says: ‘We are both so delighted that you are able to join us in celebrating what we hope will be one of the happiest days of our lives.
Wellwishers: Susanna Buckman, from Maryland, U.S. and Jessica and Chelsea Spence from Zimbabwe in the tented village outside Westminster Abbey this morning
Royal father: Prince Charles arrives at Clarence House this morning hours before his son marries Kate Middleton tomorrow
Wedding guide: Kate will not vow to ‘obey’ William it was revealed in vows printed in the official guide this morning. Pictured right, Kate Middleton leaves the final rehearsal last night ahead of the big day
‘The affection shown to us by so many people during our engagement has been incredibly moving, and has touched us both deeply.
‘We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone most sincerely for their kindness.’
However, as final preparations get underway, rain was threatening to put a dampener on the big day.
Alison Cobb, a meteorologist with Meteogroup, said there was a ‘real risk’ of Kate Middleton being rained on as she steps from her limousine at 11am to enter Westminster Abbey on her father’s arm.
The keepsake souvenir, which includes the full Order of Service for the marriage ceremony tomorrow, also features a new black and white portrait of the couple by the celebrated fashion photographer Mario Testino.
In a close-up shot, both the Prince and Miss Middleton are wearing matching open-necked white shirts and are smiling broadly, with Kate leaning towards William.
In the much anticipated service, the music of famous classical favourites by Elgar, Britten and Vaughan Williams will all sound out around the ancient abbey.
From the popular hymn Jerusalem to the quintessential English melody Greensleeves, the couple have embraced the nation’s musical heritage in their choice of choral pieces and compositions.
St James’ Palace said many of the ‘stunning’ pieces were picked by the bride and groom for their ‘theatre’.
Final preparations: The household cavalry ride past Westminster Abbey early this morning on the day before the Royal Wedding
Clock ticking: Kate Middleton arrives at Westminster Abbey with Prince Harry for today’s rehearsal ahead of the wedding tomorrow
Final rehearsal: Prince William and fiancee Kate Middleton leave Westminster Abbey together last night after a last wedding run through
Catering staff are scanned as they enter Westminster Abbey this morning
Tom Bradby, ITN political editor and William’s friend, told ITV’s Daybreak that the couple were trying to foget so many people will be watching.
‘I think there has been a really concerted attempt to block it out and just concentrate on their marriage,’ he said.
‘The church is going to be full of many, many people, a lot of whom they’ve never met, and they just want to think about themselves and what it means to them.’
Mr Bradby, a former royal correspondent, will attend the wedding as a guest.
Mr Bradby said William was determined to protect his fiancee from intrusion into their lives.
‘I have really been struck over the last 10 years about how determined he has been to protect,’ he said.
‘He looked at his mother and what happened to her and it didn’t take a genius to draw the lessons that he’s obviously drawn from it – which is he doesn’t want that sort of chaos in his life.
‘He’s tried to effectively create this iron wall around his friends and his girlfriend. You kind of worry for them that this is the moment the world gets let in.’
Mr Bradby described the young couple, who met as undergraduates at the University of St Andrews, as ‘sophisticated’ media operators.
Beaming: Bride-to-be Kate Middleton as she leaves Westminster Abbey this morning
Final countdown: Tents line the street outside Westminster Abbey this morning where William and Kate will wed in a service conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury
Celebration: Buntings are seen hanging across No 10 Downing Street today in readiness for the street party for the Royal Wedding
Royal celebration: Bucklebury Church of England Primary School, in Kate Middleton’s hometown, hold a wedding party today for the bride
William’s father the Prince of Wales and stepmother the Duchess of Cornwall and Kate’s parents Carole and Michael Middleton and sister Pippa will all act as witnesses and sign the historic marriage registers during the ceremony on Friday.
It also emerged that the bride will walk up the aisle to the dramatic sounds of a coronation anthem – the soaring choral masterpiece ‘I was glad’ by Sir Charles Hubert Hastings Parry from Psalm 122.
It was composed for the crowning of Prince William’s great-great-great grandfather Edward VII at Westminster Abbey in 1902, but is also popular at weddings.
As the choir begins to sing, the bride will begin her three and a half minute procession through the Nave and Quire to meet her Prince on her father’s arm.
The newlyweds will leave the Abbey to the sounds of the well-known rousing orchestral march Crown Imperial by William Walton, which was also played at Charles and Diana’s wedding.
The three hymns – ‘Guide me, O thou great Redeemer’, ‘Love divine, all loves excelling’ and Jerusalem which begins ‘And did those feet in ancient time’ – are all favourites of the couple.
Run-through: Sophie Wessex, left, arrives at Clarence House this morning and, right, Kate Middleton’s mother Carole leaves for Westminster Abbey
Official programme: 150,000 copies have been printed of the A5 booklet, costing £2 each, which will be made available along the route on the wedding day by a team of military cadets and Explorer Scouts
Royal bride vows to ‘love, comfort, honour and keep’ William
Here is the full Solemnization of Marriage conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury from the Order of Service:
The Archbishop says to Prince William:
William Arthur Philip Louis, wilt thou have this woman to thy wedded wife, to live together according to God’s law in the holy estate of matrimony? Wilt thou love her, comfort her, honour and keep her, in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all other, keep thee only unto her, so long as ye both shall live?
He answers:
I will.
The Archbishop says to Catherine:
Catherine Elizabeth, wilt thou have this man to thy wedded husband, to live together according to God’s law in the holy estate of matrimony? Wilt thou love him, comfort him, honour and keep him, in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all other, keep thee only unto him, so long as ye both shall live?
She answers:
I will.
Royal fans: Enthusiasts sleep on the streets – one of them in a tent adorned with a Union Jack – outside Westminster Abbey as they guarantee themselves the best spots for tomorrow’s ceremony
The Archbishop continues:
Who giveth this woman to be married to this man?
The Archbishop receives Catherine from her father’s hand. Taking Catherine’s right hand, Prince William says after the Archbishop:
I, William Arthur Philip Louis, take thee, Catherine Elizabeth to my wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse: for richer, for poorer; in sickness and in health; to love and to cherish, till death us do part, according to God’s holy law; and thereto I give thee my troth.
They loose hands.
Catherine, taking Prince William by his right hand, says after the Archbishop:
I, Catherine Elizabeth, take thee, William Arthur Philip Louis, to my wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse: for richer, for poorer; in sickness and in health; to love and to cherish, till death us do part, according to God’s holy law; and thereto I give thee my troth.
They loose hands.
Tent city: Hundreds of campers were set up outside Westminster Abbey this morning and cheered as Kate Middleton and senior members of the Royal family arrived for a run through
Exclusive entrance: Workmen erect a screen at the front of The Goring hotel which Kate Middleton has chosen as a base for herself and her closest family ahead of the royal wedding
The Archbishop blesses the ring:
Bless, O Lord, this ring, and grant that he who gives it and she who shall wear it may remain faithful to each other, and abide in thy peace and favour, and live together in love until their lives’ end.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prince William takes the ring and places it upon the fourth finger of Catherine’s left hand.
Prince William says after the Archbishop:
With this ring I thee wed; with my body I thee honour; and all my worldly goods with thee I share: in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
The Congregation remains standing as the Couple kneels.
The Archbishop says:
Let us pray.
O eternal God, Creator and Preserver of all mankind, giver of all spiritual grace, the author of everlasting life: send thy blessing upon these thy servants, this man and this woman, whom we bless in thy name; that, living faithfully together, they may surely perform and keep the vow and covenant betwixt them made, whereof this ring given and received is a token and pledge; and may ever remain in perfect love and peace together, and live according to thy laws; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
The Archbishop joins their right hands together and says:
Those whom God hath joined together let no man put asunder.
The Archbishop addresses the Congregation:
Forasmuch as William and Catherine have consented together in holy wedlock, and have witnessed the same before God and this company, and thereto have given and pledged their troth either to other, and have declared the same by giving and receiving of a ring, and by joining of hands; I pronounce that they be man and wife together, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
The Archbishop blesses the Couple:
God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Ghost, bless, preserve, and keep you; the Lord mercifully with his favour look upon you; and so fill you with all spiritual benediction and grace, that ye may so live together in this life, that in the world to come ye may have life everlasting. Amen.
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
Here comes the groom: William goes on a final walkabout as a single man as he greets his fans on the eve of his wedding
By David Wilkes
There’s no room left near the Abbey for people wanting to get the first glimpse of the married couple
- Camilla went out to meet people waiting outside Clarence House earlier in the day
Prince William delighted thousands of well-wishers in The Mall last night as he staged an impromptu walkabout.
Joined by his brother Harry, the beaming prince stunned die-hard fans when he appeared from Clarence House at about 8.30pm to thank them for their support.
A few burst into tears and a sea of hands rose up, desperate for the chance to shake hands with the prince and to wish him luck before the big day.
The happy prince: Prince William greets well-wishers along The Mall ahead of his wedding
Best man: Prince Harry joined his brother on the stroll near Clarence House
Dressed casually in a pale shirt, black jumper and chinos, he looked relaxed as he cracked jokes with the crowd, echoing his mother Diana’s easy nature with the adoring public.
He paid particular attention to the children who squeezed forward to peer over the barrier at the tall prince.
His brother Harry kept his distance so as not to detract attention from the man of the hour – so much so that television cameras did not even notice he was there until he strolled back into Clarence House.
Focus on the groom: William is captured on camera by a well-wisher
Some of the crowd had been camped for several days to secure prime position for the wedding procession, but it was all worthwhile for a fleeting glimpse of the prince. One said: ‘I cannot believe he actually came out to meet us. That shows what a friendly, lovely person he is.’
Earlier, the sense of anticipation had been growing among those who had already bagged spots outside Westminster Abbey.
Among them were Sarah Trotter and Angela Davie, who as giggly schoolgirls in 1981 had made the trip to London to see William’s parents Lady Diana Spencer and Prince Charles tie the knot.
The women, both 46, proudly paraded their patriotic credentials by wearing T-shirts specially printed for the occasion bearing the slogan ‘Back Again’ above a photograph of them as 16-year-olds at Charles and Diana’s wedding.
A casual stroll: Prince Harry greets some fans – and William looked relaxed as he cracked jokes with the crowd
‘We love the pomp and ceremony of a big royal occasion. Nobody does it like the British,’ said Mrs Trotter, a married mother of two from Ashford, Surrey, who runs a wedding dress shop.
‘The Royal Family’s image is brought down a bit by some of its members but they are an institution and I think we should be more proud of them than we are in this country.’
Also among the hundreds who have set up camp outside the Abbey was legendary royal fan Terry Hutt.
The 76-year-old has been a supporter of the monarchy since he was four when the Queen Mother visited Holloway, North London, where he lived, to see the damage done by Nazi bombs in the Blitz.
More…
- By Royal apartment: Inside the £5,000-a-night room where Kate will stay the night before the wedding
- Kate arrives to cheers from thousands camped outside Abbey for final rehearsal as order of service reveals she WON’T ‘obey’ Wills
- Millions of will miss the Royal Wedding day fun as thousands of employers will not be giving workers a paid day off
- Syrian ambassador is told you’re NOT invited: Despot’s envoy told he’s off wedding guest list after hundreds slaughtered in uprising
- Cat who got the cream: Loving the limelight, Philippa is the Middleton sister who doesn’t know the meaning of self-doubt. Just don’t call her Pippa!
- Royal Wedding: Latest news on Kate Middleton and Prince William
- A right royal hat-trick: How William and Kate’s Wedding celebration will be the third of its kind for one street
He claims to have been to watch almost every significant royal occasion since.
Mr Hutt took up his place on Tuesday and will have spent 72 hours waiting on the pavement by the time William and Kate tie the knot.
‘It’s true love,’ he said. ‘They met at university, fell out for a bit, and have had to get to know each other. I can’t wait to see them come out the Abbey a married couple.
‘They are the future King and Queen, I had to be here.’
Others had travelled from New Zealand, Canada and the U.S. Joan Martin, 57, a sales rep from Wisconsin, said: ‘William is wonderful and Kate is so down to earth. It’s the wedding of the century, it’ll be awesome.’
Earlier in the day the Duchess of Cornwall went out onto the Mall to meet well-wishers and see those camping out ahead of tomorrow’s event during an impromptu walkabout.
When asked how she was feeling ahead of the big day, the duchess said: ‘We’re all ready for tomorrow – it’s wonderful and all very exciting!
‘There’s a great atmosphere out here and it’s so nice to meet people and see how the celebrations are getting underway.’
Meet and Greet: Camilla Duchess of Cornwall stepped out to meet people on the Mall on the eve of the wedding
Royal tent city: Thousands camp outside Westminster Abbey for event of the year
Anyone still hoping they can get close to the action outside Westminster Abbey had better think again because the area opposite the historic church has turned into a camp site full of Royal fans desperate for the best spot for tomorrow’s wedding.
The run-up to the nuptials, which are set to be watched by billions worldwide, has proved a quintessentially English affair – with tea, cakes, tiaras, bunting and flags all on show in and around Parliament Square.
Thousands of diehard Royalists from across the world have descended on the patch of central London outside the Abbey as they vie to secure the best viewing position before Kate and Prince William marry.
Many have already camped out for several nights and have come with their tents, sleeping bags and even gazebos as they attempt to cater for all potential turns in the weather.
Royal fever: People camping in tents opposite Westminster Abbey have assured themselves a good view
Red, white an blue: As well as the T-shirt, hat and the hair, this lady even painted her nails in the colours of the Union flag while, right, Terry Hutt 77, from Cambridge, is clearly a fan of the union
What a pair of cards: Royal fans dressed as King and Queen of Hearts walk along the Mall
Huddling together for warmth overnight, they passed around flasks of tea, shared crosswords and pinned reels of bunting to any surface available as they prepared for the Royal event of the decade.
As dawn broke over the historic church, a sea of red, white and blue emerged as hundreds of tents lined the cobbled pavement.
Bewildered tourists were left little space to squeeze past on their way to London’s other sights, which have paled into insignificance by the most anticipated Royal wedding since Prince Charles married Lady Diana in 1981.
Some onlookers even wrapped themselves in their Union Flags to beat the brisk morning air, which they will soon unfurl when Prince William and Kate Middleton arrive tomorrow.
Crowning achievement: One hopes this lady’s headwear isn’t the real thing pilfered from Tower of London while, right, John Loughrey, 56, brought a replica of the official engagement ring, perhaps in the hope of finding his own princess with so many fellow royal fans in attendance
Right royal celebration: Tents lining the cobbled pavement as the world’s press do their rounds
One girl takes a load off on an inflated pink sofa as they camp out in Parliament Square and (right) Royal fans wrapped up in sleeping bags to keep the cold out
Britain’s got passion: Amanda Holden quizzes campers outside Westminster Abbey today
Christopher Farrow, 50, was propping himself up on the barricade, wearing a William and Kate tea towel and a Union flag round his waist, with two flags on sticks tucked into his waistband.
Mr Farrow, from Nottingham, said: ‘I can’t wait. This is what makes Britain great. Because of people like us camping out, everybody else wants to get involved.’
‘There will be billions of people watching — and I will be seeing it with my own eyes. I’m going to go absolutely mad — cheer, shout and wave my flags.’
A long night: Diehards stir as the sun rises with 24 hours to go before the Royal event of the decade
Who will buy? A street vendor draped in a William and Kate flag sells his royal wedding souvenirs in Trafalgar Square and, right, there’s a smart suit somewhere under the clingfilm and cut-outs combination belonging to Richard Firth from Reading
Royal watchers wearing tiaras talk amongst the tents outside the entrance the historic church
Nice lie in: A man sleeps in his open tent covered in a Union Flag duvet
Some fans pitched camp as early as two days ago in a bid to get as close to the action as possible.
John Loughrey, 56, was the first to arrive last night with only a sleeping bag and two carrier bags at the start of a week-long vigil to ensure a prime position for the event.
He was dressed in a Kate and William T-shirt, emblazoned with the words ‘Diana Would Be Proud’ with the images of Kate and William tied round his waist and a Union flag hat.
From across the pond; Four royal fans from the U.S. are show their own version of the red, white and blue outside Westminster Abbey
Suitably attired: One supporter sports a suit made from pictures of the Royal family while, right, one wonders if this fan already wearing a ring on that finger – there’ll still be one unmarried Prince in town after tomorrow’s festivities
Cold time: The royal watchers had camped out all night in a bid to get the best spot to see the event
Carnival: Campers set up trellis tables and passed round sandwiches to get through the cold night
The former assistant chef, from Wandsworth, south west London, a self-confessed ‘super fan’ of the late Diana, Princess of Wales, said he planned to stay in his position until Saturday.
‘I have always been loyal to the Royal Family,’ he said. ‘I think they are good for Britain and good for tourism. We have had them for more than 1,000 years and they make a great contribution to the life of this country.’
Mr Loughrey said he had attended every single hearing of the inquest into the death of Diana, camping for three days outside the Royal Courts of Justice in central London.
He became so well-known at the inquest – with ‘Diana’ and later ‘Dodi’ painted on his face – that he was even given a special mention by the coroner, Lord Justice Scott Baker.
Oh, what a knight: Colin Bickers walked 55 miles from his home town of Worthing in his full suit of armor for the wedding – raising money for charity along the way
Hat’s entertainment: Tina Pittock from Aldershot with headwear created specially or the occasion but the event has brought visitors from across the Atlantic too
Tired of the wedding festivities already? Two boys catch up on sleep on the pavement outside Westminster Abbey
Tornado GR4 aircraft take off from RAF Coningsby station in Lincolnshire for a fly-past rehearsal
Typhoon (top and bottom) and Tornado GR4 (left and right) aircraft rehearse their fly-past for the Royal wedding
Mr Loughrey, whose partner Marion died of skin cancer in 2003, also spent four days camped outside following the death of Diana in 1997.
He said he believed Miss Middleton and William would be together ‘forever’.
‘They have taken their time over marriage, unlike the Prince’s late mother – she got married maybe far too young,’ he said. ‘The Prince has learned from his mother to take his time.’
The mass of well-wishers from all over the globe included Canadian hairdressing duo Cathy Shepphard, 50, and Isabell Mackey, 47, from Ontario. They arrived in the UK yesterday and said they were surprised that so many people were already camping at the abbey.
Union Flag and George Cross flag bunting hangs outside the Lamb and Flag pub in central London
‘When we heard William and Kate were engaged we thought we’d never get the chance to see the royal wedding, but then we thought why not?’ Ms Mackey said.
‘Just to see William and Kate will be exciting, we just want to enjoy all of it. ‘It’s always been my dream to see England, I’m fascinated by it,’ she added.
The duo have come prepared with Union flags and homemade royal hats which incorporate the Canadian flag. ‘We know that the British wear fancy hats and you can’t come to a royal wedding and not wear your hat,’ Ms Mackey said.
Union flag bunting and other brightly coloured flags adorn the metal barriers that line the busy main road. An array of red and white balloons hovered in the air above collections of wedding memorabilia.
Street peddler Tony Mullarkey, 52, had travelled to London from Worcester with a thousand red and white rubber bracelets adorned with the royal couple’s names.
The trader, whose face was painted with a Union flag attracted a lot of media attention as he pitched up. He said he hoped to sell all the bracelets along with bunting and flags but had been warned he would not be allowed to set up a stand.
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
A regal wave: Kate arrives with sister and mother at their London hotel to spend final night as a single woman… and as a commoner
Wearing a polka-dot dress, the bride-to-be, accompanied by her sister Pippa and mother Carole, waved to the huge crowd which has gathered outside the hotel in Belgravia.
A beaming Kate showed no sign of nerves as she prepares to spend her final night as a single woman – and a commoner.
And royal fans had an extra treat tonight as her husband-to-be greeted well-wishers along The Mall.
Now scroll down to see the video
Here come the Middletons: Pippa, Kate and mother Carole smile to the crowds as they arrive at the Goring Hotel ahead of Kate’s marriage to Prince William tomorrow
Almost there: Kate Middleton and her family receive huge cheers in Belgravia this evening ahead of her wedding at Westminster Abbey
I’m getting married in the morning: The bride-to-be waves to the crowds as she prepares to spend her final night as a single woman and a commoner
A family affair: Kate outside the Goring Hotel with her sister Pippa and mother Carole this evening
Prince William, accompanied by his brother Harry, shook hands and chatted with the crowd near Clarence House.
Earlier today, Kate was greeted by cheers at the abbey as she was joined by best man Prince Harry – as well as the bridesmaids and pageboys and members of her family – for one last run-through of the big day which will be watched by 2billion people round the globe.
The practice took place as it was revealed Miss Middleton will not promise to ‘obey’ Prince William in her vows.
It’s really happening: Kate reacts to well-wishers outside her hotel
Today thousands of royal fans had set up tents outside the Abbey where there was a carnival atmosphere.
As Kate arrived this morning, a huge cheer went up from the royal fans who have been arriving from round the globe.
Waving their Union flags, the crowds greeted the passing Household Cavalry this morning before the bride-to-be arrived for a last run-through.
It is the last time Miss Middleton or a member of the Royal Family will be at the abbey before the service gets under way tomorrow, St James’s Palace said.
Prince William greets well-wishers along The Mall ahead of his wedding
The happy prince: Kate’s husband-to-be clearly enjoyed chatting with his fans
Best man: Prince Harry joined his brother on the stroll near Clarence House
One more night: The bride-to-be and her sister Pippa were all smiles as the big day approaches
Soon to have a prince in the family: Pippa and Carole in Belgravia this evening
Later on, the Duchess of Cornwall went out onto the Mall to meet well-wishers and those camping out ahead of tomorrow’s event during an impromptu walkabout.
When asked how she was feeling ahead of the big day, the duchess said: ‘We’re all ready for tomorrow – it’s wonderful and all very exciting!
‘There’s a great atmosphere out here and it’s so nice to meet people and see how the celebrations are getting underway.’
Flying the flag: The Duchess of Cornwall greets royal fans as she arrives at Clarence House earlier today
Walkabout: The Duchess of Cornwall spoke to royal fans who are camping overnight on The Mall
New picture: This portrait of Prince William and Kate Middleton by celebrated photographer Mario Testino was published in the official programme
Today the journalist who carried out the couple’s engagement interview said they were attempting to ‘block out the terror of having two billion people’ watching them tomorrow.
In a personal message to well-wishers, the couple said they were ‘incredibly moved’ by the affection shown to them since their engagement in the official wedding programme.
Tomorrow modern-thinking Miss Middleton will pledge to ‘love, comfort, honour and keep’ William.
Kate Middleton and Prince Harry at the Abbey this morning for the last run-through. Two billion people are expected to watch the ceremony tomorrow
Mike Tindall, who is due to marry Zara Phillips in July, arrives at Clarence House
The soon-to-be royal is following in the footsteps of the Prince’s mother Diana who also opted not to ‘obey’ the Prince of Wales during their wedding ceremony in 1981.
The Queen, Princess Margaret and the Princess Royal all said they would obey their husbands.
More…
- NOW READ the Order of Service in full: See the official souvenir guide for the Royal Wedding of the century here
- The Royal tent city: Thousands pitch camp outside Westminster Abbey in preparation for London event of the year
- Wills’ last day of freedom
- Cat who got the cream: Loving the limelight, Philippa is the Middleton sister who doesn’t know the meaning of self-doubt. Just don’t call her Pippa!
- DOMINIC SANDBROOK: Why 1981 was the year that forged modern Britain
- By Royal apartment: Inside the £5,000-a-night room where Kate will stay the night before the wedding
- How did Kate Middleton’s family make their money?
- Royal Wedding: Latest news on Kate Middleton and Prince William
- Will rain stop play for Kate and Wills? Forecasters say ‘real risk’ of heavy showers and thunder ruining Royal Wedding
William and his fiancee have selected the Series One Book of Common Prayer ceremony, from 1966, which allows the bride to drop ‘obey him’ and ‘serve him’ from the religious proceedings.
With William choosing not to wear a wedding ring, only the prince will say ‘With this ring I thee wed’ as he places the golden band on Kate’s finger.
Last practice: Kate Middleton, with her mother Carole and Prince Harry, gets into a Jaguar and leaves Westminster Abbey this morning after a final run through. The next time she will be back there will be for the wedding
Grinning bride: A smiling Kate Middleton, right, arrives at Westminster Abbey for the last run through. Left, her sister Pippa enters with bridesmaid Grace van Cutsem
Page boy: William Lowther-Pinkerton, 10, arrives at Westminster Abbey for the rehearsal this morning
The task of writing a message at the start of the official programme usually falls to the Archbishop of Canterbury.
The wrote that they were deeply touched by people’s reactions as they prepare for ‘one of the happiest days of our lives’, they said.
A St James’s Palace spokesman said: ‘The couple felt that they wanted to put in a message from themselves.’
The signatures ‘William’ and ‘Catherine’ can be seen underneath the heartfelt message.
The programme also contains a hand-drawn colour map of the carriage procession route, as well as the history of the abbey and details of William and Kate’s coats of arms.
It includes a brief history of past Royal Weddings at the abbey, where William the Conqueror was crowned in 1066.
It declares: ‘More than a millennium after the first William made his solemn oath, the abbey hosts another William and his bride for a further moment of great solemnity, but one of great joy as well.’
Some 150,000 copies of the A5 booklet, costing £2 each, will be made available along the processional route on the wedding day by a team of military cadets and Explorer Scouts.
By Royal Appointment: Page boy Tom Pettifer, eight, and Lady Louise Windsor arrive for the rehearsals this morning
Last hours: Kate Middleton and Prince Harry leaves Westminster Abbey with family and friends this morning just a day before the ceremony after the final run through
Enlarge Official programme: William and Kate said in their message at the start of the keepsake that they would like ‘to thank everyone most sincerely for their kindness’
The royal wedding procession has been planned down to the finest detail
As final rehearsals are carried out, the Syrian ambassador was told he is not invited after the slaughterings.
The dramatic announcement came amid mounting fury that a representative of Middle Eastern despot President Bashar Assad was to attend.
Tomorrow the Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams will conduct the vows, before pronouncing the couple ‘man and wife’.
There will be one Lesson during the service, which the couple have asked Miss Middleton’s younger brother James to read.
In the mood: David Cameron takes a stroll along The Mall and meets well-wishers
Happy memories: The Prime Minister also re-visited the spot where he camped out at for the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana in 1981
After a lunchtime reception, the Queen will leave Buckingham Palace – and miss Harry’s best man speech and the evening party.
She will head out of the capital with the Duke of Edinburgh for a private weekend, leaving the newlyweds to party the night away at a black tie evening reception with their friends.
Buckingham Palace said the Queen would hear a number of speeches at the lunchtime canapes reception for 650 guests, including family, friends, foreign royals, dignitaries and charity workers.
She will see the bride and groom cutting their lavish multi-tiered wedding cake.
A message from the royal couple in the souvenir programme says: ‘We are both so delighted that you are able to join us in celebrating what we hope will be one of the happiest days of our lives.
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
Prince William, Kate to be Duke,
Duchess of Cambridge
Phil Noble / Reuters
Prince William and Kate Middleton, seen here in Wales in February, will now be known as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
By Rachel Elbaum
Most grandmothers give gifts of china or bed linens, but on Prince William’s wedding day he has received a dukedom from his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth.
The prince will now be known as the Duke of Cambridge, and has also received the titles Earl of Strathearn and Baron Carrickfergus. A duke is the highest rank below that of monarch in the British nobility.
Kate will be known as the Duchess of Cambridge. The title has not been in use since 1981, and was originally created in 1801. Kate will officially become Princess William of Wales, although this title will not be used.
As a royal tradition, it was largely expected that the queen would confer a dukedom to William upon his marriage. Since William announced his engagement, there has been a guessing game in the press as to the title he would receive. Other possibilities included the Duke of Sussex, the Duke of Connaught and Strathearn, and the Duke of Clarence and Avondale. Queen Elizabeth could also have created a new title for her grandson.
Reportedly, William’s uncle Prince Edward was going to be given the title of Duke of Cambridge – that is until he watched Shakespeare in Love, which had a character called the Earl of Wessex. He liked the sound of it and requested that title instead.
And here’s a little-known fact about a previous holder of this title: The second duke of Cambridge, Prince Adolphus Frederick, was the seventh son of King George III. A true romantic, he defied the Royal Marriage Act, and married his mistress, Sarah Louisa Fairbrother, an actress and a commoner, in 1847. Since the marriage wasn’t legal, his children were all illegitimate.
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
‘You look beautiful’: What William
whispered to radiant Kate as she
arrived at the Abbey in a fairytale
dress for a fairytale wedding…
By Rob Cooper
- Couple will travel from Abbey to the Palace in an open-topped carriage
- Two BILLION people to watch wedding today
- 5,000 royals enthusiasts camped out overnight at the Mall
- Hundreds of thousands line the streets to catch a glimpse of the couple
After months of waiting, Kate Middleton and Prince William today tied the knot at Westminster Abbey.
Wearing a flowing wedding dress with a long train and lace sleeves, Kate clutched a bunch of white flowers as she embarked on the short drive to Westminster Abbey, before starting her three-minute walk up the aisle to be with her groom.
As the happy couple exchanged vows, William appeared to have trouble slipping the ring onto Kate’s finger.
‘You look beautiful’: Prince William speaks to his bride Kate as she holds her father’s hand at the altar
Prince William and Kate Middleton exchange rings in front of the Archbishop of Canterbury during the ceremony
Kate Middleton arrives with her father Michael Middleton to join Prince William and his best man Harry at the altar
Prince William and Kate Middleton sit down during the service after he put the wedding band on her finger
William appeared to have a moment of difficulty in slipping the ring onto Kate’s finger… But the ceremony went without a hitch
Kate Middleton and her father, Michael, travel in a Rolls Royce to Westminster Abbey
Kate Middleton waves as she arrives with her father Michael Middleton and her sister Philippa Middleton to the West Door of Westminster Abbey in London for her wedding
Brilliant in white: Kate Middleton is taken up the aisle by her proud father Michael
He’s here: Prince William, left, arrives at Westminster Abbey next to his proud younger brother and best man Harry with two billion people watching
First glimpse: Prince William gets out of his Bentley and walks into the Abbey – and waits for Kate
Proud father: Prince Charles arrives with William’s stepmother Camilla
Showbiz royalty: David Beckham, wearing his OBE on his lapel, centre, and his wife Victoria arrive at the west door of Westminster Abbey as guests arrive for the 11am ceremony
THE COMMONER BECOMES A DUCHESS ON HER WEDDING DAY
The Queen has made William the Duke of Cambridge to mark his wedding day and Kate Middleton a Duchess, Buckingham Palace announced.
William also became the Earl of Strathearn and Baron Carrickfergus, which means Kate will become the Countess of Strathearn and Baroness Carrickfergus.
As well as a duchess, Miss Middleton is also technically Princess William of Wales.
According to protocol, she is not officially Princess Catherine as she was not born a princess in her own right.
Instead she adopts her husband’s first name, in the same way as Princess Michael of Kent, who married the Queen’s cousin Prince Michael of Kent.
All titles are in the gift of the Queen and it was up to the monarch to choose which one to bestow on her grandson and his new wife.
But William’s thoughts will also have been taken into account by the royal matriarch in a private discussion between the Prince and his grandmother.
Tradition dictates that royal men receive a title on their wedding – and often more than one.
But to the relief of all, he finally slipped the wedding band on and the ceremony passed without a hitch.
Earlier thousands of people filled the streets of London as royalty, leading politicians and top names from the showbiz world filed into the Abbey for the wedding of the century.
At 10.10am Prince William and his brother Harry left Clarence House, both in full military uniform for the short drive. He was later followed by his bride who had successfully managed to keep her wedding dress a secret from the world.
Kate Middleton today left behind her commoner roots to become Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cambridge after marrying Prince William.
The royal couple officially became the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge after tying the knot. Prince William has also become the Earl of Strathearn and Baron Carrickfergus.
David and Victoria Beckham, Guy Ritchie and Chelsy Davy were among the 1,900 guests in Westminster Abbey this morning.
There were squeals of joy from the crowd when Beckham waved to the crowd as he arrived. He was wearing a Ralph Lauren morning suit with the OBE he received in 2003 pinned to the right lapel, with his hair slicked back.
His wife, who is pregnant with their fourth child, wore a dark blue dress she designed herself accessorised with a hat by celebrated milliner Philip Treacy.
Prince Charles and Camilla followed by Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip walk down the red carpet at Westminster Abbey
Kate walks up the aisle, holding her father’s hand, with Maid of Honour Pippa Middleton supporting her dress, left. Right, a smiling Kate waves to the crowds outside the Abbey
William’s close Eton friend Harry Meade was seen queuing to get into the abbey, as guests waited to take their seats.
On The Mall crowds waved flags and cheered when the Band of the Coldstream Guards marched down toward the Duke of York Steps.
Playing hits such as Barry Manilow’s Copacabana, the 44-member band got spectators moving their feet.
The band was directed by Lieutenant Colonel Graham Jones alongside Drum Major Scott Fitzgerald. The historic band has been in existence for more than 200 years.
After William and Kate marry today, the pair will travel from Westminster Abbey to the Palace in an open-topped carriage despite forecasters saying earlier that there is a risk of rain.
Kate Middleton arrives at Westminster, adorned with trees, as the congregation sing
Bridesmaids and page boys: Tom Pettifer laughs as he arrives with Master William Lowther-Pinkerton, Lady Louise Windsor and Margarita Armstrong-Jones
The Queen and Prince Philip take their seats
The day is here: A military band perform as they march on the Mall this morning hours before William and Kate marry at Westminster Abbey
Pippa Middleton walks into Westminster Abbey with three bridesmaids and two page boys
The nation’s grandmother: The Queen arrives at Westminster Abbey for the Royal WeddingThe heavens are not expected to open until this afternoon – so William and Kate should stay dry as they arrive at the Palace.
The couple will pass the cheering crowds in The Mall after their wedding ceremony in a 1902 State Landau that was used by Charles and Diana 30 years ago.
Waiting time: Prince William and his brother Harry walk into the Abbey to wait for the commoner bride Kate Middleton to arrive
Proudest moment: Kate’s mother Carole Middleton walks into Westminster Abbey after a last minute change of outfit
Samantha Cameron, centre, wearing a figure-hugging green outfit stands next to her husband Prime Minister David Cameron, left, and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, right
Wedding greetings: Prince William and his best man brother arrive at the Abbey
After weeks of rehearsals, the ceremonial guards perform prior to the Royal Wedding today
Earl Spencer talks to guests inside Westminster Abbey where guests were mingling ahead of the 11am ceremony
Guests arrive: There was almost a party atmosphere inside Westminster Abbey as guests mingled before Kate arrives laterBridesmaids Lady Louise Windsor, seven, and Margarita Armstrong-Jones, eight, arrived five minutes later, accompanied by pageboy Tom Pettifer, eight, were among the first to arrive at the Abbey.
Last night, wearing a polka-dot dress, the bride-to-be, accompanied by her sister Pippa and mother Carole, waved to the huge crowd which has gathered outside the hotel in Belgravia last night as she enjoyed her last night as a single lady.
5,000 people camped out along the Mall hoping to get a good sight of the couple when they pass in the open topped vehicle later this morning.
More…
- Keep it under your hat, but this could be wedding dress designer: Mystery woman dodges into Kate’s hotel
- The skateboarding, punk-loving boy from Harlem, New York, who will protect the Queen at the Royal Wedding
- Let the rip-offs begin: Meet the designer in a royal rush to copy Kate Middleton’s wedding gown
- Beatrice is the star of royal red carpet in white tulle and sequins at the Queen’s pre-wedding gala dinner
- Kate arrives to cheers from thousands camped outside Abbey for final rehearsal as order of service reveals she WON’T ‘obey’ Wills
- Police swoop on squatters ‘planning to disrupt Royal Wedding’ as central London is locked down
- Pride of Britain! The two Princes don full military uniforms for the big day
- Here comes the groom: William goes on a final walkabout as a single man as he greets fans on the eve of his wedding
- The little ones with big roles to rehearse
- When to see that dress and where to watch that kiss
- Highest rank for Wills the Duke, as Kate becomes his Duchess
With showers forecast for the wedding day there had been fears an enclosed carriage would be used.
The decision means tens of thousands of spectators will get a good view of the couple. If it had been raining the couple would have travelled along the one-and-a-half mile route to the palace in a Glass Coach.
Prince Harry, William’s best man, and Pippa Middleton, Kate’s sister and maid of honour, will follow in two separate Ascot Landau carriages with the young bridesmaids and page boys.
Princes William and Harry arrive in Westminster Abbey for the wedding
Trees have been put up inside the Abbey to give it an outdoor feel. This morning there was a party atmosphere inside as they waited for William and Kate
Chelsy Davy arrives for the wedding, left, and right, Tara Palmer-Tomkinson seen leaving her London home
Final preparations: Police officers walk down The Mall this morning ahead of the wedding at Westminster Abbey
Nick Clegg and his wife Miriam, wearing a dazzling polka-dot dress, arrive at Westminster Abbey, right. Inside, left, some guests mingle
Early start: Spectators line the route the royal carriage will take from Westminster Abbey to the Palace later. There will be 1,900 guests at the ceremony
Here come the guests: The first of the 1,900 people with invitations to the service arrive. Tony Blair and Gordon Brown will not be thereThe second procession will be the Sovereign’s Escort mounted by four squadrons from the Household Cavalry.
The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh will ride in a semi-state Landau as will Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall, who will be joined by Kate’s parents Michael and Carole Middleton.
The horses leading the coaches will be Cleveland Bays, the only British breed of carriage horse, but for the Queen and the newlyweds Windsor greys will be used – traditionally reserved for the monarch.
Last night a beaming Kate showed no sign of nerves ahead of her marriage today to Prince William.
Prince William, centre, and his brother, are greeted by Receiver General Stephen Lamport. They walk up the aisle together where they wait for KateAnd royal fans had an extra treat last night as her husband-to-be greeted well-wishers along The Mall.
Prince William, accompanied by his brother Harry, shook hands and chatted with the crowd near Clarence House.
Yesterday morning, Kate was greeted by cheers at the abbey as she was joined by best man Prince Harry – as well as the bridesmaids and pageboys and members of her family – for one last run-through of the big day which will be watched by 2 billion people round the globe.
Later on, the Duchess of Cornwall went out onto the Mall to meet well-wishers and those camping out ahead of today’s event during an impromptu walkabout.
Huge support: Royal supporters wait along the processional route hoping to catch a glimpse of the couple as they make their way to the Abbey
First people arrive: The 1,900 wedding guests are arriving at Westminster Abbey ahead of the service scheduled for 11amA BRITISH FEEL TO THE CEREMONY
The bride will walk up the aisle to the dramatic sounds of a coronation anthem – the soaring choral masterpiece ‘I was glad’ by Sir Charles Hubert Hastings Parry from Psalm 122.
It was composed for the crowning of Prince William’s great-great-great grandfather Edward VII at Westminster Abbey in 1902, but is also popular at weddings.
As the choir begins to sing, the bride will begin her three and a half minute procession through the Nave and Quire to meet her Prince on her father’s arm.
The newlyweds will leave the Abbey to the sounds of the well-known rousing orchestral march Crown Imperial by William Walton, which was also played at Charles and Diana’s wedding.
The three hymns – ‘Guide me, O thou great Redeemer’, ‘Love divine, all loves excelling’ and Jerusalem which begins ‘And did those feet in ancient time’ – are all favourites of the couple.
When asked how she was feeling ahead of the big day, the duchess said: ‘We’re all ready for tomorrow – it’s wonderful and all very exciting!
‘There’s a great atmosphere out here and it’s so nice to meet people and see how the celebrations are getting underway.’
The journalist who carried out the couple’s engagement interview said they were attempting to ‘block out the terror of having two billion people’ watching them.
In a personal message to well-wishers, the couple said they were ‘incredibly moved’ by the affection shown to them since their engagement in the official wedding programme.
Normally it falls to the Archbishop of Canterbury to write the introductory message, but the couple broke with tradition.
A St James’s Palace spokesman said: ‘The couple felt that they wanted to put in a message from themselves.’
Following in the footsteps of Diana, Miss Middleton will not promise to ‘obey’ Prince William in her vows.
With William choosing not to wear a wedding ring, only the prince will say ‘With this ring I thee wed’ as he places the golden band on Kate’s finger.
Yesterday the Syrian ambassador was told he is no longer invited after the slaughterings following the uprisings.
David and Victoria Beckham talk to Guy Ritchie inside Westminster Abbey as they wait for William and Kate to arrive
During today’s marriage ceremony there will be one Lesson, which the couple have asked Miss Middleton’s younger brother James to read.
William’s father the Prince of Wales his stepmother Camilla, Kate’s parents Carole and Michael and her sister Pippa will all act as witnesses and sign the marriage registers during the ceremony.
After a lunchtime reception at Buckingham Palace, the Queen will leave – and miss Harry’s best man speech and the evening party.
She will head out of the capital with the Duke of Edinburgh for a private weekend, leaving the newlyweds to party the night away at a black tie evening reception with their friends.
Arrivals: His wife Sally towering above him in her high heels, House of Commons speaker John Bercow arrives at Westminster Abbey, right. left, Ben Fogle and Marina Fogle
Family arrive: Kate’s uncle Gary Goldsmith leaves his west London home in a £280,000 Rolls Royce Phantom convertible, left, and Miss Middleton’s brother James leaves the Goring hotel, right
Security operation: A man is restrained by police officers outside Westminster Abbey this morning as a huge ring of steel is thrown up around the capital
Waiting is over: Union Flags in The Mall this morning ready for the newly-married William and Kate to marry later
Tent city: 5,000 people slept on The Mall to guarantee the best spots along the wedding route, including this man curled up in his sleeping bagBuckingham Palace said the Queen would hear a number of speeches at the lunchtime canapes reception for 650 guests, including family, friends, foreign royals, dignitaries and charity workers.
She will see the bride and groom cutting their lavish multi-tiered wedding cake.
As final preparations get underway, rain had been threatening to put a dampener on the big day. However, by choosing the open carriage, William and Kate appear confident that the heavens won’t open on them.
Alison Cobb, a meteorologist with Meteogroup, said yesterday there was a ‘real risk’ of Kate Middleton being rained on as she steps from her limousine at 11am to enter Westminster Abbey on her father’s arm.
Yesterday a new close-up shot of the couple was released with the pair wearing matching open-necked white shirts as they smile broadly, with Kate leaning towards William.
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
Meet my Princess! William and his new bride Kate head for the Palace in open top carriage after a fairytale wedding at the Abbey
- Highest rank for Wills the Duke, as Kate becomes his Duchess
- Now here’s the showbiz royalty… Victoria goes for minimalistic navy for Royal Wedding while David looks sharp in black suit
After months of waiting, William and Kate finally tied the knot at Westminster Abbey today. She arrived clutching the hand of her father Michael as her sister and maid of honour Pippa held the long rain on her flowing dress. As the happy couple exchanged vows, William appeared to have trouble slipping the ring onto Kate’s finger. An estimated one million people lined the streets to catch a glimpse of them.
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
Royal-Wedding Jewelry: Kate Middleton Wears the Cartier Halo Tiara
Vanity Fair
Middleton. By Ben Stansall/Getty Images.Kate Middleton chose to wear the Cartier “halo” tiara, which was made in 1936 and purchased by the Duke of York (later King George VI) for his wife, Elizabeth’s mother (also Elizabeth). Queen Elizabeth received it as an 18th-birthday present, at which time she was Princess Elizabeth. The delicate headpiece, which is as understated as a headband of diamonds can be, was lent to Kate by the Queen, though there’s a chance she’ll come into one of her own soon: the Queen’s 1981 wedding gift to Diana was the Cambridge Lovers’ Knot Tiara. Diana wore a Spencer-family tiara to her wedding.
Kate’s earrings, custom-made by Robinson Pelham to match her tiara, were a present from her parents. The earrings, with acorn motifs, was inspired by the fresh, new Middleton-family crest. Pelham also designed the more floral earrings worn by the other lady in white—maid of honor Pippa Middleton.
Kate’s wedding ring, which seemed to have given William a bit of difficulty in the slipping on, is a band of Welsh gold by Wartski, which also crafted Welsh-gold wedding bands for Prince Charles and Camilla
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
The Cake and the Menu! What the Royal Wedding Party Is Eating Right Now
by Sarah Ball
Vanity Fair
By John Stillwell/WPA Pool/Getty Images.That’s the wedding cake! It’s eight tiers, designed by Fiona Cairns, and decorated using a style known as the “Joseph Lambeth Method”—so, it’s probably not Funfetti. There are 17 different varieties of floral motifs on it, including the white rose (the symbol of England), the daffodil (the symbol of Wales), the shamrock (the symbol of Ireland), and the thistle (the symbol of Scotland). For a look at other, many-tiered royal wedding cakes, see our survey of history’s best. As for the savory offerings that the wedding attendees are enjoying right now at Buckingham Palace, read on—we’ve taken the liberty of arranging them from least to most British-sounding.
23. Roulade of Goats Cheese with Caramelised Walnuts
22. White Chocolate Ganache Truffle
21. Milk Chocolate Praline with Nuts
20. Dark Chocolate Ganache Truffle
19. Passion Fruit Praline
18. Blood Orange Paté de Fruit
17. Gateau Opera
16. Rhubarb Crème Brulee Tartlet
15. Assortment of Palmiers and Cheese Straws
14. Scottish Langoustines with Lemon Mayonnaise Pressed Confit of Pork Belly with Crayfish and Crackling
13. Wild Mushroom and Celeriac Chausson
12. Raspberry Financier
11. Scottish Smoked Salmon Rose on Beetroot Blini
10. Quails Eggs with Celery Salt
9. Cornish Crab Salad on Lemon Blini
8. Pressed Duck Terrine with Fruit Chutney
7. Miniature Watercress and Asparagus Tart
6. Cornish Crab Salad on Lemon Blini
5. Grain Mustard and Honey-glazed Chipolatas
4. Poached Asparagus Spears with Hollandaise Sauce for Dipping
3. Miniature Yorkshire Pudding with Roast Fillet of Beef and Horseradish Mousse
2. Smoked Haddock Fishcake with Pea Guacamole
1. Bubble and Squeak with Confit Shoulder of Lamb
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
Just (wed) William! Prince drives
his new bride away from the
Palace in a vintage Aston after
balcony kiss thrills the crowds
By Rob Cooper
Last updated at 8:48 PM on 29th April 2011 www.dailymail.co.uk
- Kate said ‘I am glad the weather held off, we had a great day
- William tells Kate ‘You look beautiful’ as she arrives at the altar
- He jokes with Kate’s father ‘we’re supposed to have just a small family affair’
- Two BILLION people watch couple tie the knot
- 5,000 royals enthusiasts camped out overnight at The Mall
- Prince struggles to get ring on Kate’s finger
- One million well-wishers line the streets to catch a glimpse of the couple
- Prince William takes the title Duke of Cambridge and Kate becomes Duchess
After a kiss that thrilled the nation, Prince William drove full throttle into the nation’s affections as he took his new wife on an unexpected drive to Clarence House.
They left their Buckingham Palace reception in Prince Charles’s open-top Aston Martin with ‘Just wed’ on the number plate.
It was the fitting climax to what had already been a remarkable day – and it was the common touch his mother Diana would have been proud of.
Prince William emerges from Buckingham Palace in his father’s dark blue Aston Martin as the crowd roars. The number plate on the rear said ‘Just Wed’
Unexpected: William motors around Buckingham Palace with his new wife in his father’s 41-year-old Aston Martin which Charles was given as a gift for his 21st birthday party
Happy couple: The Aston Martin Volante is decorated with balloons and a ‘Just Wed’ registration plate, as William and Catherine emerge in the soft-top vehicle
Double kiss: The newly-married couple share their first public kiss on the balcony as thousands of screaming well-wishers watch
Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment »
It’s party time! Kate and William
leave Clarence House for wedding
reception
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge left Clarence House tonight for the short trip to Buckingham Palace for their wedding party.
Some 300 of the couple’s closest family and friends will celebrate with dancing and dinner at the black tie do, which will stretch into the early hours.
The Queen has given over the home to the wedding celebration as revellers including the couple’s close friends Guy Pelly and Thomas Van Straubenzee attend.
Kate, in her gown for the evening, leaves Clarence House alongside Camilla Parker Bowles for the short journey to Buckingham Palace
The Duchess had switched into a new white outfit for the party – also created by Sarah Burton who designed her wedding gown.
The second dress is a strapless white satin gazar evening dress with a circle skirt and diamante embroidered detail round the waist, St James’s Palace said.
Kate was also wearing a white angora bolero cardigan.
The couple left with Charles and his wife the Duchess of Cornwall. The royal party looked happy and relaxed.
Kate’s second dress is a strapless white satin gazar evening dress with a circle skirt and diamante embroidered detail round the waist. William stuck to the safe bet of a dinner jacket and bow tie
The heir to the throne and his son, the new Duke of Cambridge, were dressed in dinner jackets with black bow ties.
Kate had her hair down in her favourite style for the private party.
Camilla wore a light blue hand-embroidered high-collared floor length Anna Valentine dress for the evening.
The new Duchess’s family had left the Goring Hotel shortly before 7.30pm.
A happy and relaxed William made the short journey along The Mall in a Jaguar car with Prince Charles and Camilla closely behind
Her sister Pippa had changed from her bridesmaid dress into a long emerald green sleeveless dress with a jewelled embellishment on the front and a plunging neckline.
Her hair was pinned up at the back and she was carrying a clutch bag.
Kate’s mother Carole Middleton smiled after stumbling slightly as she came down the stairs at the hotel and her son James placed a guiding hand on her back as she climbed into a silver people carrier.
Mrs Middleton wore a black capped sleeve dress, cut low at the front and back, with a tiered skirt.
The bride’s father and brother wore black tuxedos with bow ties.
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
What honeymoon? A weekend
away then it’s back to work for
Wills on Monday
By Rob Cooper
William and Kate spent first night together at Buckingham Palace
- Couple will go on honeymoon later – but date and destination is a secret
- Newlyweds expected to spend weekend at Balmoral
Newlyweds William and Kate will not go on honeymoon this weekend – and Prince William will be back at work on Monday.
The couple, who flew out of Buckingham Palace this morning, will spend the weekend together at a private location in the UK.
The Prince will return to his job as a search and rescue helicopter pilot next week before the couple finally jet off on their overseas honeymoon at a later date.
Newly-weds: Duke and Duchess of Cambridge walk hand in hand from Buckingham Palace as they prepare to board a helicopter to fly off on their honeymoon
Royal honeymoon: Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, fly off from Buckingham Palace this morning
After spending their first night as a married couple together at the Palace, they walked out of the Palace casually dressed hand in hand this morning.
It had been thought they would take two weeks off for the traditional post-wedding break.
But it appears they want some private time in familiar surroundings after one of the most important days in their life saw their marriage celebrated by the nation and beyond.
Meanwhile, the Middleton posed for photos looking happy and relaxed outside the Goring Hotel this morning and bore no signs of the after-effects of last night’s celebrations.
Mr Middleton told the gathered crowd “We had a wonderful time” before the family returned home without any fuss or ceremony.
They arrived back at their home in Bucklebury, Berkshire, in three separate cars with Kate’s brother, James, leading the way.
Without so much as a Union flag in sight, the 23-year-old bachelor turned a black BMW 3 series estate into their private drive at about 3.15pm.
Wearing an open-necked shirt and looking bleary-eyed, the only reception he received today was from two policemen guarding the house.
It was in sharp contrast to the scenes in Bucklebury yesterday when local people turned out in force to celebrate the wedding.
James was quickly followed by Kate’s mother Carole and sister Pippa, in a Land Rover Freelander, who beamed as they drove into the driveway.
Carole looked fairly fresh faced and wore a white top with blue trimming, while Pippa sported a large pair of Armani sunglasses but smiled broadly in a royal blue cardigan.
Maid of honour Pippa Middleton and her mother Carole emerge from the Goring Hotel today after last night’s wedding celebration.
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
‘We are so lucky to have her’: Prince Charles’s moving speech to the daughter he never had
Prince Charles movingly described Kate Middleton as the daughter he had never had yesterday and admitted: ‘We are lucky to have her.’
In a touching speech, the clearly emotional prince paid tribute to his new daughter-in-law – but still found time to crack jokes about his eldest son and his famously thinning hairline.
Charles chose to say a few off-the-cuff words as he toasted the newlyweds at a Buckingham Palace champagne reception thrown by the Queen for 650 guests and wished the couple a long and happy life together.
Part of the firm: Prince Charles, seen with William and Kate at the Buckingham Palace reception, made a toast to the happy couple and welcomed his new daughter-in-law to the Royal family
We are family: Charles displayed obvious pride as he stood beside his new daughter-in-law on the balcony
Kate’s former primary school headmaster Dr Robert Acheson, who is also a friend of the Middleton family, said as he left the Palace: ‘William spoke very well but it was Charles who really gave high praise to his daughter-in-law. He said they were really lucky to have a daughter like her.’
The retired headmaster of St Andrews preparatory school in Pangbourne, Berkshire, added: ‘I think Kate will be a wonderful role model.
‘She’s an exceptionally nice person and she’s no fool. She will make a very good queen. She brings a lot to the party and I think they recognise that.
‘The speech really brought a tear to the eye. She was a delightful child and is now a delightful young woman.’
Susie Lea, a friend of the Middleton family, described the moment that Charles brought the house down.
Meeting of the matriarchs: Kate’s mother Carole Middleton with the Duchess of Cornwall and Prince Charles in a carriage on the way to Buckingham Palace
Spot of fun: Prince Charles also mocked William’s thinning hair, seen while the couple were at the altar
‘The Prince of Wales made a few jokes about his bald patch and his son’s bald patch, saying it must be hereditary,’ she said.
‘He was stood slightly up on a small stand so he was looking down on William to his left. William smiled, he was amused. Kate looked amused as well.’
The couple walked into the Palace’s historic picture gallery shortly after 1.30pm following their balcony appearance, serenaded by a golden harp played by Charles’s official musician, Claire Jones.
After meeting and greeting their guests, the newlyweds cut their cake to the whoops and cheers of their friends.
One attendee who said his son was a schoolfriend of Prince William said: ‘Kate looked immaculate, she was beaming the whole time.
Fairytale moment: Princess Catherine – only an hour earlier a commoner – arrives at Buckingham Palace as royalty
Sealed with a kiss: The couple, who have been given the titles Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, kiss on the balcony of Buckingham Palace
‘It was a fantastic reception, everyone was very relaxed. William thanked everyone involved in the organisation of the wedding.’
An astonishing 10,000 canapes were served during the two-hour reception, prepared by Buckingham Palace’s 21-strong team of kitchen staff.
Guests toasted the happy couple with a £200 Pol Roger NV brut reserve champagne and a selection of other soft and alcoholic drinks.
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
At the supermarket: Duchess
proves she has the common touch
as she pushes her own trolley
A week ago she was walking up the aisle in front of a global audience of billions.
Now, a dressed-down Duchess of Cambridge is strolling down aisles of a more mundane kind as she does the weekly shop like any other housewife.
In a loose-fitting green poncho and white V-neck sweatshirt worn with skinny jeans and ballet pumps, Kate pushed a trolley among dozens of shoppers at Waitrose on the island of Anglesey.
Down the aisle again: Kate stops to chat with a supermarket worker as she shops at Waitrose in AngleseyOnlookers said she had a spring in her step as she filled several carrier bags and loaded them into the boot of her Audi A3.
No doubt her already buoyant mood was lifted further with the news that she and Prince William are to take America by storm with a whirlwind visit to Hollywood this summer. There, no doubt, they will receive the full celebrity treatment.
Unlike yesterday, when Kate smiled at locals as well as the photographer as she ‘skipped’ across the car park to return her empty trolley before driving back to the remote farmhouse that she shares with her new husband.
Doing the weekly shop, Duchess? Kate joins the rest of the supermarket shoppers by grabbing a trolley
For anyone who has remained oblivious to months of build-up to their wedding, the only clues to Kate’s royal status were three police bodyguards, a back-up car and the jewellery on her wedding finger.
Tucked behind her sapphire engagement ring was the plain Welsh gold band that marked her transformation from a commoner into Her Royal Highness on Friday – and will eventually guarantee her a seat on the throne.
Around the wrist of her other hand, she appeared to be wearing an elastic hair band, though yesterday afternoon she let her blow-dried locks hang loose.
No ordinary RAF wife: Appearing to skip while pushing her trolley, down-to-earth Kate looks as though she just might take off on the wheeled deviceKate, 29, is likely to have been preparing a special dinner for her new husband, who returned yesterday morning from a busy 24-hour shift as a search and rescue pilot.
One onlooker said: ‘It looked like she was stocking up on the basics, but she also bought a few special items, so perhaps she was preparing their first romantic meal as a married couple.
‘She loaded all the shopping into her car on her own, then skipped as she ran the trolley back to the park. She looked very happy and was smiling at people.
‘Most people didn’t even spot who it was, despite her being probably the most famous person in the world at the moment.’ It is the first time Kate has been out and about in public since she and William departed for a weekend break on Saturday, the day after marrying at Westminster Abbey.
Happy shopper: The new Duchess of Cambridge looks relaxed at the supermarket with her protection officer
Don’t forget the keys: Kate hands over the car keys to her protection officer, and then it was in to the supermarket to bag some bargainsIt was only after the couple flew off in the Queen’s helicopter that St James’s Palace revealed their surprise decision to forego an immediate honeymoon. They spent the bank holiday weekend at a secret location in the UK and are expected to take an extended break at a later date.
It was announced yesterday that they will stop off in Los Angeles during a three-day official stay in California in July following their inaugural foreign tour to Canada.
Palace officials decided to extend their original nine-day tour as the reaction in the U.S. to the couple’s engagement and wedding last week has been so phenomenal.
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
One of only 250 ever published! Signed and numbered by Princess Diana. Please click on the link below as it was just listed in the Boutique.
http://www.princessdianabookboutique.com/store/products/details/?product=4050
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
THE PAGEBOYS
The pageboys were dressed in the Regency-style red tunic of a Foot Guards officer, echoing William’s formal Irish Guards attire.
Tom Pettifer, eight, and Billy Lowther-Pinkerton, ten, wore red jackets with gold braiding with buttons arranged in fours, representing the Irish – or Fourth – Regiment of Foot Guards.
They have Irish shamrocks on the collars and the buttons feature the Harp of Ireland surmounted by the Crown Imperial.
The boys wore ivory breeches with white stockings and black buckle shoes in accordance with tradition.
The look is completed by a gold and crimson tasselled sash around the waist, usually worn by officers in the Irish Guards when in the presence of a Member of the Royal Family.
The collars and cuffs were created by the Royal School of Needlework.
THE BRIDESMAIDS
As a special memento, each of the four girls have had their name and the date of the wedding hand-embroidered on to the lining of their dresses.
Echoing Kate’s dress, they were made using the same fabrics.
The full, box-pleated skirt was used to add a sculptural quality, with the layering of ivory over white satin gazar adding depth of colour.
The dresses were hand-finished with delicate English Cluny lace, visible under the skirts, and four layers of net underskirt.
The puff sleeves and neckline were trimmed with the same English lace as the bride’s underskirt, while the backs were finished with the same button detail.
The sashes were made of pale gold wild silk, tucked at the front and tied at the back in a sumptuous bow.
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
BRUCE OLDFIELD, ONE OF HER FORMER DESIGNERS, GIVES US AN IDEA OF WHAT SHE WOULD BE LIKE TODAY
AS what would have been Diana, Princess of Wales’ 50th birthday approaches, many of her friends are reflecting on how her life, style, and enviable looks might have evolved had she lived.
“As she approached her 50th birthday, I don’t think it would have troubled her,” Bruce Oldfield said. “Diana had found her feet shortly before she died and I think she’d have embraced life on her own terms. She’d have found being 50 quite funny.”
“She had good genes, and would have looked good,” Oldfield added. “She looked after herself. She was keen on the old gym, and she’d have made the best of what she had, but I’m sure she would have got a few things done, like many women of her age.”
“I doubt she would have stayed in the UK,” Oldfield told HIGH50.COM. “I could see her in the United States, but not Europe – for a start she didn’t speak any languages. But New York, yes, I could see her walking down Fifth Avenue and being allowed to get on with it… Whatever happened, she would have remained close to her boys.”
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO KNOW THE STORY BEHIND SOME OF THE ORIGINAL BUYERS OF THE DRESSES WE HAVE THE DVD THAT WAS SHOWN IN 1998 IN THE BOUTIQUE.
http://www.princessdianabookboutique.com/store/products/details/?product=2014
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
Newsweek imagines Diana aged 50 with her admiring
daughter-in-law Kate… in article that claims the Botoxed
Princess would be Facebook friends with Camilla
By AMY OLIVER
Had she lived Princess Diana would be Facebook friends with arch-nemesis Camilla Parker-Bowles, have 10million Twitter followers and an ‘it’s complicated’ relationship status.
At least that’s what Tina Brown’s Newsweek thinks in a front-page lead article that imagines what the late Princess would be doing at 50.
The piece hits newsstands days before July 1, which would have been Diana’s milestone birthday.
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
Catalogue has been reduced! All interested parties please contact us. As you may know, 14 of the dresses recently sold in Canada in June 2011 are in this book including the Travolta Dress pictured below!
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
Fourteen years after her death, Princess Diana remains Britain’s favorite royal.
A new survey by the Internet communications company Skype showed Diana as the royal most Britons would like to have a chat with. Behind her came her son, Prince William, and her mother-in-law, Queen Elizabeth II.
Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, who married Prince William in a globally televised ceremony in April, is seventh on the list. She is behind Henry VIII, Queen Victoria and Prince Harry.
Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, who is married to Diana’s ex-husband, the Prince of Wales, is in last place.
Diana, her boyfriend Dodi al-Fayed and their driver Henri Paul, died in a car accident 14 years ago today in a Paris tunnel. The two men were pronounced dead at the scene, but Diana, then 36, was taken to a hospital, where she died a short while later.
She is buried in Althorp, the Spencer family estate. (cbsnews.com)
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
Happy Birthday from Princess
Margaret… Lord Glenconner’s
gifts sell in London
Bonhams will auction cufflinks, a snuff box and more treasures from this right Royal collection
Bonhams is selling the contents of the late Lord Glenconner’s property, ‘Beau House’, St Lucia, on Wednesday September 28 at New Bond Street, London.
The 3rd Lord Glenconner, formerly Colin Tennant, was best known for transforming the barren Caribbean island of Mustique into a luxurious and glamorous playground for the rich and famous.
Proceeds from the sale will benefit the Glenconner Trustees and Estate and, in the words of Bonhams, “reflect a man of taste, foresight and considerable philanthropy, with many objects providing insight into a way of life from a previous era.”
 A silver ‘book’ novelty snuff box by John Donald, London 1976 |
The items from Princess Margaret particularly highlight the close links between the two families. Plenty of the items are estimated at entry-level values.
Lot 85 is a silver novelty snuff box by John Donald, London 1976, in the form of a book. The cover is engraved with a depiction of The Glen, the Glenconner family home in Scotland. The spine has a flush hinge and is engraved GLEN.
The gilt interior is engraved ‘to Colin for your 50th birthday with Love from ‘crowned’ MR’, length 6.5cm, weight 3.5oz. It is estimated to sell for £1,000-1,500.
 A pair of double-sided cufflinks in green chalcedony spheres |
Elsewhere in the sale, Lot 142 is a pair of double-sided cufflinks in green chalcedony spheres, presented to Lord Glenconner by Princess Margaret on another of his birthdays. They are estimated to sell for £1,000-1,500.
 Margaret’s diamond-studded tiara sold for £926,400 in 2006 |
While these items carry low estimates, the late Prince Margaret is no stranger to the higher end of the auction markets.
The recent Royal marriage of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge wasn’t the first to capture the public’s hearts and minds. In fact, Princess Margaret’s marriage to Antony Armstrong-Jones at Westminster Abbey was the first Royal wedding to be broadcast on television in May 1960.
Margaret’s diamond-studded tiara for the occasion – originally made in 1870 by Garrard for Lady Poltimore, the wife of the second Baron Poltimore and Treasurer to Queen Victoria’s household – sold for £926,400 at a Christie’s auction in 2006.
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
Bahrain 1986
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
One of Princess Diana’s most
glamorous gowns saved by the
Royal Palaces
Kensington Palace has rescued one of Princess Diana’s most exquisite evening dresses following revelations that some of her favourite designer outfits have ended up being hawked around downmarket casinos and conference venues.
Historic Royal Palaces paid £25,000 for the pink Zandra Rhodes chiffon gown, decorated with rhinestones, crystal beads and pearl droplets, which she wore at a 1986 State Banquet in Kyoto, Japan, and is now being carefully stored in their archives.
The Mail recently revealed how Diana’s iconic wedding dress was being displayed in a travelling exhibition, last seen at a downmarket casino complex in Connecticut.
Exclusive view: The formal dinner dress by Zandra Rhodes worn by the late Princess of Wales, Diana for state visit to Japan is now in the care of curator, Deirdre Murphy at Kensington Palace
Flashback: The Princess of Wales modelling the fairytale dress decorated with rhinestones, crystal beads and pearl droplets, which she wore at a 1986 State Banquet in Kyoto, Japan
Other dresses famously first sold off by the princess shortly before her death in 1997 to raise money for her favourite charities, have changed hands many times over amid tales of double dealing and bankruptcy.
Now, finally, one of the earliest examples of the princess’s growing reputation as a style icon has returned to the royal residence that she called home.
Mail Online was offered an exclusive viewing of the iconic gown this week, as well as other royal fashion treasures, to mark a unique link up between the royal charity and the Disney company which will see a horse-drawn carriage parade of legendary princesses, including Rapunzel, through Kensington Gardens at 1pm on Sunday. The event is free to the public.
Artifacts: Rebecca finds a Royal Steward tartan silk shawl, worn by Queen Victoria on trips to Balmoral, which she mentioned in her diary
Moments in time: Hand embroidered linen mittens worn by Princess Charlotte, the daughter of George IV and Caroline of Brunswick (left) and a miniature crown supplied Garrards, the Royal Jewellers, worn by Princess Patricia to her uncle King Edward VII’s coronation in 1902 (right)
The Zandra Rhodes gown, first sold 14 years ago, passed through several hands before finally being put up for auction alongside Kate Middleton’s famous see-through dress in March.
It is now being carefully looked after by the curator of the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection.
Housed in Apartment 1A – Princess Margaret’s former residence – it is carefully stored in acid-free paper and in a temperature- controlled environment.
Historic Royal Palaces is a charitable organisation that receives no public or official funding.
It relies on donations to fund the upkeep of royal residences including KP, as it is affectionately known to its residents which now include the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, the Tower of London and Hampton Court. The palaces are owned by The Queen on behalf of the nation.
Masquerade: An fancy dress item worn by Princess Margaret in gold brocade, decorated with crystals
Child’s play: Paper dolls made by 14 year-old Harriet Johnson in 1787, based on Queen Charlotte’s outfits
The chiffon dress, printed with an ivory ‘Buttons and Bows’ design, has a quilted satin waistband with faux bustle-effect panel, a layered collar and weighted, zig-zag hem with hand-rolled edges, sparkling with rhinestones, crystal beads and pearl droplets.
It boasts a tiny 27 inch waist as, sadly, the princess had suffered a particularly bad bout of bulimia shortly before and during the Japanese tour. Legendary British designer Zandra says the Princess commissioned the gown after she popped into her shop in Grafton Street un-announced.
She immediately honed in on a dress made in black with fluorescent pink print. Zandra suggested changing the colour to a pale rose shade with ivory print. Two fittings were arranged at the Princess’s private apartments at Kensington Palace and the gown took three days to make.
Collaboration: Disney and the Historic Royal Palaces have teamed up
Film footage from 1986 shows Diana being instructed on how to eat with chopsticks – hers are the wrong way round and she jokes about this with Prince Charles who mastered the art.
It was clearly something of a favourite as it was also worn by the Princess on at least two other occasions including a Torvill & Dean party in 1985 and an official function in aid of the London City Ballet in 1987.
Kensington Palace is currently home to more than 10,000 items worn by royalty and courtiers from the 17th Century to the present day and owns one other dress belonging to Princess Diana.
Deirdre Murphy, Curator at Historic Royal Palaces, explains of their recent purchase: ‘Although Kensington Palace has displayed many dresses belonging to the Princess of Wales in several exhibitions over the years, the charity only owned one other dress worn by the Princess, a green Catherine Walker dress.
‘These dresses don’t come up for sale very often, and when they do, can sell for five or even six figures so as an independent charity they are often unaffordable for us. That means that we rely on the generosity of private owners who kindly lend their dresses for display at the palace.
‘The Princess of Wales is obviously very strongly associated with Kensington Palace, so we were keen to add to our permanent collection to ensure that visitors will be able to see these unique items at the Princess’s former home for years to come.
‘This particular item was also very interesting to us, as an example of a dress worn by the Princess of Wales in earlier years, illustrating a different aspect of her style.’
Among the other items present during our tour were a pair of tiny, embroidered mittens owned by Princess Charlotte, daughter of George 1V – and the Diana of her day – who died tragically young in 1817 while in childbirth.
There is also a silver gilt, ermine and silk velvet coronet worn by Princess Patricia of Connaught, niece of Edward V11, to his Coronation in 1902 – complete with a tiny, built in comb to cope with the bouffant hairstyles of the day.
Another item is a bejewelled mask worn by Princess Margaret to a fancy dress ball at the Royal Opera House in 1982. There is also a tasselled Stewart tartan shawl favoured by Queen Victoria in the 1850s while on holiday at Balmoral.
Explaining their new commercial link up with Disney, Ruth Gill, Head of Interpretation at Historic Royal Palaces, said: ‘Our aim is to help everyone explore the stories of how monarchs and other royals have shaped society, in some of the greatest palaces ever built.
‘The collaboration between Disney and Historic Royal Palaces aims to encourage children all over the world to explore the true stories behind kings, queens, princes and princesses alongside Disney’s princess fairytales. It is an exciting opportunity for us.’
Disney’s Andrea Tartaglia, Vice President of Marketing, added: ‘We want to encourage children to become interested in the real-life stories of princesses.’
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
Charles and Diana c. 1988. Note Diana’s earrings! They are the same ones that Kate is now wearing. They were a double pendant earring – worn as a clip as shown here or as a double pendant which Diana also wore on many occasions.
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
by Chloe Larkin
Member since:
May 4, 2011
May 4, 2011
Kate Middleton will never match
Princess Diana’s fashion iconic
status?
October 08, 2011 05:30 PM EDT
Kate Middleton’s fashion image won’t come anywhere near the heights that Princess Diana created when joining the Royal Family. Princess Diana even wore expensive designer clothes to the gym and was a fashionista like the Royal Family had never seen before in its mist. This is not what Kate Middleton’s plot in life will be.
Women from all over the world watch the future Queen of England to see what she is wearing, because it is just a matter of time before her latest outfit becomes the next fashion trend. While Kate and Prince William are fully aware of this phenomenon, they have made a joint decision for Kate to play this down.
“Prince William and Kate both feel it is wrong for Kate to promote herself as a fashion or style icon.” Why? It is the Queen’s wishes; she does not want Royalty to become synonymous with “vanity or frivolity,” according to The Hollywood Reporter.
It looks like the fashion icon line for the Royal Family is going to stop with the late Princess Diana. There is one problem to all of this, though; while Kate is not going to promote herself as a “fashion icon,” it is not up to her if people watch and imitate what the newlywed wife of the Prince is wearing.
While Kate is already famous for shopping at bargain outlets and mixing it up a bit with designer clothes and generic brands, this too may become the latest trend. While the Queen might be trying to keep Kate from falling into the fashion spotlight like Princess Diana, this is really out of her control.
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
Kate is wearing the Amanda Wakeley suit first worn during one of her engagement tours with William.
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
Previously unpublished photos of Prince Charles and Princess Diana aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia during their 1981 honeymoon cruise of the Meditteranean have emerged after a crew member from the shop presented them for valuation on PBS’s “Antiques Roadshow
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
Jessica Chastain to play Diana in emotional drama
painting princess as lovestruck stalker
To those who loved her, she could do no wrong. But to her detractors, Princess Diana was an adultress who tore apart a family.
There’s no doubt that 14 years since the tragic accident that took her life, Diana’s legacy continues to fascinate, enthrall, and offend in equal measures.
Now, a controversial new film that paints Diana in an unflattering light is set to get tongues wagging once again.
American actress Jessica Chastain is said to be in line for the role of Diana in the new film, which charts Diana’s obsession with lover Dr Hasnat Khan. The film will suggest Diana, pictured right on a trip to Pakistan, planned to marry Dr Khan.
In an emotional drama to be released next year, the erstwhile People’s Princess will be seen following her alleged one-time lover after their relationship breaks down.
Caught in Flight tells the story of Diana’s secret affair with heart surgeon Dr Hasnat Khan, telling the story of their love – and painting a vivid picture of Diana’s psychological demise after Khan calls time on their relationship.
With early descriptions of the film saying Diana is painted as ‘a lovestruck stalker,’ It is likely to be the most critical appraisal of Diana yet, and one that will be fiercely opposed by those in Diana’s inner circle.
Dr Khan had a two year relationship with Diana until a few months before her death. She thought the two would marry, according to Paul Burrell
Last night, Hollywood insider Anne Thompson said of the film: ‘The late Princess is not cast in a particularly favourable light.
‘She is shown as a damaged person who stalks the doctor after he ends the affair.
American actress Jessica Chastain – who recently starred in Oscar-tipped drama The Help and alongside Brad Pitt in The Tree Of Life has already agreed to play the Princess in the movie.
The 30-year-old redhead will have to work on her English accent, something that American actors find notoriously difficult – just ask Anne Hathaway, who was lambasted for her roaming accent in One Day that veered wildly around the globe.
Executives are describing the film as a ‘love story between a princess locked in a tower and an ordinary man.’
Last night, an insider revealed: ‘We’re expecting a lot of people will not be happy with this movie.
How the Daily Mail reported that Paul Burrell suggested Diana had wanted to marry her lover
‘But it is a fabulous story and one which needs to be told.’
The film will go into pre-production in March 2012 by UK-based company ‘Ecosse Films’ – whose credits include ‘Nowhere Boy’ and ‘Mrs. Brown.’
German film-maker Oliver Hirshbiegel will take charge of the £9m movie – which will be shot in Pakistan, Angola, the South of France and Paris.
Hirshbiegel previously made ‘Downfall’ – the critically acclaimed movie which chronicled Hitler’s last days.
The princess met Dr. Hasnat Khan at the Royal Brompton Hospital in 1995 when she was visiting a friend who was recovering from heart surgery.
The couple pursued a quiet two-year affair. Dr. Khan – whom she named ‘Mr. Wonderful’ – maintained an eleven-year silence over the relationship, until he spoke about the affair in 2008.
The relationship was described as being so serious that Diana was thinking of converting to Islam.
She wore traditional dress to meet his family on a visit to Pakistan and was reportedly ‘heartbroken’ when the doctor decided to end the relationship.
The production of the film follows on from an earlier production of another Royal drama, William & Kate: The movie, the widely panned film that emerged from an American production company ahead of the Royal Wedding.
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
An exact replica wedding dress and
slippers made for Princess Diana in case
anything went wrong with the original
items have sold for £84,000.
WWW.DAILYMAIL.CO.UK
The gown was specially commissioned by Diana as an identical match for her lavish bridal gown and was made by the same designer, David Emanuel.
The shoes – that were never paid for by Diana’s mother Frances Shand-Kidd after she had a row with the royal cobbler – were an identical match to the ones she wore down the aisle.
The gown was specially commissioned by Diana as an identical match for her lavish bridal gown and was made by the same designer, David Emanuel
Made by Clive Shilton, the 6.5 size shoes were intended to be worn at the 1981 Royal wedding in the event of her original pair breaking or being stained.
They were so exact either the left or right could have been swapped at any time, leaving viewers and well-wishers none the wiser.
They even have the initials C and D joined together with a delicate heart on the soles.
Her late mother never paid for the spare pair because she was unhappy with the final bill.
The shoes were retained by designer Mr Shilton until he sold them at auction yesterday for £36,000 pounds to a private buyer.
The replica shoes were so exact either the left or right could have been swapped at any time, leaving viewers and well-wishers none the wiser
The slippers had Charles and Diana’s initials joined together with a delicate heart on the soles
Diana and Prince Charles in the original dress at their wedding in 1981
The dress went on show on Diana’s glamorous waxwork at Madame Tussauds at the time of the Royal wedding.
The ivory taffeta dress was bought from Madam Tussauds several years ago by a private American collector, who also sold it yesterday for £48,000 pounds.
It was bought by a fashion museum in Chile.
Auctioneer Kerry Taylor said: ‘Historically these items are very important and they have been hidden away in private collections for years.
‘The dress and the shoes are beautiful, really exquisite.
‘The dress was made for Madame Tussauds as a replica of Princess Diana’s gown, and was on show there for tourists to see.
‘It was sold to a private collector some years ago, who has now decided to sell it.
‘The shoes are being sold by Clive Shilton, who made them.
‘They are identical to the ones Diana wore for her wedding – absolutely the same.
‘She could have changed the left or the right and you wouldn’t notice the difference.
‘They were made in case her first pair got stained or damaged, or something happened to them on the day – these were kept just in case.
‘This sale demonstrates that even in these difficult economic times that the appetite for fine haute couture is undiminished and we are already looking forward to our next auction in February.’
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
Diana, Princess of Wales’ red jumper with a flock of sheep was the knit of the Eighties after she wore it to a polo match in 1983. It’s now part of the permanent collection at the V&A Museum in London. Photo: REX
UPDATE! WE HAVE A VERY GOOD REPLICA OF PRINCESS DIANA’S SHEEP PULLOVER SWEATER JUST IN:
http://www.princessdianabookboutique.com/store/products/details/?product=4228
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
WORN IN 1986 FOR A BANQUET WITH EMPEROR HIRIHITO IN JAPAN. YUKI WAS A LITTLE KNOWN, BRITISH BORN POPULAR DESIGNER IN LONDON WHEN THE PRINCESS ASKED HIM TO DO A FEW SKETCHES FOR HER UPCOMING TRIP TO JAPAN. ROYAL BLUE UNCRUSHABLE FORTUNY PLEATS WITH BUGLE BEAD PANELS AT WAIST AND YOKE. DIANA WORE IT WITH HER SAPPHIRE HEADBAND WHICH AT THE TIME CREATED A FASHION STIR IN THE MEDIA AND FASHION WORLD. CLOSEUP OF THE MATERIAL WITH BUGLE BEADED DETAIL AND YUKI’S SKETCH ARE BELOW
Posted in Fashions | Leave a Comment »
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
Special images of Diana at Christmas:
Find something special for that Diana fan in our boutique shop – many books, fashion books and more:
www.princessdianabookboutique.com
http://www.princessdianabookboutique.com/store/products/details/?product=279
http://www.princessdianabookboutique.com/store/products/details/?product=277
Wonderful holiday photos of the entire Royal Family and Princess Diana!
http://www.princessdianabookboutique.com/store/products/details/?product=278
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
Worn in Vienna Austria in 1986 the Mermaid Dress was embroidered all over with petrol green sequins by Joseph Schlaepfer and was slit to the knee. The shimmering effect of the sequins gave it a mermaid like appearance.
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
All Dress Images and Information are in the book, Diana a Life in Fashion:
www.princessdianabookboutique.com/store/products/details/?product=4230
Posted in BOOKS, Fashions, Photos, princess diana | Leave a Comment »
In contrast to the white evening dresses she had been wearing on her trip to Paris in 1988, Diana took the French by surprise with this crimson rose and black silk taffeta gown by Catherine Walker. It had a ruched bodice and a single sleeve and was outstanding when she wore it.
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »
The Princess Diana Book Boutique
-
Flickr Photos
More Photos Archives
- January 2012
- December 2011
- November 2011
- October 2011
- September 2011
- August 2011
- July 2011
- June 2011
- May 2011
- April 2011
- March 2011
- February 2011
- January 2011
- December 2010
- November 2010
- October 2010
- September 2010
- August 2010
- July 2010
- June 2010
- May 2010
- April 2010
- March 2010
- February 2010
- January 2010
- December 2009
- November 2009
- October 2009
- September 2009
- August 2009
- July 2009
- June 2009
- May 2009
- April 2009
- March 2009
- February 2009
- January 2009
- December 2008
- November 2008
- October 2008
Follow us on TWITTER!!
- A Pensive Princess of Wales http://t.co/YmAB7wucPrincess Diana Book Boutique.com1 week ago
- Red Silk Victor Edelstein Gown c. 1992 - Christmas Red! Happy Holidays to Everyone!! http://t.co/dx8eXKBMPrincess Diana Book Boutique.com1 month ago
- Christmas 1994 at Sandringham with William & Harry http://t.co/Jn8nn6BQPrincess Diana Book Boutique.com1 month ago
- Birmingham, England Christmas c. 1981 http://t.co/FkBMUcDrPrincess Diana Book Boutique.com1 month ago
- Our blog "All Things Princess Diana" is now on Amazon Kindle! http://t.co/it2VnZDCPrincess Diana Book Boutique.com1 month ago
-
Top Clicks
Follow us on Twitter!
Worldwide Princess Diana Fans
