June 4, 2021: Next time you’re in London, you can get an up-close look at Princess Diana’s lavish wedding gown (yes, in person!). The last time the public laid eyes on the actual iconic dress was in 1981—nearly four decades ago—when the royal walked down the St. Paul’s Chapel aisle to marry Prince Charles.
Nearly four decades later, the wedding dress designed by legendary British fashion designers Elizabeth and David Emmanuel will now be on display in Kensington Palace. Her gown will be a part of the Royal Style in the Making exhibition, which officially opened yesterday, June 3, and will remain open until January 2022.
The exhibition focuses on designers, courtiers, and tailors whose work has greatly impacted the British royal monarchy. For example, just take a look at Diana’s gown. It’s remarkably recognizable due to its distinctive design fit for a princess with a ruffled embellished collar, voluminous sleeves, and its history-making 25-foot train.
Prince Harry and Prince William have loaned their late mother’s legendary dress to the exhibition just ahead of what would have been her 60th birthday on July 1. It comes amid rumored tension between them due to Harry’s decision to move to the United States with Meghan Markle and their son, baby Archie.
Although Diana and Prince Charles divorced in 1996, her bridal gown remains a long-lasting tribute to style, grace, and elegance. The dress is always a hot topic of discussion, but it gained extra attention in October 2020 when photos came out of actress Emma Corrin wearing the royal’s gown in Season 4 of Netflix’s The Crown.
The Kensington Palace exhibition will also host marvelous toile cloth from the Queen Mother’s 1937 coronation gown, designed by court dress-maker Madame Handley-Seymour. Visitors can also view original fashion sketches drawn for Queen Elizabeth, and unseen photographs from the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection.
