Princess Diana - Her outfits were auctioned off for millions
A collection of royal items, including clothes and notes of the late Princess Diana (1961-1997), brought in approximately five million Euros at an auction in California, according to the BBC.
The auction reportedly included over 200 items. It is said to be the most comprehensive collection of Diana's personal items since her own charity auction two months before her death in 1997.
These Items Have Changed Hands
A sleeveless evening gown made of silk and sequins designed by Victor Edelstein (77), which Diana wore in London and Hamburg in 1987, fetched the highest price of the auction - $910,000 (850,000 Euro) according to "Julien's Auctions".
A dark blue, sleeveless dress designed by Murray Arbeid (1935-2011), which Princess Diana wore twice in 1986 and presented at a performance at the Royal Opera House, also exceeded the estimate. The dress was sold for $780,000 (730,000 Euro). A pink silk gown designed by Catherine Walker (1945-2010), which Diana wore in 1988 and 1992, was sold for $444,500 (415,000 Euro).
More than 20 handwritten letters, notes, and vacation cards from Princess Diana were also sold at the auction. Many of the letters, one of which fetched over 40,000 Euro, were written to Maud Pendrey, a former housekeeper of the Spencer family at the Althorp Estate in Northamptonshire, where Diana grew up.
A "Historic Auction"
"The phenomenal results of today's historic auction, which took place just a few days before Princess Diana's birthday, show why Diana was one of the most popular and inspiring figures in the world and will always remain so," said Martin Nolan, Co-founder and Executive Director of "Julien's Auctions" according to the BBC. A portion of the auction proceeds will be used for charitable purposes.
Princess Diana passed away on August 31, 1997, in a car accident in Paris. She would have turned 63 on July 1.
- The silk and sequin gown designed by Victor Edelstein, previously worn by Princess Diana at events in London and Hamburg, was bought at the California auction for an impressive $910,000.
- During the same auction, a dark blue dress designed by Murray Arbeid, which Princess Diana wore twice in 1986 and presented at the Royal Opera House, sold for an impressive $780,000.
- Interestingly, a pink silk gown designed by Catherine Walker, worn by Princess Diana in 1988 and 1992, was also sold at the auction for $444,500.
- The BBC reported that over 20 handwritten letters, notes, and vacation cards from Princess Diana were also sold at the auction, with one letter to a former housekeeper fetching over 40,000 Euros.
- According to the BBC, Julien's Auctions, the company responsible for the auction, plans to use a portion of the proceeds for charitable purposes, paying tribute to Princess Diana's enduring legacy and her commitment to philanthropy.
