Princess Diana, A Celebration

Another treat last weekend was a trip to Mall of America to see Diana, A Celebration.  Cameras were not allowed in the exhibit. I was able to take pictures prior to and after our walk through and found some pictures online of what we did see.

"Diana, A Celebration is an award-winning exhibition that chronicles the life and work of Diana, Princess of Wales. On loan from Althorp Estate, the Spencer family’s 500-year-old ancestral home in England, the exhibition contains 150 objects, ranging from Princess Diana’s royal wedding gown and 28 of her designer dresses to family heirlooms, personal mementoes, paintings and rare home movies and photos."

 Kari and I decided the dress looked much better on Diana than on the mannequin. Also displayed were the dresses of the flower girls. All of her train was displayed behind the dress in the glass case.

Also on display were two tiaras.

 

"Throughout nine galleries, heirlooms, paintings, letters, videos and photos provide historical and personal context. Other items include 28 designer suits and evening gowns worn by the Princess in her public life; two diamond tiaras and other priceless family jewels; the original text of the Earl Spencer’s moving tribute to his sister at the funeral in Westminister Abbey; the score and lyrics of the Elton John/Bernie Taupin composition, adapted from “Candle in the Wind;” original heritage family paintings; and books of condolences left by people throughout the world."

 Three of the 28 designer suits and dresses. It was definitely interesting to see how the style of her clothes changed from her first public appearance suits to the evening clothes she wore the last few years of her life. (I am not sure we saw 28 outfits.)

"Princess Diana’s charm, beauty and easy grace touched people worldwide during her short and complex life. The stunning collection of her personal items invites visitors to share the milestones of her many roles, ranging from schoolgirl and athlete to kindergarten teacher and royal bride to devoted mother and charity advocate."

 a Wife,   a Mother,   a Princess,   a Legend

 

"My sister was that unique phenomenon: a glamorous humanitarian." 

—Charles Spencer

 

" All profits generated to the Althorp Estate from Diana, A Celebration at Althorp and overseas go to The Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund (Registered Charity No. 1064238). Since 1998, the exhibition at Althorp has generated more than $2 million for charities supported by the memorial fund and has been visited by more than 1 million people, though it is open there for only two months out of the year."

We agreed it was a very emotional exhibit showcasing her life as a young lass, a school girl, a shy young woman, a princess, a mother, and a caring woman.  I am glad I was able to see the mementos from her short life. I admired Diana. I watched her wedding and her funeral. I was saddened to learn of her eating disorders, 'loveless' marriage, and shortened life. I always felt she was or could have been my ideal of a 'true princess'.

Thanks, Kari. It was a perfect Mother's Day gift.