Princess Diana Dresses Go on Display at Kensington Palace

Designer dresses worn by Diana, Princess of Wales, have been unveiled at an exhibition preview at Kensington Palace. The collection of five outfits, called Diana: Glimpses Of A Modern Princess, is one of a number of exhibitions to open following a $19 million restoration of her former home.

Classic cocktail frocks, formal gowns and evening dresses will go on display when the west London palace reopens to the public on March 26th.

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(Rex Features)

The star of the show is a black taffeta floor-length gown worn by the Princess of Wales on her first official engagement at the Royal Opera House in 1981. 

The Elizabeth and David Emmanuel dress, which has never been shown in the UK before, sold at auction last year for £192,000.  A black silk shift evening dress by Versace, which she wore to the 1995 premiere of Apollo 13 is also on display.

Also included is a lively dress designed by Catherine Walker in 1988 for Diana's trip to Thailand.

(Rex Features)

A Belville Sassoon cocktail dress is also included in the exhibit.

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The show is presented against a set created by interior designer Finola Inger, includes bespoke wallpaper designed by Julie Verhoeven.

The restoration and exhibitions are timed to coincide with the Queen's Diamond Jubilee this year.