Princess Diana Exhibit, a Fitting Tribute

When I was 11-years-old, my Mom and I woke up early to watch Diana Spencer marry Charles, Prince of Wales.  Like  millions of other young girls glued to the tele, I was in awe of the extravagant spectacle.  It was 1981 and opulence was en vogue. And I couldn’t wait to see her wedding dress. With a 25-ft. train, oh what a dress it was!

Princess Diana's gown (Image courtesy of National Constitution Center)

All of the sentimentality I had for Diana’s wedding day and the sorrow I felt for her untimely death in 1997 came flooding back to me during my visit to “Diana: A Celebration” at Philadelphia’s National Constitution Center.  Not only was this people’s princess a style icon; she was a beautiful and charitable woman.

Princess Di’s stunning wedding dress by English designer Elizabeth Emanuel is the centerpiece of the exhibit. Also showcased: Her diamond tiara and 28 other dresses, suits, and gowns designed by Versace, Valentino, Chanel, and Azagury, worn by Diana during her public life.

Princess Diana portrait by Mario Testino.

Additionally, “Diana: A Celebration” features:

• Musical score and handwritten lyrics of the Elton John/Bernie Taupin composition dedicated to Diana and adapted from “Candle in the Wind.”
• Original heritage, 17^th and 18^th century family paintings from the Althorp Estate.
• The original, hand-edited text of Charles Spencer’s moving tribute to his sister, delivered at Diana’s funeral in Westminster Abbey.
• Home movies of Diana’s childhood, historical artifacts, personal letters, photos, and heirlooms.

This exhibition about the life and work of the Princess of Wales runs through December 31, 2009. For more information and tickets, visit www.constitutioncenter.org or call 215.409.6700.