The largest-ever auction dedicated to the wardrobe of Diana, Princess of Wales, is expected to captivate enthusiasts of royal fashion and heritage this June. Julien’s Auctions has announced the “Princess Diana’s Style and A Royal Collection” live sale, which will take place on Thursday, 26 June, in Beverly Hills, California. This headline-grabbing event is set to feature an unparalleled assortment of over 200 items, making it the most significant sale of the late Princess’s garments and related royal artefacts seen to date.
Among the highlights are a soft silk day dress in a delicate floral print, crafted by the esteemed British designer Bellville Sassoon, and a richly embroidered evening gown from Catherine Walker. Both garments, representative of the Princess’s iconic and evolving style, are predicted to fetch between $200,000 and $300,000 (approximately £148,000 to £222,000). The collection spans an array of outfits worn by Diana during pivotal public and private moments, each item offering a unique window into her life and legacy.
Martin Nolan, co-founder of Julien’s Auctions, spoke to the PA news agency, emphasising the historical significance of the event. “This is the largest Princess Diana auction ever,” Nolan remarked. He also recalled the poignant fact that Diana herself launched a charity auction in 1997, just two months before her untimely passing. “This time, we have assembled over 100 items representing her extraordinary life, career, and, of course, her important place as the mother of Prince William, the future king.”
Princess Diana’s influence on fashion extended well beyond the surface. She was known not only for her impeccable taste but also for the messages she communicated through her sartorial choices. According to Nolan, Diana deliberately selected her ensembles to convey everything from diplomatic respect during overseas royal tours to a sense of comfort and accessibility when visiting hospitals. Her colourful outfits, he noted, were chosen to uplift and engage with children in care, highlighting her intuitive empathy and charisma.
But the sale is not confined solely to Diana’s wardrobe. Auction attendees and remote bidders will also have the opportunity to acquire other pieces from British royal history, including artefacts once owned by the late Queen Elizabeth II, the Queen Mother, and additional regal figures dating as far back as the nineteenth century. This blend of items invites reflection on the continuity and evolution of royal traditions in both public life and personal style.
The renewed fascination with Princess Diana and her era, according to industry insiders, has seen another boost from depictions in popular media. Nolan specifically credited the Netflix series “The Crown” for sparking interest among younger generations who may remember Diana chiefly as a public figure from history books. He observed, “They love her style, her innocence, her resilience in overcoming personal and public challenges. Her story, albeit a tragic one, continues to resonate.”
Fashion designer Elizabeth Emanuel, celebrated worldwide for creating Diana’s memorable wedding gown, also reflected on her creative partnership with the Princess. Emanuel described how Diana initially lacked strong personal interest in fashion, relying on designers for direction. However, as years passed, her confidence grew visibly, and she took ownership of her sartorial voice—transforming from a shy newcomer into a global fashion force. Emanuel considers it a privilege to have witnessed Diana’s style evolution from its inception.
This upcoming auction at The Peninsula Beverly Hills follows a previous record-breaking Diana sale hosted by Julien’s. Earlier events saw one of her evening dresses sell for a remarkable $1.14 million (about £843,000), while a pair of shoes reached $390,000 (£288,000). These soaring figures reflect the enduring allure of Diana’s legacy in pop culture and philanthropy.
Beyond celebrating the memory of Princess Diana, the auction will also serve a charitable purpose. A portion of proceeds is pledged to Muscular Dystrophy UK, aligning with Diana’s well-documented commitment to good causes throughout her life. The prospect of owning a piece of royal history, paired with supporting a meaningful charity, is certain to draw competitive interest when the bidding begins on 26 June.