Diana's Dresses

There is so much comment surrounding the 20th anniversary of Diana, Princess of Wales's death on 31st August. 

Although this blog is a chronicle of Diana's grandchildren of today and possibly of the future, I was a fan from the age of 10. So I recently travelled to London and saw the Diana exhibition at Kensington Palace and the gorgeous sunken garden planted in white to honour her. 

Here are a few of the iconic dresses I saw on display. The one that I found most moving was the Bill Pashley designed brown tweed outfit that the new princess wore to a photocall at Balmoral during her honeymoon. 

For me, it brought back all the memories of the early marriage, babies, walkabouts, Shy Di and adoring crowds. Waiting every morning for the daily papers to see if "Di" had been on an engagement the day before. 

I saw the princess in Australia many times and a few times in London. I was lucky enough to shake her hand and have a quick chat in Melbourne. I felt her death like that of a friend although of course she wasn't. But that is the connection she made with the everyday person. Which is why she was so loved and mourned with such sadness.

Of course, there were stunning evening gowns ( Elvis dress and the Travolta dress!) and later dresses that the princess wore in those Mario Testino photos. 

By then the glow of the early years had gone but a new, confident woman was emerging to take on politically fraught causes such as landmine eradication. Prince Harry has picked up that cause. 

Here are some photos from the exhibition. Also shots of the sunken garden that William, Catherine and Harry will visit on the 30th August.

Summer In Balmoral

William at Balmoral 1983

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and children have been spending some of their summer holiday at Balmoral. 

 The Queen's beloved Scottish highland retreat is where the royal family gather each year. The Duke and Duchess attended a church service at Crathie Kirk with other members of the family last Sunday.

William, Catherine and Prince Harry will be back at Kensington Palace in time for a special visit to the Palace's Sunken Garden. The garden has been transformed this year in memory of Diana, Princess of Wales. The 20th anniversary of Diana's death falls on 31st August.

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William and Harry had organised for the princess's favourite flowers to be planted in white with pink accents. The warm spring meant the flowers bloomed early. I visited the Palace and garden only a few weeks ago and it was still stunning.

Diana used to walk through the garden during her many years living at Kensington Palace and came to know the gardeners. Some of these staff members will be present on the 30th when Diana's sons and daughter-in-law Catherine will visit. 

I also visited the Diana Her Fashion Story exhibition at the palace and will write a separate post about this wonderfully exciting event for Diana fans.

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Cambridges and Middletons Visit Balmoral Castle

The Cambridge family arrived in Scotland last Thursday to spend time in beautiful Balmoral Castle.

William aged 15 months at Balmoral

Soon after, Catherine's parents Carole and Michael Middleton also arrived and have been enjoying time with their daughter and extended royal family. 

Catherine, William and children George and Charlotte initially stayed with Prince Charles and Camilla at Birkhall, which the Prince inherited from the late Queen Mother. 

Then they moved over to Balmoral Castle to enjoy time with the Queen, Prince Philip, Princess Anne and other family. 

On separate occasions, the Queen was seen driving both Catherine, and later her mother around the estate to attend picnics set up for the grouse shooting party and to see the spectacular sights.

The Middletons also joined the Royal family for a Sunday church service at nearby Crathie Kirk. It is the same church that Princes William and Harry came to pray just hours after the death of their mother Diana, Princess of Wales in 1997.

On the 24th of September, the Cambridge family will start their week long tour of Canada.