One ofPrincess Diana’s most famous dresses just went under the hammer.
In deep aubergine silk velvet, the strapless dress with its sweetheart neckline and intricate ruching around the bodice features a tulip-shaped skirt and delicate gold diamante and pearl buttons at the back. It was part of the late royal’s charity auction of 79 dresses that collectively raised over $3.25 million for five of her favorite charities in 1997. At the time the dress was sold to a private bidder for $24,150.




In 1997, she chose the dress for a now iconic Vanity Fair photoshoot with Mario Testino. Titled “Diana Reborn,” the July issue featured a candid chat with Diana and some of her closest friends on the decision to auction the gowns for charity.
“Nothing gives me more pleasure now than being able to love and help those in our society who are vulnerable,” she said in the interview, the portraits of which were the last official pictures of her to be taken before her death in August 1997.
Press View For “Diana, Princess Of Wales By Mario Testino”.MJ Kim/Getty

Can’t get enough ofPEOPLE’s Royals coverage?Sign up for our free Royals newsletterto get the latest updates onKate Middleton,Meghan Markleand more!
Princess Diana dancing with John Travolta at the White House in 1985.Shutterstock

source: people.com