The Reasons Behind Princess Diana’s Coats Not Being Auctioned
Over 300 of Princess Diana’s cherished belongings, including many iconic designer gowns, are scheduled to be auctioned at a private event on Thursday, June 26. However, her coats are notably absent from the collection, and the heartfelt reason for this has recently come to light.
These treasured garments have never been offered for auction or sale, even amidst the showcasing of her many possessions in “Princess Diana’s Style & A Royal Collection” by Julien’s Auctions.
Martin Nolan, co-founder and executive director of Julien’s Auctions, shared the poignant reason for this absence in an interview with People published on Friday, May 30.
“What we discovered is how generous Diana was, always giving things away,” he explained. “Coats from Diana never come to auction because she often had her butler or staff go around London in January and February, braving the freezing cold.”
Nolan elaborated on the Princess of Wales’ quiet charitable gestures, saying, “She’d encounter homeless individuals and give them her coats.” He stressed that this was typical of her nature—always giving without seeking attention.
Diana’s fashion was not merely about style; it was a means of self-expression and empowerment, reflecting her story through each outfit. Her generous spirit extended far beyond her personal collection.
Among the items available for bidding is Princess Diana’s 1986 Catherine Walker Falcon evening gown. Nolan described the dress, noting, “This stunning piece was crafted by Catherine Walker, featuring migrating falcons along the back. Diana wore it during royal visits to the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia in the late ‘80s.”
Princess Diana in 1986. Anwar Hussein/Getty Images
Nolan also pointed out the dress’s historical importance: “When Diana held her own auction in 1997, just two months before her untimely passing, this was one of the dresses she sold for charity. At her son’s urging, Prince William, she auctioned over 70 gowns to raise funds for her charitable causes, amassing over $3 million—a considerable amount at that time.”
Her fashion choices also reflected her commitment to supporting British designers. “She collaborated with Anna Harvey from British Vogue, an editor, and other designers to promote British talents and emerging designers,” Nolan noted.
It has been 26 years since the tragic passing of Princess Diana, yet her legacy continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Julien’s Auctions, a renowned auction house in Los Angeles, announced on Sunday, December 17, that a dress formerly worn by the beloved royal was auctioned for an unprecedented $1.1 million. […]
Nevertheless, as she evolved into a global icon, her advisors prompted her to diversify her wardrobe choices. As Nolan recounted, “She then began to wear Chanel, Dior, Givenchy, Versace, opting for more internationally recognized brands.”
A case in point is the prized accessory in the collection: Princess Diana’s Lady Dior bag. Nolan recounted its intriguing backstory: “In September 1995, during a visit to France, Bernadette Chirac, the First Lady at the time, decided to gift Diana a Dior bag. She contacted Dior, who provided her with what was initially known as the Chouchou bag.”
“This prototype was made of fabric, and upon learning of the impending gift, Bernard Arnault insisted it be retracted, as they were about to release it in lambskin.”
Princess Diana in Argentina carrying a Versace skirt suit and a Dior bag, 1995. Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images
This led to the iconic moment: “They retrieved the fabric version, gifted the updated bag to Diana, and this became the one she carried on her visit to Argentina in November 1995.”
The Chouchou bag gained such immense popularity that it was renamed the Lady Dior bag.
Princess Diana carrying a Lady Dior bag in 1995. Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images
“This bag has generated immense interest and demand, making it one of the focal points in this auction,” Nolan remarked. “It is immensely cherished; if purchased at retail, it would cost between $6,500 and $7,000. We anticipate that Princess Diana’s version could fetch anywhere from $20,000 to $40,000, potentially even more.”
Princess Diana’s Style & A Royal Collection is set to commence on Thursday, June 26, at 10 a.m. PT at The Peninsula Beverly Hills.
