More than 25 years after her tragic passing, Princess Diana remains one of the most beloved figures in modern royal history. And this week, her enduring influence was felt once again — not through a public appearance or documentary, but through a rare auction that brought personal pieces of her life back into the spotlight.
Held at the Peninsula Hotel in Beverly Hills on June 26, the event featured more than 140 items from Diana’s wardrobe. The auction, titled “Princess Diana’s Style & A Royal Collection,” drew collectors, fashion historians, and royal admirers from around the world.
Among the most anticipated pieces was the floral Bellville Sassoon dress affectionately known as the “Caring Dress,” which sold for an astonishing \$520,000 — more than double its estimate. The late designer David Sassoon created the piece for Diana during the height of her royal duties, and she often wore it during hospital visits.
“It was soft, colorful, and made her look approachable,” said Martin Nolan, co-founder of Julien’s Auctions. “Children loved it, patients felt at ease — it captured the kind of warmth Diana brought with her wherever she went.”
Another standout was a pale blue Catherine Walker evening gown worn during a 1986 diplomatic tour in the Gulf. It fetched \$450,000. Several handwritten notes and greeting cards — some co-signed by her sons, Princes William and Harry — also drew attention. A personal letter to a palace staff member sold for \$6,500.
Why Princess Diana’s coats never appear at auction
While many of Diana’s dresses, shoes, and accessories have been preserved and sold over the years, one category of item remains mysteriously absent: her coats.
Speaking with Hello! Magazine, auction director Martin Nolan explained why. “People often ask why we never see coats. The truth is, Diana gave them away,” he revealed.
During cold London winters, she would reportedly fill her car with coats and distribute them to people in need — quietly and without fanfare. “She didn’t want media coverage. She didn’t even tell people she was doing it. It was simply about helping others.”
That quiet compassion — the kind that asked for no credit — is perhaps why Diana’s legacy still resonates so deeply today. Even after decades, she’s remembered not only for her style and elegance, but also for her authenticity and kindness.
Whether through a handwritten note or a well-worn dress, these items continue to tell a story of a woman who redefined royalty — not through protocol, but through empathy.