Princess Diana: Jennie Bond recalls receiving fashion advice
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As well as her contributions to the Royal Family, Princess Diana was often praised for her fashion choices and her looks still inspire many. An expert has shared how some pieces have sold for thousands of pounds and how you could have valuable memorabilia at home.
TV antiques expert and co-founder of Vintage Cash Cow Antony Charman stated there has been a rise in interest in items which once belonged to the Princess.
Some have fetched huge sums when they were sold in auction in recent years.
“Some of the most valuable items for sale are those of a personal nature,” Antony explained.
“These items allow for the owner to feel a level of personal connection to the people’s Princess who they idolise.
“The upcoming celebration of what would have been Diana’s 60th birthday, as well as the increased media coverage of the Royal Family, has created both an increase in the number of collectors and the demand for Diana memorabilia.”
Most notably, some of her famous fashion looks have gone on to sell for a fortune, Antony continued.
He said: “In 2019, the infamous blue velvet dress that she wore when she was photographed dancing with John Travolta, sold at auction for £264,000.
“In the same year her favorite sweatshirt in which she was photographed multiple times leaving the gym, sold for £43,000.
“The sweatshirt was a gift from Sir Richard Branson, and was later gifted by Diana to her friend and personal trainer who kept it safe for all those years until its eventual sale.”
As well as her iconic outfits, personal letters and private possessions have also been in high demand among collectors.
“Even more recently, a number of personal letters written by the princess have come to light,” the expert detailed.
“A series of letters written by Diana to her close friend Roger Bramble were auctioned earlier this year and made almost £68,000.
“Providing a never-before-seen insight into the Princess’s private life, these handwritten, witty and often poignant letters are incredibly sought after.
“As well as this, Diana’s blue 1970s Raleigh bike that she loved and was often photographed riding prior to her marriage, sold at auction for £44,000 last month.”
Do you have valuable royal memorabilia?
While few people are likely to have items which once belonged to the royal, they may have Princess Diana collector items at home.
Items such as the 1999 Royal Mint Lady Diana silver five pound coin, Kenneth J Lane’s Diana-inspired faux pearl and sapphire necklace and the 1981 Charles and Diana edition of Vogue sold could all be worth a small fortune.
Antony gave further examples. He stated: “When Beanie Babies hit the scene in 1993, no one could have predicted how valuable some would become.
“The rare Princess Diana bear produced in 1997, complete with its tag, has previously sold on eBay for almost £4,000.
“Do you have one of these hiding amongst the cuddly toys in your attic?
“Vintage trinkets such as this quality street tin commemorating the wedding of Charles and Diana in 1981 can be worth £10 to £20.
“Other commemorative collectors items such as the gold royal wedding stamp produced by Staffa can be worth up to £50, and Charles and Diana gold plated commemorative coin pendants can be worth around £20.
“The Princess Diana dressable dolls produced by the Franklin Mint are also highly collectible, with the dolls themselves selling for around £300 and more for those with the complete wardrobe.
“Although the Royal Family will no longer give out autographs for security reasons, during the 1980s and 1990s Diana was often seen signing autographs for her fans.
“Signed photographs, autographs and even Christmas cards sent to lucky recipients can be worth up to £500 at auction.”
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