Princess Diana's Famous Sheep Sweater to be Auctioned
An iconic red sweater adorned with white sheep and a black one, which Princess Diana wore in 1981, will be up for auction in September. The estimated value of this cherished item is between $50,000 and $80,000.
While any outfit worn by Princess Diana would be widely admired, this particular piece has a deep history.
Sotheby's will host the auction from August 31 to September 14, offering fashion enthusiasts and collectors a chance to own a piece of history. Princess Diana sported this famous sweater during a polo match in 1982, and it has been meticulously preserved, showcasing traces of her grace, charm, and unique fashion sense.
Cynthia Houlton, global head of fashion and accessories at Sotheby's, expressed in a recent press release, "This exceptional garment holds not only Princess Diana's style but also her spirit, making it an extraordinary find for fashion aficionados."
Originally designed in 1979 by Sally Muir and Joanna Osborne for the Warm and Wonderful brand, this sweater had an intriguing journey. The designers discovered it tucked away in their attic, carefully stored in a small box.
Notably, the sweater had a minor tear on the wrist. Buckingham Palace informed Warm and Wonderful about the damage, and Princess Diana returned the sweater while requesting repair or replacement. In response, Warm and Wonderful agreed and knitted a brand new one for the Princess of Wales.
For those who admire Princess Diana's style but may not be able to afford the original sweater, Warm and Wonderful reproduced it in 2020. The replica is still available for purchase on their website for €290.
A Short History of Princess Diana's Life: Commemorating Her 62nd Birthday
On July 1, 1961, at 6:45 p.m., Diana Frances Spencer, the youngest daughter of John Spencer, Viscount Althorp, and Frances Spencer, came into the world. She was born at Park House, a rented estate in Sandringham, England, owned by Queen Elizabeth II.
Diana's lineage held historical significance. On her mother's side, she inherited the legacy of Frances Work, a notable figure from New York, and she was also a descendant of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire. On her father's side, she traced her ancestry back to King Charles II of England.
The Spencer family had deep ties with the British royal family. Diana's grandmother on her mother's side, Ruth Burke Roche, Baroness Fermoy-Ruth, Lady Fermoy, was a lifelong friend and lady-in-waiting to Queen Elizabeth, Queen Mother.
During her childhood, Diana enjoyed the company of Prince Andrew and Prince Edward, the youngest sons of Queen Elizabeth.
In 1977, at the age of 16, she briefly attended the Videmanette Alpine Institute, a private school in Rougemont, Switzerland. It was there that she encountered her future husband, although at the time, he was dating her sister, Lady Sarah.
Diana excelled in swimming and diving, and she aspired to be a ballerina. However, her height of 6 feet 4 inches made it impossible for her to pursue a professional ballet career.
After completing her studies, Lady Diana became a nursery school teacher in a London suburb, displaying her dedication to education and care for children.
Diana's relationship with Prince Charles began in 1980, culminating in his proposal on February 6, 1981. Their engagement became official on February 24, 1981, when Prince Charles presented Diana with a ring featuring a sapphire surrounded by 14 diamonds.
Their wedding took place on July 29, 1981, captivating the world's attention as over a billion people watched the ceremony on television.
In 1982, Diana gave birth to her first son and heir, William, followed by her second son, Prince Harry, in 1984. She devoted herself to being a loving and caring mother, prioritizing her children's well-being and actively participating in their upbringing, from schooling to travel planning.
Unfortunately, Diana's marriage with Charles experienced strains and difficulties, further amplified by relentless tabloid scrutiny. The intense media attention made her one of the most photographed women in the world, exposing her to emotional struggles such as bulimia and depression.
In the early 1990s, the marriage between Diana and Charles began to unravel. The couple officially separated in 1992, and on December 3, 1993, Diana announced her withdrawal from public life.
The divorce was finalized on August 28, 1996, resulting in Diana no longer being a member of the Royal Family by marriage. Her title changed to Diana, Princess of Wales, as she embarked on a new chapter of her life.
Diana - The Princess Of Hearts
The world was devastated by the untimely demise of Princess Diana in a tragic accident.
On August 31, 1997, while being pursued by paparazzi on motorbikes, the car carrying Princess Diana, 36, and Dodi Al Fayed crashed into a pillar in the Pont de l'Alma tunnel in Paris. The only survivor was Dodi's bodyguard.
Investigations into the accident revealed that the paparazzi, lack of seatbelts, and the driver's consumption of alcohol were the primary causes.
In addition, an investigation known as Operation Paget was launched following allegations by Dodi's father, Mohamed Al Fayed, that Diana and his son were intentionally killed. However, the investigation concluded that the accident resulted from the aforementioned causes.
During her lifetime, Diana expressed her desire to be a "princess of souls" by engaging in extensive humanitarian work. Her tragic passing on August 31, 1997, drew immense grief from people worldwide, who regarded her as a genuinely compassionate and generous individual. The funeral, watched by an estimated 750 million television viewers, served as a poignant tribute to her remarkable life.
