Princess Diana dress to be auctioned on eBay

FLORIDA—It is rumored to be one of Diana’s favorite dresses—and it was one of the few she wore more than once. The Sarong-Style Evening Dress in Pink Chiffon, designed by Catherine Walker, was worn a total of four times including at the last official engagement Diana and Charles attended together. Less than a week later they announced their separation. It is also featured on a Royal British stamp in the UK. On May 24, this exceptional gown will be placed on eBay for auction, the second Diana dress ever to be sold this way.

The dress was auctioned at Christie’s in 1997 and bought by Pamela Henn, a former animation artist for Walt Disney and author of the children’s book Nick and Slim; The Legend of the Falcon Mine. Pamela acquired it during the Diana dress auction at Christie’s New York to capture a piece of history. "I had a feeling it would be the last time anything like this happened; I had no idea how right I would be," she says. Princess Diana was killed in a car accident not three months later. So why is she selling it now? To pay for her dream of writing children’s books: "It’s what I’ve always wanted to do, I love children and my books are designed to address different issues our kids face. While I hate getting rid of the dress, it’s something I really have to do." Lot number 9, as the dress was called, had special meaning to Pam not just because of the historical significance but because she, like many other women, felt she could relate to what Diana had gone through in her marriage as Henn’s marriage fell apart in much the same way.

The eBay auction will begin on May 24. The reserve for this dress is not disclosed but industry insiders estimate this dress could go well in excess of $100,000. "It’s a special part of history," says Henn, "and I can only hope it will end up with someone who will cherish it as much as I have."

ABOUT THE DRESS: Princess Diana Dress "Lot 9," originally sold by Christie’s of New York. A Sarong-Style Evening Dress in Pink Chiffon, by Catherine Walker. The bodice is embroidered with an overall paisley design in simulated pearls, gold glass beads and a low V- shaped back. The skirt is draped to resemble a sarong with a wide asymmetrical sash from waist to hip.

The Princess of Wales wore this dress for an Official Royal visit to Pakistan in 1991 (wearing her crown). Then she was photographed in the same dress again with a pearl choker and tear drop pearl earrings, (without her crown) for a dinner which was held at the Mansion House to mark the launch of the Re Trust, a charitable venture between industry and "Help the Aged." She wore the dress again for the Royal Variety Performance with long pearl drop earrings (without her crown, or a necklace) which was the last joint engagement before Prince Charles and Diana’s separation. She wore this same dress one more time (with her crown, with smaller drop pearl earrings) for the Royal Official photographed portrait by Lord Snowdon, which later became an Official British stamp.

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