Historic Royal Palaces reveals new exhibition at Kensington Palace to celebrate Diana

A major new fashion exhibition exploring the style of Diana, Princess of Wales is to open at Kensington Palace alongside a temporary garden celebrating the life of the late Princess in 2017.

‘Diana: Her Fashion Story’ will open in February, and then a temporary White Garden dedicated to the princess will open in time for Easter. Clients hosting events at the palace will be able to enjoy access to both throughout spring and summer next year.

The exhibition will trace the evolution of the Diana’s style, from the demure outfits of her first public appearances to the glamour, elegance and confidence of her later life. The exhibition will explore how Diana navigated her unique position in the public eye, learning to use her image to engage and inspire people, and to champion the causes she cared about.

The exhibition will replace the popular ‘Fashion Rules’ exhibition in Kensington Palace’s Piggott Gallery. Clients booking the Breakfast Tour package at the venue can enjoy an exclusive viewing of ‘Diana: her Fashion Story’, while private viewings can also be arranged when booking the State Apartments or Orangery for evening events.

While in residence at Kensington Palace, the Princess admired the changing floral displays in the historic Sunken Garden and would often stop to talk to the gardeners. In 2017, gardeners at Kensington Palace will dedicate the new planting in the garden to Diana, Princess of Wales, creating a temporary White Garden in celebration of her life.

The garden will be planted with flowers and foliage inspired by memories of the Princess’s life, image and style. Spring planting will include an elegant palette of tulips and scented white roses will surround the reflective pool in the centre of the garden. The White Garden will be installed for spring and summer 2017, so the garden will be in full bloom in time for clients hosting summer events at the palace to view.

Liz Young, Head of Events at Historic Royal Palaces says: “We’re pleased that Kensington Palace is celebrating the life of Diana, Princess of Wales with what promises to be a wonderful exhibition and temporary White Garden in 2017. The Princess was a treasured figure around the world and we are delighted to be able to offer our clients the opportunity to view both the exhibition and temporary garden when they host their events at Kensington Palace.”

Alex Donnelly-Palmer, Events and Operations Manager at Kensington Palace and Kew Palace adds: “We are looking forward to a busy year at Kensington Palace next year when we open our new exhibition and White Garden, so we are encouraging clients to book their Orangery events early, as we are only able to offer five more events until March 2017.”