The Diana Exhibition at Kensington Palace is quite a moving and sad look back at beautiful Princess Diana. In it, you will see a collection of her most memorable outfits and the occasions where she wore them. It is like walking through a curated version of Diana’s wardrobe. Accompanying each outfit are descriptions of the concept behind the design and where the outfit was worn.
This is the dress that she was wearing in that iconic portrait by Mario Testino
When her style started to change and hemlines were shortened.
This is a Catherine Walker design inspired by Grace Kelly’s gown in “To Catch a Thief”
“The Elvis Dress” another Catherine Walker creation based on an Elizabethan neckline. A strapless white silk dress with sequins and pearls.
The Elvis Dress – Diana Exhibition
Worn by Princess Diana on a visit to Saudi Arabia. This dress is embroidered with falcons, the national bird of Saudi Arabia.
Princess Diana’s “Royal Uniform” a signature look that Jasper Conran and Catherine Walker used to design for her.
That Versace dress and the famous portrait of Princess Diana.
Seeing it all in one place like this was like walking through her life. All the ups and downs of her world can be seen through the outfits she wore. It’s quite a historic journey and a unique way of sharing her life’s journey.
For fashion students, this is a great chance to study her style. You will have a chance to have a close up look at the incredible details of some of her dresses. The beading and embroidery is quite exquisite.
Massive queues for this exhibition reminds us that she is still much loved. The Diana Exhibition reminds us that she was not just a fashion icon but she was an independent woman managed to make such an impact on so many things like the HIV and land mines charity.
Although the exhibition on the surface is just of her clothes, it is a lot more than that. It is a quietly whispered celebration of her life. Do try and visit. It is quite a jewel.
Top Tips on Visiting The Diana Exhibition
This is a very popular exhibition and if you get there late in the day, there will be a bit of a queue, both to get into the palace and then to get into the exhibition.
The Diana Exhibition is housed in just a few rooms in the Palace. When you get in, it’s a good idea to head straight to see the exhibition. When you exit the exhibition, you will be at the start of the where the tour of Kensington Palace starts.
The best time to visit to beat the queues is when the doors open at 10am. We got there at about 9.45 am and there was already a bit of a queue.
Pre book and get there early
Kensington Palace Queue to enter
Pre-book your tickets to speed up your entry. You can buy discounted tickets at 365 Tickets which also means you are eligible to get in the collect tickets line. (They offer combo tickets for other attractions like the Tower of London and the London Eye at a discount too.) This is faster moving and usually shorter than the other queues. This exhibition has been so popular that a few dates are sold out, so book your tickets early.
The ticket you get is for the whole day. If you have other things to do, you can always return later in the afternoon to resume your tour of Kensington Palace. The Diana Exhibition is on for the whole of 2017.
Tickets and prices
Entry to Diana: Her Fashion Story is included in Kensington Palace admission.
Kensington Palace ticket prices for visits from 1 March 2017 until 28 February 2018
Adult – £19.00 (£17.10 online)*
Child – Free. Must be accompanied by an adult.
Concessions – £15.00 (£13.60 online)*
Membership – from £50
Visiting Kensington Palace
Kensington Palace
The Sunken Garden at Kensington Palace
The Sunken Garden at Kensington Palace planted with flowers and foliage inspired by the style and memories of the Princess’ life.
You can time your visit for one of the guided tours around the Palace. We were there just in time to hear the very humorous explanations of court dress, courtly behaviour and behind the scenes at the Palace. It will make the place come alive.
Inside Kensington Palace
Look up – the elaborate ceilings
Tapestries that used to be carted from one palace to another
The Queen’s Bed
Just looking at the opulent furnishing, old paintings and the rooms is interesting but the guides in the Palace can really tell you stories of what has happened over the last few hundred years.
It’s not a very big palace so will not take you very long to walk around all the rooms. I’d say budget for at least 30 minutes if you are short of time.
In June the special Victoria Exhibition reopens. We missed it when we went but it should be an interesting insight into Queen Victoria’s life.
Take a few minutes to walk around the manicured gardens and take afternoon tea in the Orangery.If you are hoping to spot either the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge or Prince Harry and Megan Markle, you will be sorely disappointed. Although they live at Kensington Palace it is not in the building where tourists are allowed to visit.
Kensington Palace The Orangery for afternoon tea
How to get to Kensington Palace
To get to the entrance of Kensington Palace, you walk in through Hyde Park. From Queensway tube station, just walk straight along the wide central path. There are signs on the way and you can’t miss it, on the right. Get more details about the palace on their website.
The Diane Exhibition
Kensington Palace
Kensington Gardens,
London W8 4PX
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