A Window into Princess Diana’s Past
A collection of personal cards and letters penned by Princess Diana to her friend and royal fashion designer, Bill Pashley, has provided a rare glimpse into the happier moments during her marriage to King Charles.
These intimate items, sold for a sum of £7,000, encompassed a lighthearted letter and a series of Christmas cards, shedding light on Diana’s life and sentiments during various stages of her royal journey.
Endearing Correspondence
Among the collection is a candid note from Diana dated around August 1981, expressing her gratitude to Bill for creating outfits for her Scotland trip shortly after their Mediterranean honeymoon on the Royal Yacht Britannia.
In the letter, Diana humorously recounted the challenges of maneuvering around her room due to boxes of skirts sent by Bill, jesting about her “light blue” tan caused by the Scottish climate, contrasting with the Mediterranean sun.
Sentiments Captured in Cards
Accompanying the letter were 13 Christmas cards sent by Diana to Bill between 1981 and 1994. These cards showcased various family moments, including wedding photographs of the newlywed couple in 1981, images of Prince William as a baby in 1982, and later, photos featuring both William and the newborn Prince Harry in subsequent years.
A Story in Pictures
The cards depicted the evolution of the royal family, transitioning from pictures of the family of four to shots of Diana with her two sons after the separation announcement in 1992.
The 1993 and 1994 cards exclusively featured Diana alongside Princes William and Harry, encapsulating poignant moments in the family’s history.
Enduring Fascination
Hansons Auctioneers of Etwall, Derbys, oversaw the sale of these cherished mementos, emphasizing the enduring allure of Diana’s life and legacy.
The auctioneer, Charles Hanson, highlighted Diana’s universal adoration and the profound fascination people hold for her life, reflecting the global reverence even after her tragic demise in 1997.
The Legacy of Bill Pashley
The items auctioned provided insights not only into Diana’s life but also shed light on the career of Bill Pashley.
Renowned for his designs, Pashley’s clientele extended beyond Diana to include the Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson, and esteemed opera singers Dame Margaret Price and Dame Gwyneth Jones.
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