Princess Diana, the beloved “People’s Princess”, tragically passed away in 1997 at the age of 36 after a car crash in Paris. Her sudden death shocked the world and prompted an outpouring of grief from millions who admired her beauty, grace, compassion and humanitarian work. As one of the most famous women of the 20th century, Princess Diana’s funeral was watched by over 2.5 billion people worldwide. With such immense global interest in her life and death, questions remain about certain aspects of her burial including what she was wearing.
What clothes was Princess Diana buried in?
Princess Diana was buried at her family’s estate, Althorp Park, in Northamptonshire, England on September 6, 1997. For her burial outfit, she was dressed in a long-sleeved black Catherine Walker dress made of wool crepe, which was one of her favorite designs. The dress featured a fitted bodice with tailored waistline detail and a slim A-line skirt. It had a black button detail going down the front and a black Peter Pan style collar.
She also wore a pair of black stockings and black shoes for her burial attire. As for jewelry, she had on her wedding band and engagement ring from Prince Charles. She did not wear a tiara or any royal jewels. Her makeup was done lightly with some blush, mascara and lip gloss in neutral tones. Her hair was also styled in a casual swept-back look.
The dress she was buried in was chosen by her brother, Earl Spencer, who felt it was an appropriate somber color and style for her funeral. It was one of her favorites to wear for public appearances and official royal engagements in the last year of her life. So it was seen as a fitting tribute to her signature fashion sense.
What preparations were made for Princess Diana’s burial?
Several preparations were necessary after Princess Diana’s sudden death in order to properly lay her to rest on the grounds of her family estate:
- Her casket was made of English oak with gilt handles and a brass plaque inscribed with her name and lifespan.
- The route to Althorp Park was lined with thousands of mourners throwing flowers to symbolize Diana’s own habit of stopping to acknowledge well-wishers.
- Police and security forces were deployed along the funeral procession to manage crowds and provide entry access to invited guests and the royal family.
- Atop her casket was placed a hand-painted card saying “Mummy” designed by Prince Harry who was just 12 years old at the time.
- The burial site on an island in an ornamental lake on the grounds was specially landscaped with white memorial stones and OSis, Diana’s favourite flowers.
The funeralplanning relied heavily on input from Diana’s brother to reflect her uniqueness and break from royal protocol. Earl Spencer also gave a eulogy praising Diana’s warmth and humanity in contrast to the royal family’s rigid formality and customs.
What kind of casket was used?
Princess Diana was buried in a lead-lined English oak coffin with decorative gilt handles. The casket was securely sealed to discourage against theft, vandalism or any disturbance of her remains. This type of casket is typically used for high-profile burials when there are security concerns. The lead lining helps maintain the body for longer periods if above ground before interment. The secure, heavyweight casket provided protective stability during her funeral procession and interment.
Casket Features:
- English oak construction
- Lead-lined interior
- Gilt decorative handles
- Lockable for security
- Brass name plaque attached
- Designed to withstand long public funeral proceedings
- Intended for interment in above-ground mausoleum or burial vault
This elaborate casket was chosen to uphold the grandeur and dignity of a royal funeral ceremony while also discouraging any breach of security or privacy at her final resting place. The casket provided both physical protection and symbolic importance fit for England’s beloved Princess.
Who designed Princess Diana’s burial dress?
The dress Princess Diana was buried in was designed by Catherine Walker, one of the Princess’ favorite designers. Catherine Walker was a British fashion designer who was best known as one of Princess Diana’s go-to designers, creating over 1,000 bespoke garments for Diana throughout her life.
Some key facts about Catherine Walker and her design aesthetic:
- She founded her own British fashion house, Catherine Walker & Co, in 1977.
- Known for elegant, tailored dresses and skirt suits.
- Diana first began wearing her designs in the 1980s.
- Walker created Diana’s wedding dress for her marriage to Prince Charles.
- Known for exquisite fabrics like silk crepe, satin and chiffon.
- Design hallmarks included pearls, buttons, bows and rich textures.
- Diana loved the romantic yet regal quality of her dresses.
The black wool crepe dress Diana was buried in exemplified the Walker style – understated, refined and poised. Catherine Walker was a close confidante of Diana’s and perfectly suited to create an eternal look befitting the beloved princess.
How was the burial dress selected?
The decision of what dress Princess Diana would be buried in was made by her brother, Charles Spencer:
- He selected a long black Catherine Walker dress that was one of Diana’s favorites.
- It had a vintage yet timeless style suitable for a sombre occasion.
- The fabric was a black wool crepe that draped gracefully and elegantly.
- The dress originally had a matching jacket which was not used for the burial.
- It was purchased by Diana in 1991 and worn many times over the years.
- Earl Spencer felt it was an appropriate tribute to her fashion sense and love of Catherine Walker’s designs.
- He wanted her laid to rest in a dignified, simple dress reflective of her devotion as a “people’s princess”.
The final burial outfit was specifically chosen to reflect Diana’s uniqueness – it was not a royal gown but a modern designer piece she felt comfortable and confident wearing during her iconic public service.
Was Diana’s burial dress criticized?
The choice of burial dress did draw some criticism and differences of opinion:
- Some felt it should have been a traditional royal gown, not a modern Catherine Walker dress.
- There were objections to the black color being too somber and mournful.
- The royalty preferred lighter colors like white or pastels for burial clothes.
- The style was seen as too simple and understated by some.
- Having her wear an older dress was viewed as inappropriate by traditionalists.
- Not using any royal jewelry or accessories broke protocol.
- There were calls for a formal royal robe and sashes/orders.
- Overall the choice was seen by some as not befitting her status.
However, the focus on reflecting Diana’s own taste and style ultimately prevailed over royal tradition. The sentimental choice reminded the public of her compassion and modern spirit despite objections from staunch royalists.
How was the dress prepared?
To prepare Princess Diana’s chosen Catherine Walker dress for burial, several steps were taken by her butler and other staff:
- The dress was removed from her wardrobe and thoroughly pressed and steamed.
- Extra fabric was trimmed and neatened up. Loose buttons or threads were fixed.
- Gentle cleaning and spot removal techniques were used as needed.
- The collar was stiffened with buckram to maintain its shape.
- Tissue paper was lightly layered inside to hold form.
- Stockings were washed, dried and pressed.
- Shoes were cleaned and polished.
- Jewelry was cleaned and checked for damage.
- Hair and makeup items were gathered and set aside for later.
- The dress and accessories were inspected and neatly arranged for dressing.
Meticulous care was taken with the handling and preparation of the burial outfit to honor the princess and preserve her dignity and grace for this final tribute. Those closest to Diana lovingly prepared both her and her cherished Catherine Walker dress to allow her to rest in peace.
Conclusion
The burial of Princess Diana was a moment of immense emotional impact and global significance. Choosing the attire to properly lay her body to rest was a weighty decision that balanced royal protocol against her own style. Allowing her beloved brother to select her favored Catherine Walker dress was a fitting send-off. Its touching simplicity countered the complications of her separation from the royal family. Above all, her elegant grace could never be diminished – not by divorce or death. The historic yet intimate black dress dignified Diana’s final farewell as the eternal people’s princess.