By Reporter at large, Mini-V

Having lived in England for several years, I was curious as to what the Lady Diana exhibit would include. I’d viewed the exhibit of photographs and gowns at Kensington Palace while in London. Although I enjoyed that exhibit immensely, I was hoping this exhibit wasn’t exactly same. I was not disappointed. Diana – The People’s Princess is a touring exhibit currently located in the former Virgin Store in Downtown Disney. It is an overview of the life of Diana, Princess of Wales and how she evolved from a young girl in an aristocratic family, to one of the most identifiable icons in the world. There are a few dresses included in the exhibit, but there are also handwritten notes, original invitations to various wedding events, and collectibles that were created while Diana was the bride of the next King of England. I was mesmerized by a collection of perfume bottles painted with Diana’s face on the inside. Knowing that they were created using a reverse painting technique only makes them more fascinating. Of course no exhibit about a princess would be complete without a tiara, and this one is no exception.

Besides showing Diana’s growth from shy Di to fashionista, visitors are given an insight into the role that Diana felt she was born to play; that of mother, wife, and activist. The exhibit does an excellent job of showing Diana’s compassion and care for the sick and wounded around the world. Visitors also can see an invitation to William’s fourth birthday. I found that to be interesting because Diana used regular birthday invitations that could be purchased most anywhere in England. Diana knew she was raising a prince, but he was first and foremost her son and I think she was attempting to keep him grounded in little ways.

The exhibit will be at Downtown Disney until November 30^th. Tickets are $14.50 for ages 10 and up and $5.00 for ages 3-9. Annual Passholders can get a $4.50 discount with the presentation of their pass. Part of the admission charge goes towards a charity set-up in Diana’s name. Touring the exhibit is self-paced. It took me about an hour. Photography is not allowed.

• The stories of Diana’s own childhood and ancestry and how that lineage was influential in her selection as the future bride of HRH Charles, The Prince of Wales, the future King of England.
• Her magical royal wedding which was viewed by over 750 million people from around the globe; her favorite role as “mum” to princes William and Harry.
• Kensington Palace, the royal residence where Diana lived from the moment she became the Princess of Wales until her death and which today plays an active role in preserving her charitable legacy.
• The historical significance of her role as Princess of Wales and the impact she had through that role on the fashion industry and charitable landscape.
• How at the Christie’s “Sale of The Century,” 79 of Diana’s royal dresses were sold to benefit charities which helped position her as an astute philanthropist.
• Her untimely passing and the massive media and public interest in the tragedy.
• The charitable impact still being recognized through her gowns and personal effects.

• Royal Doulton figurine of Diana in her wedding dress – Made in 1981 at the time of the royal wedding, the doll is wearing an exact replica of the famous wedding dress.  
  
• The Black Velvet “V” Neck – Designed by Bruce Oldfield and worn by Diana for her official royal portrait in 1985. 
  
• Wedding Breakfast booklet – Contains guest names and two tickets to observe the bride and bridegroom before and following the wedding ceremony in the quadrangle at Buckingham Palace and Clarence House.

• Three-foot doll of Diana as a young girl– Released by the Great American Doll Company in 1998 as a tribute to Diana, Princess of Wales.