A major new exhibition of Diana, Princess of Wales, taken by world-famous photographer Mario Testino. The images, many never before displayed, are united with dresses worn by the Princess and later auctioned for charity in 1997. The exhibition is in the palace State Apartments and will run until January 2008.

Fifteen iconographic images taken by Mario Testino in 1997 form the main part of the exhibition. It was a project that turned out to be the last official portrait photography of the Princess. For this occasion she wore gowns that were later famously auctioned in New York, raising a staggering £5.7million for charity in the process.

Nine of the gowns sold at that auction, including four worn for the photo-shoot, will be united with images, also for the first time. They were created by some of the Princess’s favourite couturiers including Catherine Walker, Bruce Oldfield, Hachi and Victor Edelstein.

Michael Day, Chief Executive of Historic Royal Palaces,
“The Palaces in our care tell our nation’s story – how monarchs and people together have shaped society in some of the greatest palaces ever built - and Diana, Princess of Wales is a crucial part of that story. Mario Testino is one of the world’s finest contemporary photographers and his images capture a wonderful moment in time. Together with the dresses worn by the Princess, they create a new, exciting and more modern feel for Kensington Palace to surprise and delight visitors from all over the world.”

Mario Testino said,
“Photographing Diana, Princess of Wales for Vanity Fair in 1997 was one of the most memorable days of my career. I am honoured to have been asked to show some of the photographs from that day in surroundings as unique as Kensington Palace and hope that the design will reflect my respect and admiration for her in this light celebration of her life”

The Princess was well known for her sense of style, which is captured in the photographs. She teamed with designers across the world to create a wardrobe that inspired people everywhere and has left a lasting legacy for those who love fashion. Mario Testino, designer Patrick Kinmonth, and the curators at Kensington Palace have teamed up to create an exhibition which celebrates the unique contribution of Diana, Princess of Wales to the social history of our nation and her place at the heart of Kensington Palace.

Generously supporting Historic Royal Palaces in this exhibition is HSBC Private Bank. This is the first ever sponsorship for the private bank in the UK, already one of the leading private banking organisations in the world.

Clive Bannister, Chief Executive Officer for HSBC Private Bank, commented,
“This exhibition presents a tremendous opportunity to attract international audiences to enjoy the beauty of world-class photographic art and exceptional fashion design set in its original context; the Princess of Wales in her home, one of Britain’s most celebrated palaces. Renowned for our international reach, we at HSBC Private Bank look forward very much to bringing our clients, colleagues and friends from around the world, to witness at first hand this unique cultural experience.”