Diana, Princess of Wales by Mario Testino is an enormously popular exhibition of Mario Testino’s pictures and the Princess of Wales’s dresses.  It is visited by thousands of people and continues to be the principal focus of our telling of Diana’s story at Kensington Palace.

Diana was, of course, a hero to many people around the world.  This led us to think about and explore our notions of “heroes and icons” through themes rooted in citizenship.  

On Friday 20th April 2007, Kensington Palace saw the first assembly of the “Council of Heroes” (otherwise known as students from Holland Park Secondary School).  They were faced with the challenge of electing their first ever “Hall of Heroes”.  They were asked : What makes a modern hero?

Experts gave evidence on what they thought answered this question and talked about citizenship and heroism in the context of the world today.

The Council were then invited to present their nominations to each other in the form of a fashion show!

Kensington Palace was once again filled with people struggling into wigs, makeup and costume for a Parade of Heroes, some of the results of which can be found in our online Hall of Heroes!

In association with Arts & Business

HSBC Private Bank and Historic Royal Palaces have received an investment from A&B to develop their creative partnership.  The A&B Investment Programme is funded by Arts Council England, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and the Scottish Executive.