Princess Diana Museum Curator Falls to the Floor After Securing Royal’s ‘Caring Dress’ at Auction for $520K

Princess Diana Museum Curator Overwhelmed with Emotion After Acquiring Dress at Auction

In a heartwarming turn of events, the founder of the Princess Diana Museum, Renae Plant, was brought to tears after successfully securing Princess Diana’s renowned “Caring Dress” at an auction in Los Angeles. The highly anticipated Princess Diana’s Style & A Royal Collection sale, organised by Julien’s Auctions, took place on June 26, where Plant’s bid of $400,000 (plus fees) sealed the deal at a staggering total of $520,000.

As the auctioneer announced Plant as the winning bidder, she could not contain her excitement and jubilation. Videos captured the emotional moment as Plant leapt from her seat, dancing with joy before eventually dropping to the floor in overwhelming emotion. The room erupted into applause, congratulating Plant on her remarkable acquisition.

The “Caring Dress,” originally identified as the 1988 Bellville Sassoon Floral Day Dress, holds significant sentimental value as Princess Diana frequently adorned it during her public appearances from 1988 to 1992. The dress, made of blue silk with short sleeves and adorned with a pattern of rainbow flowers, became synonymous with the Princess’s compassionate nature as she often wore it during visits to hospitals and engagements with patients.

Renae Plant’s remarkable collection of Princess Diana memorabilia continues to expand, with the “Caring Dress” being a prized addition alongside over 2,700 items in her virtual Princess Diana Museum. Plant’s dedication to preserving Princess Diana’s legacy shines through her acquisitions, with each piece encapsulating a moment in the iconic royal’s life.

Speaking to PEOPLE in a previous interview, Plant emphasised the importance of preserving history, likening it to pieces of art. Her passion for Princess Diana’s legacy stems from a memorable encounter in 1988 outside St. Andrews Cathedral in Sydney, Australia. Plant recollected the moment she met Princess Diana at a young age, which sparked a lifelong connection to the Princess’s influential legacy.

The Princess Diana’s Style & A Royal Collection auction not only saw Plant secure the “Caring Dress” but also witnessed her winning bids on other notable items, including Princess Diana’s peach hat with plume, a black taffeta evening gown, and a white evening gown with falcon detail. Each piece holds its own significance, adding depth to Plant’s extensive Princess Diana collection.

Renae Plant’s unwavering dedication to preserving Princess Diana’s memory and legacy is a testament to her profound admiration for the beloved royal figure. Through her acquisitions and commitment to honouring Princess Diana’s iconic style and humanitarian efforts, Plant continues to keep the Princess’s spirit alive in the hearts of admirers worldwide.