Demand for Princess Diana memorabilia has soared at auction as we approach what what have been her 60th birthday.
Last month saw Diana's blue 1970s Raleigh bike sold for a staggering £44,000 and her ‘personal’ letters are setting buyers back almost £68,000.
Netflix's 'The Crown' and the announcement of a new Princess Diana documentary 'In Her Own Words', has been attributed to her recent soar in popularity.
The huge increase in demand also comes in the lead up to 'the people's princess' statue unveiling on July 1 in the Sunken Garden at Kensington Palace.
In 2017, on the 20th anniversary of Diana's death, Princes Harry and William commissioned Ian Rank-Broadley, who is famous for his depiction of the Queen on British coins, to carve a statue in their mother’s honour.
TV antiques expert Antony Charman, co-founder of Vintage Cash Cow, spoke about the demand for Princess Diana memorabilia that has sent auctions through the roof, and some items that you may even have lurking in your home!
Antony said: “Some of the most valuable items for sale are those of a personal nature. These items allow for the owner to feel a level of personal connection to “the people’s Princess” who they idolise.
“The upcoming celebration of what would have been Diana’s 60th birthday, as well as the increased media coverage of the royal family, has created both an increase in the number of collectors and the demand for Diana memorabilia.”
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Not only was Diana loved for her kind nature and romance with Prince Charles, but she was, and still is, a fashion icon.
Antony continued: “In 2019, the infamous blue velvet dress that she wore to the 1984 Met Gala, where she was photographed dancing with John Travolta, sold at auction for £264,000.
"In the same year her favorite sweatshirt in which she was photographed multiple times leaving the gym, sold for £43,000.
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"The sweatshirt was a gift from Sir Richard Branson, and was later gifted by Diana to her friend and personal trainer who kept it safe for all those years until its eventual sale.
“Even more recently, a number of personal letters written by the princess have come to light. A series of letters written by Diana to her close friend Roger Bramble were auctioned earlier this year and made almost £68,000.
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"Providing a never-before-seen insight into the princess’s private life, these handwritten, witty and often poignant letters are incredibly sought after.
“As well as this Diana's blue 1970s Raleigh bike that she loved and was often photographed riding prior to her marriage, sold at auction for £44,000 last month (April 2021).”
What items might people have at home?
Antony says: “When Beanie Babies hit the scene in 1993, no one could have predicted how valuable some would become.
"The rare Princess Diana bear produced in 1997, complete with its tag, has previously sold on Ebay for almost £4,000. Do you have one of these hiding amongst the cuddly toys in your attic?
“Vintage trinkets such as this quality street tin commemorating the wedding of Charles and Diana in 1981 can be worth £10-20.
"Other commemorative collectors items such as the gold Royal wedding stamp produced by Staffa can be worth up to £50, and Charles and Diana gold plated commemorative coin pendants can be worth around £20.
“The Princess Diana dressable dolls produced by the Franklin Mint are also highly collectible, with the dolls themselves selling for around £300 and more for those with the complete wardrobe!"
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