Princess Diana BEYOND THE GLAMOUR

Nearly three decades after her death, the late royal's wardrobe and quiet good deeds tell a deeper story about the woman behind the Princess of Wales title

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For almost two decades, she was the most photographed woman in the world — and many remain spellbound by Princess Diana, nearly 28 years after her untimely death in a Paris car crash at age 36. “So much has been written and said about Diana,” Paul Burrell, who served as the late royal’s butler, tells Life & Style. “She has become an icon of our times.”

Few — like Burrell — got to experience the real Diana, though. “She is still one of the most misrepresented, misunderstood and misinterpreted women,” insists her former confidant of 10 years. “There are only a handful of people who truly knew this unique and inspirational human being.”

Now, both he and a new sale at Julien’s Auctions are offering a rare peek into the legend’s private side. Currently accepting online bids that will culminate in a June 26 live auction, “Princess Diana’s Style & A Royal Collection” features more than 200 items, including gowns, handbags, heels, hats, fashion sketches, childhood photographs and handwritten letters.

“It took us a whole year to build this auction,” Martin Nolan, co-founder and executive director of Julien’s Auctions, tells Life & Style. “All of these items come from various people that Diana knew and that worked with Diana. There are items that she always was giving away.”

Legacy of Love