Princess Diana's Secret Backup Wedding Dress

DESIGNER ELIZABETH EMANUEL MADE HER MARK WITH PRINCESS DIANA'S WEDDING GOWN BUT THERE WAS ANOTHER DRESS WAITING IN THE WINGS

- SIMON PERRY

As Lady Diana Spencer climbed the steps of St. Paul's Cathedral in London on July 29, 1981, her majestic wedding dress with its vast 25-ft. train brought a royal fairy tale to life. But unbeknownst to the 20-year-old bride, her husband, Prince Charles, and the millions of viewers watching the nuptials unfold on television, the design team responsible for the now-iconic gown had crafted a second, mystery dress as a precautionary measure, ready for any unforeseen circumstances. "I was a bit neurotic, and I thought, 'What happens if somebody breaks in and steals the dress or something spills or there's a fire or it gets stolen?"" says Elizabeth Emanuel, who famously created Diana's wedding gown with former husband David. "So I thought, 'I'm gonna make a backup dress.""