Like many, I have always felt as though Princess Diana represented something different in the world of royalty.  Her compassion, extensive charity work, high-style, and marriage to Prince Charles made her the “world’s most photographed woman.”  I had a great deal of respect for her.  As a strong-minded woman, she broke through the many barriers of those who had come before her.  Her devotion to her children, William and Harry took center stage in her life.  Many people don’t realize it, but Diana actually chose the children’s names, selected her own nanny for the boys instead of using the royal nanny, took responsibility for planning their daily activities, personally walked them to school whenever she could, and tried to plan her own activities around their schedules.  It was clear that Diana was committed to making sure she was a large part of her children’s lives and wanted to have a hand in raising her boys instead of leaving it up to the royal staff.

Diana was very well known for her choice of clothing which became newsworthy starting with her wedding dress when she married Prince Charles on July 29, 1981.  Since that day, she was photographed all over the world at different times: in royal settings, during public speeches, while giving aid to the less fortunate, etc.  She always evidenced class, refinement and a soft, approachable stature.   For the next two decades, Diana’s life and style would change and create a story like no one else could have ever imagined. 

We here in Naples, happen to be lucky enough to have an exhibit that has been created solely for The von Liebig Art Center featuring an original collection of the late Princess Diana’s gowns, shoes, and handbags plus some of her memorabilia.  A few of the dresses and items being featured have never before been exhibited in the United States.  Some memorabilia items include pieces from Queen Elizabeth II, the Queen Mother, and Prince Charles.  Diana’s personal chef, Darren Grady, will also be giving lectures on March 13^th and 14^th about Diana and his book Eating Royally; Recipes and Remembrances from a Palace Kitchen.

I think it is hard to find anyone who didn’t connect with Diana in one form or another, especially with her humanitarian heart which so many around the world experienced and observed.  The above exhibits, lectures, and even a black-tie event on March 10^th, will maintain Diana’s legacy of social and charitable acts.  A portion of all ticket sales will be contributed to the Pink Ribbon Crusade, “a charitable organization formed by several of the dress owners who support women with breast cancer, for distribution to local women with breast cancer affiliated with Bosom Buddies and the NCH Hospital Foundation.”

Event details can be found at the von Liebig Art Center website at – http://www.naplesart.org/Diana/

I hope you can get out and enjoy some or all of these events…remember it is for a good cause!