Princess Diana’s iconic honeymoon outfit ‘almost didn’t happen’ after she was turned away from designer’s shop
Princess Diana’s honeymoon outfit was designed by Bellville Sassoon


Princess Diana’s iconic peach ‘going away on honeymoon’ outfit reportedly “almost didn’t happen” after she was 'turned away' from the designer’s shop, it's been claimed.
- Princess Diana’s ‘going away’ on honeymoon outfit is included in the new Royal Style in the Making exhibition at her former home, Kensington Palace.
- It’s been claimed that the Princess of Wales was initially 'turned away' from the designer's shop, meaning her collaboration with designer Bellville Sassoon “almost didn’t happen”.
- This royal news comes as it’s revealed how the Queen’s great-grandchildren could steal the show at her Platinum Jubilee.
Princess Diana was known for her flair for fashion, though it’s now been suggested that one of her most famous collaborations and one of her most iconic outfits “almost didn’t happen” after a mix-up. Though many royal fans will still be eager to know how much Princess Diana’s wedding dress cost, they will now be able to see this magical item in person at the new Royal Style in the Making exhibition. And it's in this exhibition at the Princess of Wales’ former home, Kensington Palace, that another of Princess Diana's very special wedding day outfits is featured.
After making such a statement in her gown when she married Prince Charles at St Paul's Cathedral in 1981, Princess Diana went on to wear a peach outfit as the couple left for their honeymoon. This is now sometimes known as her 'honeymoon' outfit, or her 'going away' outfit.
Today’s the day! Welcome to Royal Style in the Making 👗We can’t wait for you to see our celebration of 20th-century royal fashion at #KensingtonPalace. Find out more about visiting and book here 👉 https://t.co/7N6PEVb5x3#RoyalStyle pic.twitter.com/GKf9Vi2pY0June 3, 2021
The Princess wore this a number of times over the years, including on a trip to Australia in 1983. It was designed by Bellville Sassoon, though it’s now been claimed that we might never have got to see magnificent outfits, like her peach wedding day choice, for a very important reason.
According to PEOPLE, curator Matthew Storey supposedly revealed at a special exhibition preview that Princess Diana's collaboration with designer Bellville Sassoon "almost didn't happen."
The publication suggested that when Princess Diana first visited the Bellville Sassoon shop, she had just become engaged to Prince Charles. It’s claimed she was looking for an engagement outfit, but it was nearly closing time and she hadn’t yet found anything she liked. It was during this visit that it’s alleged that a sales associate, who hadn’t recognized Princess Diana, told her that Harrods department store was “just around the corner”.
"You can imagine how Belinda [Bellville] and David [Sassoon] felt when they realized the future Princess of Wales had been turned away," Matthew reportedly added.
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Princess Diana did, however, return to the shop on another occasion and Bellville Sassoon went on to design on her beautiful peach ensemble.
According to The Times, David Sassoon recalled how: “When she got engaged, her mother brought her in to us and asked us to make the going-away outfit”, whilst he opened up about the late Princess Diana’s thoughtfulness when it came to wearing Bellville Sassoon designs.
“She was very thoughtful when she received a dress, and if it had been a success she would always write or telephone and say, ‘That dress was wonderful, I enjoyed wearing it,’ that everyone at Balmoral or Buckingham Palace or wherever the occasion was that she wore it was very enthusiastic about it,” he revealed. “She was wonderful at saying a big thank you.”
Princess Diana’s peach silk jacket and skirt were certainly show-stoppers and with so many wonderful outfits on display in the Royal Style in the Making exhibition, the opportunity to see it in person is well worth taking up.
Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. She specialises in the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the latest royal outing or unmissable show to add to your to-watch list, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!