Whatever happened to Princess Diana's Golden Falcon Gown?

Embed from Getty Images

As I've mentioned in previous posts (and in future ones too!), Diana knew how to pay tribute to the country she visited on royal tours. This is very much evident in her trip to Saudi Arabia, where she wore a dress embroidered with falcons, a symbol of courage and force.

Lot 64 is described as a Formal Dinner Dress of Cream Silk

The dress is embroidered with a flight of gold and silver sequinned falcons on the bodice and the train. The long sleeves and high neck of this dress enabled the Princess to conform to the customs of Saudi Arabia for which this dress was made for an official visit. The falcons are a compliment to the ruling house.

According to the designer, the falcon embroidery was applied, after the dress was made so the bird silhouettes could flow uninterrupted by the seams. In choosing the style, Diana was conforming to the custom of long sleeves, high neckline and hemlines to cover the ankle for both day and evening wear. It was worn for a private dinner in Saudi Arabia in 1986, thus there are no public photos of her wearing it.

It was bought by Pat Kerr, at the original Christie's auction, for $31,000. She also bought the Murray Arbeid silk tulle dance dress, and two others. To date, she still owns all four dresses; which she has loaned for various events including Diana fashion exhibits at Kensington Palace.

© Marilyn Braun 2020

Thank you for enjoying this article. If you use the information for research purposes, a link to credit the work I've put into writing it would be appreciated.

Princess Diana Forever - The Gulf States
Princess Diana Boutique - Another look at the Golden Falcon Gown worn in Saudi Arabia
Top Designer Cherishes Gowns Owned by Diana
Princess Diana's iconic dresses on show for anniversary
Dresses that tell a story: Princess Diana's life in fashion
Catherine Walker: An Autobiography by The Private Couturier to Diana, Princess of Wales
Diana: Her Life in Fashion by Georgina Howell
Christie's Auction Catalogue: DRESSES from the Collection of Diana, Princess of Wales