A vast array of dresses, shoes, and numerous other items that once belonged to Princess Diana are set to embark on a global exhibition tour. The impressive collection of 3000 pieces has been meticulously amassed by an Australian collector who has dedicated substantial resources to her passion. Renae Plant, the collector, aims to share these treasures with Diana enthusiasts worldwide through a grand tour that is currently in the planning stages.
Renae Plant revealed that the Princess Diana Museum will commence its global journey in November 2026, with the initial location yet to be officially disclosed. However, the tour is expected to kick off in California before traveling to various destinations. Renae expressed her aspiration for the exhibition to eventually find a permanent home in the UK, emphasizing the unique stories behind each piece in the collection. Notably, she invested millions in acquiring items, including two dresses that cost over £250,000 each.
Reflecting on her personal encounters with Diana, Renae mentioned meeting the princess twice, recalling the emotional impact of those moments. She shared a poignant memory of acquiring an iconic outfit worn by Diana, known as the ‘caring dress,’ at an auction for £260,000. Renae’s journey into collecting Diana memorabilia began in 2014 when she purchased a notable Caroline Charles wool coat worn by Diana while carrying Prince William.
Describing the origins of her fascination, Renae recounted how her collection started with magazine posters and escalated following Diana’s tragic passing in 1997. She elaborated on key acquisitions, such as Diana’s renowned ice-blue Versace dress, for which she even took out a second mortgage. Renae also highlighted her correspondence with Princes William and Harry, underscoring the importance of their approval in her collecting endeavors.
Having amassed over 100 pieces of Diana’s clothing and nearly 3000 items in total, including sentimental items like baby shoes and wedding slippers, Renae’s collection embodies a profound connection to the late princess. Each piece in her collection holds a significant narrative, with one dress by Jacques Azagury, made for Diana in 1997 but never worn, standing out as a poignant reminder of the princess’s legacy.