Prince Harry is reportedly eyeing the purchase of his late mother’s most famous ensemble, Princess Diana’s iconic “revenge dress,” ahead of its upcoming international auction at Sotheby’s. Following news that the famous off-the-shoulder black gown is set to go under the hammer in New York later this year, sources indicate that the Duke of Sussex is keen to ensure the historical garment remains connected to his mother’s legacy and comes into the possession of his wife, Meghan Markle.
According to a report published by journalist Rob Shuter, sources close to the couple state that Prince Harry views the dress not merely as a fashion artifact, but as a deep symbol of personal strength and independence. The Duke reportedly does not want the gown to disappear into a private collector’s private vault, believing that Meghan understands the emotional narrative behind the garment better than anyone else. Insiders note that in Harry’s view, owning or wearing the dress would serve as a powerful statement of resilience, drawing parallels between both women navigating high-profile scrutiny surrounding the royal institution.
The gown itself carries significant history within British pop culture and royal fashion. Designed by Christina Stambolian, the black silk dress featuring a sweeping chiffon train was famously worn by Princess Diana on June 29, 1994, to a gala at London’s Serpentine Gallery. The public appearance coincided with the broadcast of a television interview in which the then-Prince of Wales publicly acknowledged infidelity during their marriage. The bold fashion choice made global headlines overnight, becoming dubbed the ultimate “revenge dress” and marking a defining moment in Diana’s post-royal public identity.
Princess Diana originally auctioned the gown alongside several other pieces shortly before her passing in 1997 to raise funds for cancer and AIDS charities. At the time, it was acquired by a Scottish couple for approximately $64,000, who held ownership of the piece for nearly three decades before deciding to bring it back to the auction market.
Sotheby’s has announced an international preview tour for the garment starting mid-September, with gallery viewings in London, Hong Kong, and Geneva. The tour will conclude in New York, where the dress is scheduled to be auctioned on December 9. Industry experts estimate that the historic piece could fetch between $150,000 and $300,000, setting up a potentially high-profile bidding process.
Source: Compiled from various sources
