Smocked Sundress at Polo

fits Franklin Mint Diana Portrait Doll

July 12, 1983 was a busy one for the Princess of Wales. In the morning she helicoptered up to Northamptonshire to open a new unit of St. Andrews Hospital, joining her father and stepmother. The psychiatric hospital had deep connections to the Spencers - it had been founded in the 19th century partially with a donation from her great-great-grandfather the 5th Earl Spencer, both her grandfather and great-grandfather were presidents, and the new wing was named for Diana's father.

Then it was back down to London, to watch Charles at polo. She had changed into a comfortable summer sundress and carried her trusty Souleaido quilted floral clutch bag, which she often took to polo matches. Also usually worn at polo matches, as it was here, was the gold disc necklace engraved with "William" in Charles' handwriting, a gift from him on William's birth. Charles, who tended to more publicly affectionate at these events, was caught by photographers in a tender moment with his wife. It was a cool choice for a summer day, but sadly also showcased her extreme thinness due to her eating disorder.




There are only grainy black and white newspaper photos of this dress, so I could only go by what I could make out on the photos and a description of "blue and white smocked sundress with spaghetti straps." This recreation is in a light cotton blue and white striped shirting, and features a top with a smocked bodice, ruffles at the neckline, spaghetti straps, faux 'pearl' buttons, and a small peplum over a simple gathered skirt. Includes quilted floral cotton clutch bag and gold tone wire disc necklace. Shown with the sunglasses from the Franklin Mint Casual Khaki outfit, shoes from the White Lace Gown and earrings from the original People's Princess doll in the Light Blue Suit.

If interested, please e-mail. Thanks for looking!


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