Palace charity ‘cashing in’ with Diana souvenir range
THE charity that looks after the upkeep of Kensington Palace has been accused of cashing in on the 20th anniversary of the death of Princess Diana with a range of themed memorabilia.
Historic Royal Palaces, which runs the royal residence where she once lived, is selling a £150 replica of her sapphire and pearl choker, alongside a £24.99 ‘Princess Diana faux sapphire brooch’ and a £95 ‘Princess Diana cameo pink square silk scarf’.
The souvenirs, which are being sold online and in the gift shop at the palace, are being marketed in time for events to mark two decades since the princess died in a Paris car crash in August 1997.
The advertising blurb says the necklace, based on one of Diana’s favourite pieces of jewellery, which she wore to dance with John Travolta at the White House, is an ‘exquisite choker [that] adds an extra special touch to an outfit’.
The same range boasts Diana earrings for £14.99 and a matching ‘Princess Diana
‘Commercialism in the extreme’
faux sapphire brooch’ costing £24.99. They are said to be inspired by the 18 carat sapphire and diamond engagement ring that Prince Charles gave to Diana, which is now worn by the Duchess of Cambridge.
A pure silk pink scarf is said to be ‘inspired by Princess Diana’s life at Kensington Palace’. It is available in different shapes costing £75 and £95.
In all there are 32 items in the range of gifts on sale referencing Diana, many of which are new this year. The Diana earrings along with a £50 ring inspired by the Spencer family tiara and a Queen of hearts tree decoration, costing £12.99, have been on sale for some time.
Kensington Palace was Diana’s home both before and after her divorce and became the focal point for mourners after her death. It is now the home of her children, Princes William and Harry.
Dickie Arbiter, former press secretary to the Queen and ex-media manager for Prince Charles and Princess Diana, yesterday criticised the range.
He said: ‘ Historic Royal Palaces do a tremendous job of bringing living history to the masses in the way they present Kensington Palace and other royal residences, so their decision to market a range of “Diana” merchandise in this 20th anniversary year of the Princess’s death smacks of commercialism in the extreme.
‘It’s an accepted fact that HRP as a charity has to make its own way in a very competitive market but selling Diana “trinkets” will be seen by many as insensitive, while to others as climbing on the bandwagon to make a fast buck.
‘Sometimes commercialism has to give way to sensitivities, so its begs the question in this 20th anniversary year of the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, isn’t this just the one time that feelings and decency takes precedence over money?’
A spokesman for Historic Royal Palaces stressed that all profits from the Diana range went towards the upkeep of the palace. ‘We stock a wide range of gifts, products and souvenirs inspired by the history of the palaces in our shops and online,’ he said.
‘These particular items are additions to an existing range of jewellery which has been on sale for over ten years.
‘As an independent charity receiving no Government or Crown funding, retail sales make an important contribution and ensure we can continue to give these important heritage sites the care they deserve.’