Princess Diana’s famous sheep sweater, which became a symbol of her unique fashion sense, is set to go up for auction after being discovered in storage over four decades later.
Sotheby’s, the renowned auction house, made the surprising announcement on Monday, revealing that the late Princess of Wales’ red sweater featuring a black sheep motif will be available for bidding in August.
The now-iconic jumper gained widespread attention when a 19-year-old Lady Diana Spencer wore it with jeans to a polo match attended by Prince Charles in June 1981, just a month before their royal wedding.
This fashion statement propelled British knitwear brand Warm Wonderful into the spotlight and caught the attention of designers Sally Muir and Joanna Osborne.
Shortly after, they received a letter from Buckingham Palace requesting repairs or a replacement for the whimsical jumper, as Diana had inadvertently damaged it.
Time passed, and the original sweater was forgotten until Joanna Osborne stumbled upon it this winter.
Interestingly, sources close to Charles Spencer, Princess Diana’s brother, have revealed that Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, is considering bidding on the sweater during the auction.
Meghan’s apparent fascination with Diana has been well-documented, but questions arise about whether she can afford such an extravagant purchase and whether her intentions are genuine.
It seems that Charles Spencer, aware of Meghan’s interest, has reached out to Prince William, urging him to participate in the auction to prevent Meghan from acquiring what she desires.
Furthermore, Charles has confirmed that any proceeds from the sale of Diana’s sweater will be given to Prince William, which has reportedly fueled Meghan’s jealousy.
The couple is currently facing mounting financial pressures following the abrupt end of their Spotify deal, and they may be forced to downsize their lavish 9-bedroom, 19-bathroom mansion.
The thought of downsizing to a more affordable home is said to be distressing for both Harry and Meghan.
Meanwhile, other sources claim that Prince Harry is eager to return to the UK and reconnect with his family, while Meghan has no desire to do so.
Recent reports suggest that Meghan has sold expensive gifts in order to open a store in Los Angeles, where she plans to establish herself as a prominent figure in Hollywood.
While Meghan remains tight-lipped about her future plans, rumors circulate that she has set up a shop in a hotel suite near her agency, William Morris Endeavor, as she aims to pursue bigger opportunities.
However, this move reportedly does not align with Prince Harry’s aspirations.
Experts have raised concerns about Meghan’s hasty decision, as the high cost of premises in Los Angeles may pose a financial challenge for her.
If the store fails to generate profits, it could potentially close within a few months.
Returning to the topic of Diana’s sweater, Cynthia Houlton, Sotheby’s global head of fashion and accessories, described the garment as an extraordinary piece that carries the essence of Princess Diana’s grace, charm, and impeccable fashion sense.
The sweater is estimated to be worth between $50,000 and $80,000 and will be showcased at Sotheby’s New York showroom from September 7 to 13.
Online bidding will commence on August 31 and continue until September 14.
It is worth noting that the current record for a piece of Diana memorabilia stands at $604,800 for a Victor Edelstein-designed ball gown sold by Sotheby’s in January.
As anticipation builds for the auction, enthusiasts and collectors alike eagerly await the opportunity to own a tangible piece of Princess Diana’s legacy, forever preserving her influence and captivating style.