Sotheby’s to Auction Princess Diana’s Revenge Dress
The historic garment will be sold in New York on December 9 with an estimated value of up to $300,000.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Fashion
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Sotheby's plans to auction Princess Diana's iconic 'revenge dress' in New York on December 9. The gown is expected to fetch between $150,000 and $300,000.
Why it matters
A portion of the auction proceeds will support mental health services for patients and families at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital through the NHS Lothian Charity.
The pre-sale estimate for the dress ranges from $150,000 to $300,000. This gown is one of 79 pieces from the princess's collection that were previously sold at Christie's in 1997.
The players
Princess Diana
The late Princess of Wales was a globally recognized fashion icon whose wardrobe choices often drew intense media scrutiny.
Sotheby's
This international auction house specializes in fine art, jewelry, and historical collectibles.
NHS Lothian Charity
This charitable organization supports hospitals and healthcare projects within the NHS Lothian area in Scotland.
Grahame Mackenzie
The Scottish businessman and his wife Briege were the previous owners of the dress after purchasing it in 1997.
Prince Harry
The son of Princess Diana is a high-profile member of the British royal family who currently resides in the United States.
The details
Princess Diana originally purchased the dress around 1991 and famously wore it to the Serpentine Gallery on June 29, 1994. Before the New York sale, the gown is touring auction salesrooms in London, Hong Kong, and Geneva.
Timeline
Princess Diana purchased the dress in 1991.
The dress was worn to the Serpentine Gallery on June 29, 1994.
Diana sold 79 clothing pieces at Christie's in 1997.
Public viewing takes place in New York from December 2 to 8, 2026.
The Sotheby's auction is scheduled for December 9, 2026.
Culture Shift
This auction follows the precedent set by the 1997 Christie's auction of Princess Diana's closet, which established a robust market for her personal wardrobe. The enduring demand for these pieces reflects how celebrity memorabilia has become a distinct asset class in the global luxury market.
Members of the public can view the gown during the exhibition in New York from December 2 to 8. Interested bidders should note that the winning package includes a numbered copy of the original 1997 catalogue signed by both the princess and the dress designer.
The takeaway
Collectors and fans of royal history should be prepared for high competition given the gown's cultural significance and provenance. The inclusion of the original signed catalogue adds a layer of verified historical value that often drives interest in high-end memorabilia.
Further reading
Discover more about the evolving luxury market in the Fashion section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Hola.
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