It’s been 20 years since the death of Diana, Princess of Wales but her memory lives on. The reminders of her life and work can be found throughout Central London.
Book a room at Aparthotels London and head for St Paul’s Cathedral in the City of London, for this is where her wedding to the Prince of Wales took place. The images of her walking down the long nave to the altar, and later down the great flight of steps at the front of the Cathedral were seen around the world. After the ceremony, the wedding coach took the bride and groom back to Buckingham Palace via Fleet Street, The Strand, Trafalgar Square and the Mall.
As you stand outside Buckingham Palace you can see the famous balcony on which she appeared so often during her lifetime.
After her divorce from the Prince of Wales, she lived at Kensington Palace, in rooms now occupied by her son, Prince William and his family. On display in Kensington Palace is a range of her stunning clothes including the pale pink Emanuel blouse worn for her engagement portrait, and the iconic ink blue velvet gown worn for the famous dance with John Travolta at the White House. There are numerous original fashion sketches on display reflecting the relationship between the Princess and her favourite designers.
Kensington Palace Gardens were much admired by Princess Diana, especially the changing floral displays in the Sunken Garden. She often used to stop and chat to the gardeners at work. In honour of the Princess, the Sunken Garden has been planted up this year with flowers and foliage inspired by her life, image and style. Beautiful white English roses surround the pool at the centre while other areas are covered with glowing flowers and billowing ornamental grasses.
The Diana Memorial Fountain can be found in Hyde Park, close to the Serpentine and is a very beautiful spot popular with children. Equally popular is the Diana Memorial Playground complete with full size pirate ship, beach and numerous play sculptures attracting over 1m visitors a year. When it comes to accommodation for visitors, serviced apartments London are very popular as they offer excellent facilities at reasonable prices.
Diana’s last journey started at Kensington Palace and passed the different palaces she had lived during her life. The funeral service took place in Westminster Abbey, a royal church close to the Houses of Parliament which has been the focus of many royal and public events over the years.
For more ideas as to where to go related to Princess Diana, you can download The Diana princess of Wales Memorial Walk route map from the Royal Parks website. By following a route marked by rose plaques, it takes you past places like Spencer House, Clarence House and St James’s Palace.
