Elizabeth Emanuel, the designer behind Princess Diana’s wedding dress, has recently replicated the late princess’s 40-foot veil that had been missing for over four decades. Originally crafted for Diana’s marriage to Prince Charles in 1981, the iconic embroidered veil has been brought back to life by Emanuel for the 45th anniversary of the royal wedding.
Commissioned by Renae Plant, founder of the Princess Diana Museum, Emanuel recreated the veil to complete Diana’s wedding ensemble. The veil, known as the “Veil of Light,” adds a magical touch to the overall look, according to Emanuel. To ensure accuracy, Emanuel collaborated with London-based embroidery house Hand & Lock, who also worked on the original veil in 1981.
After the royal wedding, Diana’s famous wedding gown has been showcased at Kensington Palace and Althorp House, but the veil had always been missing from the displays. Now, on the 45th anniversary of the wedding, the recreated veil will be part of a touring exhibition organized by Ms. Plant, allowing the public to see this piece for the first time.
David and Elizabeth Emanuel took extreme measures to keep the design of Diana’s dress a secret until the wedding day, even creating a backup dress to prevent any leaks. The second dress, crafted with the same fabric and ruffles as the original, was never seen by Diana. The veil’s addition to the ensemble enhances the delicate and airy feel of the dress, making it an integral part of the design.
The exhibition, set to tour in Autumn, will provide a rare opportunity for the public to view the replicated veil alongside Diana’s iconic wedding gown. This effort ensures that the magic of Diana’s wedding look continues to be celebrated and remembered.