The dazzling gowns that graced royals

Dresses worn by Diana, Princess of Wales, were unveiled at an exhibition preview at Kensington Palace. Classic cocktail frocks, formal gowns and evening dresses will go on display when the west London palace reopens to the public on Monday.

The collection of five items, called Diana: Glimpses Of A Modern Princess, is one of a number of exhibitions to open following a £12 million restoration of her former home.

The dresses include a black silk taffeta gown worn by Diana on her first official engagement with the Prince of Wales on March 9, 1981 and a black silk shift evening dress by Versace, which she wore to the 1995 premiere of Apollo 13.

An ivory silk formal dinner dress, a fuchsia and purple silk chiffon sari dress and a black and white cocktail dress complete the set.

The restoration and exhibitions are timed to coincide with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee this year.

Other exhibitions to open later this month are an exploration of the life of Queen Victoria, called Victoria Revealed and a behind-the-scenes look at the lives of the palace’s former residents.

Uncover The Secrets of the Royal Court at Kensington Palace will give visitors a glimpse into the lives of monarchs from the Houses of Stuart and Hanover in some of the palace’s state apartments.

Outside, in the grounds of the palace alongside Hyde Park, a statue of Queen Victoria has been given a facelift – with her shrapnel-damaged nose replaced for the second time.

The gardens have been re-landscaped to create a grand entrance from the Round Pond in Kensington Gardens.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge plan to make Princess Margaret’s former apartment in the palace their permanent London residence.

Originally built in 1605 as a private country house, it was purchased in 1689 by King William III and Queen Mary II, eager to escape Whitehall.