When Earl Spencer opened a museum in the memory of his sister, Diana, Princess of Wales, he always said it would only be until her sons Princes William and Harry turned 30.And now that Diana's youngest son Prince Harry is 28, the time to close the museum is approaching.Lord Spencer has confirmed that he intends to close the exhibition of his sister's belongings, which he opened at Althorp House on what would have been her 37th birthday in 1998, next year. Speaking through a spokesperson to the Daily Telegraph, he explained that he is following his older sister’s wishes, as stated in her will – that her belongings were to be "looked after" until both her sons were 30.
According to the spokesman, the exhibition "has been admired by thousands of people around the world, and has been a wonderfully tasteful celebration of the late Diana, Princess of Wales' life and achievements – particularly her charitable works and her glamour". Currently on display at the museum are 28 of the late princesses' dresses, two tiaras and other family jewels. More personal items such as pictures, letters and home movies will also be returned to her sons.Giving Princess Diana's personal prized possessions back to her boys next year will be well timed as by then William and Kate will have welcomed their first child into the family.
While the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge prepare for the arrival of their baby – due in July – they also await the renovations of their new family residence at apartment 1a, Princess Margaret's former 20-bedroom home. They will settle down there later this year, so Diana's belongings will be back in one of the royal palaces. There is also a possibility that the collection of Diana's clothes and other belongings will go on display at Kensington Palace, where she lived up until her death. The museum is set to close in August 2014, and Prince Harry will turn 30 next September.
