The Grevin waxwork museum in Paris has unveiled a striking new figure of Princess Diana, dressed in the famous “revenge dress” she wore in 1994 following public revelations of Prince Charles’s extramarital affair.
Displayed in a replica of the off-the-shoulder black gown by Christina Stambolian, the waxwork reflects the moment Diana appeared at a public event on the same day Charles admitted to being unfaithful during a televised interview. The museum said the look became “a statement of reclaimed self-assertion, a powerful image of determined femininity and renewed confidence.”
Although the museum already features Charles—now King Charles III—and Queen Elizabeth II, Diana had previously been absent despite her tragic death in Paris in a car crash in 1997. The new figure is set among entertainment and fashion icons, intentionally distant from the gallery featuring heads of state.
“More than 28 years after her death, Diana remains a major figure in global pop culture, celebrated for her style, humanity and independence,” the Grevin Museum said.
Royal commentator Bertrand Deckers noted the choice was likely to unsettle supporters of Charles and Buckingham Palace. “They’d clearly prefer that we never spoke of it,” he said, but added that Diana’s image as a “wronged and wounded woman” contributed to her lasting appeal.
The unveiling took place on November 20, marking exactly 30 years since Diana’s explosive BBC interview in which she said, “there were three of us in this marriage, so it was a little bit crowded” — referring to Charles’s relationship with Camilla Parker Bowles, now Queen Consort. Diana also acknowledged having an affair with James Hewitt. The BBC later apologised in 2021 for the “deceptive” means used to secure the interview.
The waxwork was sculpted by Laurent Mallamaci. Grevin had been in contact with Diana shortly before her death but abandoned plans for a figure at the time out of respect.
Deckers added that French fascination with the British monarchy remains strong. “It’s almost as if they consider the Windsors their royal family,” he remarked.
