http://www.gwinnettdailypost.com/entertainment/headlines/90889424.htmlThe exhibit chronicles Diana’s life from her childhood to her royal wedding to Prince Charles and her charity work. Ann Marie Moraitakis, director of the Civic Center, said she couldn’t be happier the international exhibit made a stop in Georgia.
“Bringing Diana to Atlanta further affirms that Atlanta in general, and the Civic Center specifically, has become somewhat of a ‘go to’ destination for high-quality international exhibitions,” she said. “We are so thankful to have great sponsors working together to bring this magnificent exhibition to the South and the people of Atlanta.”
The exhibit opens with the tiara gallery, which features a crown that was worn by Diana. A black and white portrait of the princess hangs on the wall behind the crown alongside a quote from British Prime Minister Tony Blair that reads, “She was the people’s princess. And that is how she will stay, how she will remain in our hearts and our memories — forever.”
The next room highlights Diana’s childhood and features some of her toys — ceramic and glass animals and a knitted school blazer and scarf she wore in 1968. School reports are also on display and reveal Diana was a good writer and showed an interest in Scripture. There is a photo album from 1975 showing her as a teen in ballet poses. Home videos are played that show Diana as a baby with her parents and siblings. Moraitakis said this portion of the exhibit is her personal favorite.
“I like the gallery that explores Diana’s life as a child. This gallery really illustrates the normal childhood her parents tried to provide for her,” she said. “The home videos played on the wall in the gallery give you a peek inside what a joyful child Diana was, and I think that’s a side of her the public has not been exposed to in the same way as her life after meeting Charles.”
The next gallery focuses on Diana’s engagement to Prince Charles, which was officially announced Feb. 24, 1981. The hallway features a series of photos of the royal couple while they were dating. A lesser known fact about Diana’s sister, Sarah, is also revealed — she briefly dated Charles in 1977.
