The lovely story behind Princess Diana's birthday dress

A year on from her divorce, Princess Diana celebrated her last birthday on the 1st of July 1997.

She woke up to flowers and a phone call from Prince Harry, who sang her Happy Birthday, and in the evening, she attended a charity gala at the Tate Gallery, where she was the guest of honour.

For the occasion, she wore a gorgeous floor-length beaded black dress, by designer Jacques Azagury, which she teamed with an emerald and diamond choker and matching earrings, a set that belonged to the Queen and was once worn by her grandmother.

According to Hello, this was actually a last minute outfit change, as she actually received it as a birthday present that morning, and she would've planned a different outfit in advance.

The designer told the publication, 'Diana loved it. I believe she had another dress to wear but ended up wearing mine.'

He added, 'she was happier than I had ever seen her. There was something about the way she carried herself; a certain new-found confidence'.

Jacques also confided that as she was no longer an official Royal, Diana loved to wear black in the evening, a colour often worn by the family when in mourning.