Princess Diana's most iconic outfits - including dress she wore to dance with John Travolta - going on display

Princess Diana ’s most iconic outfits will go on display at Kensington Palace next year to mark the 20th anniversary of her death.

The outfits - including the pale pink Emanuel blouse worn for Diana’s engagement portrait by Lord Snowdon in 1981, and Victor Edelstein’s iconic ink blue velvet gown, worn at the White House when the Princess danced with John Travolta - will be on display in her former home from 24 February.

A temporary garden celebrating her life will also be opened at the west London palace which will include a carpet of “forget me nots”

The anniversary of Diana’s death - on August 31 1997 - is expected to be marked around the country as the ‘People’s Princess’ is remembered.

Earlier this year Prince Harry told how he wanted to create “something that is going to last forever” to mark the milestone anniversary

Spring planting will include tulips and scented narcisii through a carpet of Forget-Me-Nots.

In the summer, pots of classic English white roses will surround the reflective pool in the centre of the garden and glowing ornamental grasses will be planted alongside Cosmos daisies.

The dress exhibition will trace the evolution of the Princess’s style, from the demure, romantic outfits of her first public appearances, to glamorous evening gowns worn on engagements in the 1980s and chic Catherine Walker suits that made up Diana’s wardrobe in the 1990s.

A blue tartan Emanuel suit, worn for an official visit to Venice in the 1980s, will go on display in public for the first time.

Eleri Lynn, curator of Diana: Her Fashion Story, said: “Diana, Princess of Wales, was one of the most photographed women in the world, and every fashion choice she made was closely scrutinised.

“Our exhibition explores the story of a young woman who had to quickly learn the rules of royal and diplomatic dressing, who in the process put the spotlight on the British fashion industry and designers.

“We see her growing in confidence throughout her life, increasingly taking control of how she was represented, and intelligently communicating through her clothes.

“This is a story many women around the world can relate to, and we hope many visitors will join us next year, to get a closer look at some of Diana’s most iconic outfits, on display in her former home.

Sean Harkin, Gardens Team Leader, Kensington Palace, said: “It’s a great privilege for myself and my team to care every day for the beautiful gardens of Kensington Palace, and we’re looking forward to creating a White Garden next year which celebrates the life of one the palace’s most famous residents: Diana, Princess of Wales.

“We hope to capture the energy and spirit which made her such a popular figure around the world.