Diana, Princess of Wales at her most beautiful: the last portrait session by Mario Testino

Just five months before her tragic death in August 1997, Princess Diana was photographed by Mario Testino for Vanity Fair. Diana, Princess of Wales by Mario Testino at Kensington Palace brings together the most beautiful images from this last portrait sitting, displaying Diana in a state of relaxation and intimacy unlike any other. The selection of about seventy photographs includes many unseen images which, alongside previously published images, fill in the untold story of the shoot.

Features include
* Foreword by Graydon Carter, editor of Vanity Fair
* Introduction by Meredith Etherington-Smith, who played a major role in arranging the sitting in 1997
* Interview with Mario Testino conducted by Hamish Bowles

Candid, tender, poignant, provocative–the photographs by Mario Testino in Diana, Princess of Wales at Kensington Palace allow readers an entree into the private world of a beloved icon where an uncensored view - of a woman who influenced the world - is on display.

This book is being launched to coincide with an exhibition at Kensington Palace, opening in November 2005.

About the photographer:
Peruvian-born Mario Testino is currently based in London, though he travels extensively shooting for Vanity Fair, American, British, French and Italian Vogue and GQ. Other clients include Estee Lauder, Burberry & Versace. Galleries around the globe from Japan to Italy to the USA have featured his solo exhibitions and his work is held in collections of many institutions worldwide, including the National Portrait Gallery in London, V&A Museum in London and New York University. Mario is an Honorary Doctor of the University of the Arts London and has recently received the Rodeo Drive Walk of Style Award for his outstanding contribution to the world of fashion and entertainment.