Styled Archives: Princess Diana’s Fashionable Trip to Egypt in 1992

Princess Diana’s style was a study in evolution. Decades after her passing, her approach to fashion continues to resonate, blending timeless elegance with intentionality. From the bold “revenge dress” to the understated refinement of her wedding gown by David and Elizabeth Emanuel, Diana’s wardrobe choices often reflected her personal narrative. Collaborating with designers like Catherine Walker and Anya Hindmarch, she developed a style that balanced individuality with diplomacy.

In 1992, her visit to Egypt offered another glimpse into her evolving relationship with fashion. During the five-day solo tour, she chose classic silhouettes and neutral tones, favouring bespoke pieces by Walker that combined British tailoring with a practical sensibility suited to the desert landscape. From a tailored safari suit at the pyramids to a simple headscarf at Al-Azhar Mosque, Diana’s wardrobe for the trip was a masterclass in thoughtful, understated elegance. Here, we revisit the highlights of her Egyptian journey, exploring how her clothing choices aligned with her surroundings and engagements.

The Great Pyramids of Giza, Giza

At the pyramids, Princess Diana wore a beige safari-style suit by Catherine Walker. The ensemble featured a cotton silk jacket with tortoiseshell buttons, a round neckline, elbow-length sleeves, and a wide matching belt, paired with full pleated culottes. She accessorised with gold hoop earrings and her Patek Philippe “Calatrava” gold watch, a birthday gift from Prince Charles.

Cairo International Airport, Cairo

Upon her arrival in Cairo, Diana wore a pink and red Catherine Walker dress with a structured pink bodice and fitted red skirt. Gold buttons added subtle detail, complementing the warm hues. She completed the look with matching red kitten heels and a clutch.

Aswan Social Rehabilitation Centre, Aswan

At the Aswan Social Rehabilitation Centre, Diana wore an all-pink ensemble. The outfit featured a round neckline, central round buttons, and a pleated skirt, reflecting her signature style while conveying warmth and approachability.

Heliopolis War Cemetery, Cairo

For a solemn visit to honour Commonwealth troops, Diana chose a Catherine Walker light blue and white suit from the Spring/Summer 1992 collection. The jacket featured a lapel-less V-neckline, padded shoulders, and gold-tone buttons, paired with a white silk pleated midi skirt. She accessorised with a Philip Somerville wide-brimmed straw hat, pearl drop earrings, and blue patent leather pumps.

Valley of the Kings, Luxor

At the Valley of the Kings, Diana wore a khaki cotton silk Catherine Walker dress with tortoiseshell buttons, white notch lapels, and elbow-length sleeves. Accessories included Chanel clip-on earrings with a pearl centre and her Patek Philippe ‘Calatrava’ watch.

Al-Azhar Mosque, Cairo

Visiting Al-Azhar Mosque, Diana donned a modest mint-green dress with white accents on the sleeves and faint pleats at the hem. A white yoke detail adorned the bodice, and she draped a floral scarf over her head to respect local customs.

British Council Headquarters, Cairo

Diana’s pastel pink dress featured a tailored silhouette, a light blue trim along the neckline and sleeves, and gold circular buttons down the front. 

Tour of Cairo, Cairo

For her Cairo tour, Diana wore a light blue, short-sleeved dress with a collared neckline and a pleated skirt. Pleated details on the neckline and sleeves complemented the flowing design, while a cinched belt added structure. She completed the outfit with a matching blue clutch.