Controversy Surrounding Princess Diana Christmas Baubles at Selfridges
A source familiar with Selfridges’ seasonal team has come to the defense of the department store’s controversial Princess Diana Christmas baubles. The baubles, which depict the late Princess in a festive sweater, have sparked outrage among shoppers who claim they make the tragic royal look like a “mumsy lesbian” and a man.
The source explained, “The intention was to celebrate Diana’s enduring place in British culture. We knew the design would be playful, but we didn’t expect this level of backlash.” Another insider added, “The team worked from classic photographs, and the sweater was chosen because it’s instantly recognizable. They stand by the craftsmanship.”
The Diana ornament is part of a new royal-themed Christmas series of baubles at Selfridges, which also includes glass likenesses of Queen Elizabeth II, Queen Camilla, King Charles III, Prince William, and Princess Kate. Each bauble costs between $48 and $50 and features only the bust of the royal figure.
While the designs are meant to be charming, Prince William’s bauble, which shows the heir in military dress, has also faced criticism for what some have called a “menacing toothy grin” and a noticeable bald patch.
A British retail analyst commented on the controversy, saying, “Novelty royal ornaments tend to divide opinion, but these royal ones have clearly touched a nerve. People are fiercely protective of Diana’s image, and they have very fixed ideas about how she should look.”
Despite the backlash, the Princess Diana Christmas baubles remain on sale at Selfridges, where they are part of the store’s holiday decorations collection.
