"DIANA: Legacy of a Princess" Comes to the Queen Mary:

LONG BEACH, Calif., April 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Opening June 16, 2012, in association with breast cancer charity, Pink Ribbons Crusade, The Queen Mary™ will present "Diana: Legacy of a Princess," a priceless collection of evening gowns, dresses, personal accessories, photographs, heirlooms and other cherished memorabilia associated with Princess Diana and the Royal Family.

Presented in a new gallery, the exhibition is a major undertaking by The Queen Mary and will further its connection to British culture. This is the first shipboard attraction to combine personal and historical artifacts affiliated with the Royal Family, and the venture connects to an important community relations initiative. The ongoing challenge to eradicate breast cancer was of special importance to Princess Diana and remains so for the Pink Ribbons Crusade founders.

"The Queen Mary, in partnership with Pink Ribbons Crusade, will dedicate a portion of proceeds generated by this important new attraction to a select, non-profit beneficiary in Southern California, focused on breast cancer awareness and prevention. Invitations will be issued to regional organizations to apply for consideration. "We will announce our first program beneficiary prior to the exhibit's official opening in June," said Steve Sheldon, Director of Entertainment Events. "With thousands of weekly visitors to the ship and the collection's unique appeal, we are optimistic the annual contribution to charity will be meaningful."

The exhibition will be presented in a re-purposed 13,000 sq. ft. existing exhibit and art gallery area located on the Sun Deck. "Responsible historic sensitivity and stewardship will govern every aspect of this re-design process. Our collective goal is to create a meaningful new shipboard attraction within a sophisticated space and charming environment while reminding visitors of The Queen Mary's elegant past," said Ship Historian and Archivist, John Thomas.

The planned thematic decor is largely historical in the classic character defining era and style of the legendary RMS Queen Mary and inspired by the ship's original art deco and streamline Moderne Ocean Liner design interior motifs and her embracing style, where elegance and function were the hallmarks. "Our goal is to adhere to the ship's magnificent standards wherever possible. From carpets to wall coverings, furniture to amenities – we seek to celebrate and preserve the Queen's historical authenticity while complementing the shipboard experience," he added. 

The renovated deck area will include a new gift boutique and elegant Tea Room. With its array of bow-facing windows and spacious layout, the Tea Room will offer spectacular daytime and evening views of the harbor, city and distant mountains. "The Tea Room will occupy an area that once served as a banking center for those sailing between the continents. In its new form, it will offer visitors an elegant setting to chat about the Diana collection or simply relax while enjoying one of Southern California's most unique and beautiful scenic views," said Sheldon. 

The inventory of beautiful dresses, personal mementos and accessories that were part of Diana's inimitable style – will combine to make this exhibition a unique enhancement to the Queen Mary's historic presence. Indeed, by visiting the exhibit The Queen Mary's guests will personally share in Diana's legacy of grace, style and kindness to others.   

About Queen Mary:

The RMS Queen Mary made maritime history beginning with her launch in Scotland's River Clyde, to her maiden voyage to New York City in 1936, and final port-of-call in 1967 when the iconic liner became part of Southern California's unique coastal culture. Now permanently moored within sight of the beautiful Long Beach harbor and artful cityscape, the Queen Mary is a time-honored tourist attraction, eclectic museum and boutique hotel. Offering a wide array of visitor options - from world-class cuisine and entertainment options, to shopping and more, the iconic Queen Mary is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and cared for by an attentive professional crew and admired by many loving volunteers. (www.queenmary.com)

About Pink Ribbons Crusade:

Pink Ribbons Crusade is a 501 C-3 (not-for-profit) charity, founded in 2000 by Jess and Suzanne King to honor Mrs. King's father, Dr. William Shields, a respected breast surgeon and to recognize the struggle of women everywhere when confronting breast cancer. Mrs. King transformed her extensive personal collection of Princess Diana and royal memorabilia into the novel commemorative exhibit now destined for the Queen Mary. The collection itself has taken nearly three decades to assemble and has raised countless funds for various breast cancer organizations (www.dianadresses.org.).

SOURCE The Queen Mary