Diana, Princess of Wales' designer floral dress sold for an astonishing $520,000 (£379,000) after going under the hammer in the United States. The Belville Sassoon frock, designed by David Sassoon, was a staple in her working wardrobe and was worn to several significant public engagements throughout her royal life.

The winning bidder, Renae Plant, acquired the piece on Thursday, June 26. Plant, who founded a museum dedicated to Diana, said the institution aims to honour the late royal's "humanitarian legacy, fashion history, and personal life journey." David Sassoon, one of Britain's most influential designers of the 20th century, is believed to have created over 70 dressesfor Princess Diana during her lifetime - a legacy that undoubtedly contributed to the gown's record-breaking price.

The bidding, held at The Peninsula Beverly Hills Hotel, opened at $150,000 and climbed in $50,000 increments until it reached $350,000, before surging to its final sale price.

In a tense moment of silence, the auctioneer's hammer was just about to fall - until Renae Plant swooped in and raised her paddle, securing the winning bid at $400,000 (£291,000).

Plant later shared a selfie on Instagram, posing beside the elegant floral gown. The Princess Diana Museum's official account posted a video showcasing several pieces from the growing collection.

The caption read: "Yesterday was an unforgettable day for The Princess Diana Museum... Our founder, Renae Plant, stood face to face with the very dress Diana was wearing the day they first met - the iconic Caring Dress, worn in Sydney in 1988. Seeing it up close brought tears to her eyes."

"To be surrounded by so many of Diana's personal pieces - to feel her presence in them - reminds us why this work is so meaningful.

"We're doing everything we can to preserve these treasures, not just as fashion, but as living pieces of her story."

The bold dress, with its elevated shoulders, round neckline, and ruched waist, always turned heads when Diana wore it. Its vibrant colour palette and striking silhouette made it one of her most memorable and beloved looks.

Diana wore the dress on several occasions, most notably during hospital visits where she sat with patients - moments that reflected her warmth and compassion.

The piece was affectionately dubbed the "Caring Dress" by Martin Nolan, co-founder and executive director of Julien's Auctions.

Speaking to Marie Claire ahead of the sale, Nolan revealed he had high expectations for the garment, predicting blockbuster bids at auction.