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Sneak Peek At Princess Diana's Dresses Going Up For Auction

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Princess Diana died 17 years ago, and many remember her for her compassion and style.

As CBS2's Cindy Hsu reported, Princess Diana always wowed the crowd, and many couldn't wait to see what she'd be wearing.

Now, several of her dresses will go to the highest bidder in an auction next month.

The most expensive item on the auction block is a silk chiffon gown designed by Zandra Rhodes.

"We estimate this $80,000 to $100,000 -- fantastic photograph of Diana wearing this in 1987," said Martin Nolan with Julien's Auctions. She wore the dress to a benefit at the London Paladium.

In the $60,000 to $80,000 range are several gowns designed by Catherine Walker -- from a pink petal silk dress to a green number.

"This is a beautiful, beautiful gown. In fact, it's the cover of our catalog because it's so striking," Nolan said.

There's also a burgundy wool coat dress that Diana wore in 1983 while carrying Prince William at Aberdeen Airport.

Diana was involved in hundreds of charities and it was William who suggested his mother sell some of her gowns shortly before she died, Hsu reported.

"Two months before Diana passed away, she held an auction at the behest of her 15-year-old son William. He asked his mother to sell the dresses to raise money for her charities," Nolan said.

Those who loved Diana are celebrating the happiness of Prince William and Kate Middleton. And for those who can't get enough, you can actually bid on a slice of royal wedding cake from the couple's marriage three years ago. It's a fruit cake in a special tin that was given to guests at the wedding, Hsu reported.

Along with the cake comes a wedding invitation, expected to go for $1,000 to $2,000.

Among the  least expensive items up for auction -- likely $1,000 -- is a commemorative cuff link from Princess Diana's wedding and signed holiday cards from the royal family.

The auction will be held on Dec. 5 and Dec. 6 in Beverly Hills, but anyone can bid online.

Diana's dresses are about a size 6, but experts say it's likely they'll end up in a museum.

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