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British RoyalsPrince & Princess of WalesThe Sussexes

Diana’s favourite Jaguar, the one she had customised for Princes William and Harry, set to go on display

The Jaguar XJ-S Cabriolet sportscar that once belonged to Diana, Princess of Wales, is set to go on display at the London Classic Car Show next month, it has been announced.

Produced in 1983, the vintage model, originally designed with two seats, was one of Diana’s favourite. It was famously converted by fitting in two rear seats so that Prince William and Prince Harry could join their mother on her trips. With the conversion, the seats were upholstered with leather and Harris Tweed.

Owned by Diana from 1987 to 1991, the royal roadster was painted in a shade of British Racing Green so it can match the Aston Martin that Prince Charles had meanwhile acquired.

The Jaguar became one of the most photographed vehicles of its time. Diana was often seen behind the driving seat, relegating her bodyguard to the passenger seat, as William and Harry sat in the back.

But as the young princes grew older, the car was eventually sold to the Jaguar Heritage Trust, an educational charity established to preserve the heritage of Jaguar Cars Limited and its predecessor companies.

Speaking ahead of the exhibition, Bas Bungish, event director for the London Classic Car Show, said: “Seeing the two Princes today, it’s hard to remember that they were once a pair of little boys strapped into those special passenger seats behind their mother. How time flies.

“The London Classic Car Show is littered with cars boasting remarkable histories,” he added. “There are F1 single-seaters raced in period by world champions such as Graham Hill and Michael Schumacher and getaway cars involved in staking out The Great Train Robbery.”

The London Classic Car Show will take place at ExCeL London from 15-18February. For sportscars and royal fans interested in seeing this edition of this Jaguar, tickets can be purchased from the exhibition website at https://www.thelondonclassiccarshow.co.uk/.

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