The Queen Mary has resided in Long Beach for more than 45 years, but it is still very much associated with royalty, thanks in part to its blue-chip moniker and to the fact that royals really sailed aboard the ocean liner before its 1967 retirement.
But the ship's royal cred took a big leap in the summer of 2012 with the opening of Diana: Legacy of a Princess, an exhibit featuring many of the icon's evening gowns as well as a couple thousand artifacts from the Windsors.
Unlike many exhibits, however, this one brought with a number of components beyond the passive observing-and-admiring. A "royal experience" stay-over package is one choice for visitors to the show, as well as a meal in the British-style tearoom. There are also occasional talks regarding the princess and her life.
Richard Dalton, described as both Diana's hairstylist and a confidante, will visit the ship on Saturday, Jan. 26 to reminisce about his friend and share some photos and memorabilia. This will be one for the princess fans, for sure; while the royal's friends sometimes give media interviews, intimate Q&As in a public setting are far less common.
Mr. Dalton will also lead a tour of the exhibit for attendees.
Can't make it? You can submit a question online.
Tickets are $85 apiece. A flute of bubbly is included in that price, lending the atmosphere a bit of added elegance.
