New Dianas--Franklin Mint

Princess Diana Babies from The Franklin Mint

These products are now only available on the secondary market due to the disbanding of the collectible dolls division at Franklin Mint...

Franklin Mint's "celebrity as a baby" series started out with Jackie Kennedy & has added a doll for almost every celebrity in their vinyl fashion line, Marilyn Monroe, Liz Taylor, Lucille Ball & Princess Diana. The rumor mill originally informed me this was planned as a series of four dolls, however only three ever materialised. My guess is that FM came to their senses about what a bizarre concept this was.
The first doll in the series wears a baby influenced version of the pale blue "Grace Kelly" flowing grecian gown Diana wore to Cannes which adds sleeves to the gown. This gown originally appeared on a porcelain portrait doll. The second is wearing the Navy Blue & White suit Diana wore while "Inspecting the Guards." This outfit appeared as an accesory for the "People's Princess Wardrobe Collection" & also for the Princess Diana Bear. The third wears a ballerina inspired, tulle tutu skirted version of the pearl encrusted Elvis gown.

*Thanks to Carol S. for use of this photo.

As a collector & a Franklin Mint customer, I must say that I was rather disappointed by this series for several reasons. The dolls are cute, but...they don't resemble Diana as a baby & it seems ludicrous to me that this item even exists. The concept is just...too strange. Secondly, I really hate that we are being given reruns of the same outfits we saw in three other product lines. Thirdly, & this one is the kicker: Why the heck are they wasting time on things like when they could be making more outfits for the vinyl Princess Diana doll (or even adding the three porcelains promised and not realised: the salmon and cream dinner gonw, the red beaded gown & the Black Velvet gown) that is my favorite FM product? I thought the bear was a little much, but this is just so silly that it makes me cringe.
Because no sooner do I complain about this, than the following product makes her so-sweet-she'll-rot-your-teeth debut...

The Franklin Mint "Little Lady Diana" doll.

Someone, please, just kill me now. If anyone knows where I can reach the Doll Design Department at Franklin Mint, please do all Diana collectors a public service & drop me a line. I'd LIKE TO FORWARD THEM A REALITY PILL.


2001 Smocked Light Blue Chiffon "Grace Kelly" or "Cannes" Gown	2002* Navy & White Inspecting the Guards Suit with Hat "A Proper Little Princess"	2003 The Elvis Dress

"The "Little Lady Diana" doll will have a trunk & a whole wardrobe. **

Looks like her wardrobe will include the Elvis gown (shared by a porcelain & the Bear,) the navy Fashion Awards gown (worn by the porcelain Princess of Style) the Scottish Dancing Dress (shared by a porcelain,) & the Red Bow Cocktail dress (shared by the vinyl People's Princess & the Bear.) Seems to me that the Bear gets just about every good outfit going.**

**Thanks to Ellen P. for scanning the brochure to provide these photos.

These dolls were available from Franklin Mint or an authorized dealer. I am merely a collector.

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Last updated March 27, 2023