New Di Photos On Display

Five months before her death in 1997, when Princess Diana was 35, she agreed to be photographed to help promote a charity auction of some of her evening gowns.

The photographer, Mario Testino, and the world's most photographed woman, had never met,

A celebrated fashion photographer, Testino was accustomed to directing photo models. But he'd never coached a princess to pose.

"I asked her to sit down, and she sat quite properly," Testino recalls. "And I said, 'It's interesting, because this is a very comfortable sofa, and if I were to sit on it, I would sit like this.' And I just sprawled myself over. And then, that started breaking the ice."

A new exhibit at Kensington Palace, Diana's former home, includes 15 pictures from that day; seven of them are being shown in public for the first time.

The exhibit includes a mirrored-finish wallpaper inspired by the photos.

And it radiates memories.

Says Testino, "I think they still have the feeling that they had when I took them. When I look at them, I feel she is still in the room."

In fact, Roth points out, the photos became her last official portraits.

"I think many people around the world were affected by Dianna's death," Testino says. "And I hope it's a way of bringing a real joy to those people who came suffering. Maybe they can come and now enjoy."

A celebration?

"A celebration," Testino confirms. "That's how I've tried to do it. As a celebration."

At the time, Diana's sons, William and Harry, said the photos captured her true spirit.

The exhibit opens Thursday, and will run for 18 months.