Princess Diana, the People's Princess, is remembered for her grace, charity work, and signature style. One of her most memorable fashion moments was sporting a custom-made Eagles jacket, symbolizing her love for the Philadelphia Eagles.
The story of how Princess Diana became connected to the Eagles and the man who sent her the jacket, Jack Edelstein, is one of a kind. The article will dive into the story behind the iconic Eagles jacket and how it became a beloved symbol for Princess Diana and her fans.
Backstory
A die-hard Eagles fan, Jack Edelstein, sent Princess Diana a custom Eagles jacket after meeting her at Princess Grace Kelly's funeral in 1982. In the 1990s, Diana wore the jacket at various events, including a visit to a children's hospital, which impacted the children and their families.
Audacy/ Getty Images | Diana was later splashed on the cover of People magazine in 1994 wearing that Eagles jacket
The vibrant green jacket with white lettering became an instant favorite among her fans, and it's no surprise that it sold at an auction for a whopping $31,250.
Who Was Jack Edelstein?
Jack Edelstein was a Navy pilot, a sports broadcaster, and, most notably, a unique orator famous for giving nonsense speeches at various roasts and symposiums. Edelstein grew up in poverty in Philadelphia and became a self-made millionaire in the construction industry. He was a passionate Eagles fan and a close friend of Harry Kalas, whose voice is synonymous with Eagles games.
Princess Diana's Relationship With Princess Grace Kelly
Princess Diana and Grace Kelly crossed paths several times and shared similar backgrounds as famous young women marrying into European royalty. They also shared a close relationship. When Grace Kelly passed away, Diana was one of the few non-family members to attend her funeral. It's at this funeral that Diana and Jack Edelstein met, and the story of the iconic Eagles jacket began.
Rachel Bowie/ Purewow | Princess Diana was photographed wearing a Philadelphia Eagles jacket on many occasions in the 1990s
Influence on Fashion Trends
Princess Diana's fashion choices profoundly impacted the fashion industry, and the Eagles jacket was no exception—the jacket's bold design and unique combination of elements inspired designers and fashion enthusiasts alike.
It sparked a trend for bomber jackets with intricate embroidery or painted motifs, with many fashion houses incorporating similar styles into their collections. Princess Diana's influence on fashion trends is still felt today, as her iconic looks inspire designers and fashion enthusiasts worldwide.
Charitable Contributions
Princess Diana's fashion choices were often purposeful, and her decision to wear the Eagles jacket was no different. The jacket was auctioned off in 1997, just a few months before her tragic passing, to raise funds for breast cancer research. This act highlighted Princess Diana's commitment to charitable causes and her desire to use her platform to impact society positively.
Michael Fresco/ Evening Standard/ REX/ Shutterstock | Princess Diana received the jacket from late Eagles statistician Jack Edelstein,
Conclusion
The Eagles jacket has become an iconic symbol of Princess Diana and her love for the Philadelphia Eagles. This unique story connects a British Princess to a beloved American football team.
The lasting legacy of both Diana and Jack Edelstein has become a notable part of American and British culture. Princess Diana's love for the jacket and the Eagles inspires fans worldwide, making it a cherished symbol of her life.