Princess Di’s favourite fashion designer Catherine Walker dies at 65

LONDON - Princess Diana’s favourite fashion designer Catherine Walker has died at the age of 65 after fighting a long battle with cancer.

She passed away at a hospital near her Sussex home last week.

Born in France, Walker made a name for herself in Britain as one of the country’s leading couture designers.

She provided Princess of Wales with many of her most iconic outfits, having first worked with her three months after her wedding to Prince Charles in 1981.

The Princess was buried in a black dress designed by Walker that she had bought in the weeks leading up to her death.

“Catherine Walker overcame young widowhood and fought cancer twice with enduring bravery,” the Telegraph quoted her family as saying in a statement.

“She built one of the most successful British couture brands and at the same time raised a loving family. Catherine Walker has dressed many of the world’s most beautiful women,” they added.

Her family said she suffered failing health in recent years, but despite that, hand-picked and trained a design team under the brand name Catherine Walker ‘n’ Co.

“With this team, she developed a portfolio of designs through to 2012 to carry forward her philosophy and the unique handwriting of her brand into the 21st century.

“She will be missed by both this team and her family, all of whom are determined to grow the brand and the legacy of this great designer,” added her family.

Details of a memorial service will be announced at a later date, but it is expected to take place in a month’s time.

A private family funeral service has been arranged. (ANI)