Princess Diana’s Christmas ornament sparks shopper reaction

A source familiar with Selfridges’ seasonal team defended the product, saying: “The intention was to celebrate Diana’s enduring place in British culture. We knew the design would be playful, but we didn’t expect this level of backlash.”

Another insider said: “The team worked from classic photographs and the jersey was chosen because it is instantly recognisable. They stand behind the craftsmanship.”

The Diana ornament is the most expensive item in a new royal-themed Christmas trinket series, which also includes glass images of Queen Elizabeth II, Queen Camilla, King Charles III, Prince William and Princess Kate.

Each costs between $48 and $50 and contains only the bust of the royal figure. While the designs are meant to be charming, William’s $48 ornament, which shows the 43-year-old heir in military fatigues, has also drawn ridicule for what one social media post called a “menacing toothy grin” and his noticeable bald spot.

A British retail analyst said: ‘New royal ornaments tend to divide opinion, but these royal ornaments have clearly struck a chord.

“People are fiercely protective of Diana’s image and have very fixed ideas about what she should look like.”