It was the first time Diana had appeared in public without the USD$37,750 large oval sapphire ring surrounded by 14 diamonds and set in 18-carat white gold. The ring, made by Garrads, the Crown jewellers, had been a constant in Diana's life since the age of 19. Kensington Palace advised the visit was private. A friend told the press, "I have never seen her leave it off for an official function, but she does sometimes privately."
Diana was among 250 high society guests at the £6,500-a-head or £4,000-a-table banquet. The proceeds went to the Charity EORTC.
Armed carabinieri controlled the crowds. The gala ball, billed as the event of the season, was organized by Krizia. Diana met fashion designer Mariuccia Mandelli when she stayed at the Italian's hotel on the Caribbean island of Barbuda.
After Diana arrived, she headed for the Antico Caffe Greco, near the Spanish Steps. Well-wishers, hearing of her presence, gathered while Diana was in one of Rome's most famous restaurant. Diana was practically mobbed by paparazzi and curious onlookers as she left.
Italy's largest-circulation quality daily, 'Corriere della Sera', informed readers that the cancer benefit dinner and fashion show was too society-orientated or frivolous for the governing centre-left Olive Tree coalition to be seen attending. As understood, no minister or party leader or significant political figure apart from Lamberto Dini, then foreign minister, attended the charity dinner.
Rome's centre-left mayor Francesco Rutellim who was said to have offered Diana the place of honor beside him, backed out at the last minute.
