Described as just a 'few strands¹' of Diana's hair, the American seller has put the memorabilia in a frame along with a photograph and a facsimile signature.

 

The framed hair is currently on sale for $1,200 on the online retail² site.

 

Although it's 18 years since Diana died in a car accident in Paris in August 1997, such is her enduring popularity that there's still a lively trade in souvenirs and memorabilia relating to her.

 

However, a lock of hair is a step too far according to the British Monarchist Society, who have criticised the seller for putting royal hair in the marketplace.

 

A spokesman for the society told the Daily Star: 'The sale of modern royal hair makes us feel uneasy and we are sure Princes William and Harry³ would be disturbed by the auction⁴ too: it is, essentially⁵, a body part.'

 

The listing on Amazon describes the lock of hair as '100 per cent authentic⁶' and bills the sale as 'an extraordinary opportunity to purchase a piece of Authentic Princess Diana memorabilia.'

 

Although there's no indication of when the hair was taken from the princess, it doesn't seem to be a substantial cut of hair, with just a few strands seemingly placed 'over a scan of the original lock'.

 

The authentication⁷ document stretches to ten pages, although it's unclear what it contains. The Amazon agent for it is resolute⁸, however, that it's genuine. In replying to a question about authenticity⁹, Ed Bedrick Autographs said: 'This is an AUTHENTIC lock of Princess Diana's hair NOT synthetic¹⁰. It comes with all documentation and authenticity for the piece.'

 

The item has been on sale on Amazon since August, with apparently¹¹ no serious bidders¹² so far.

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