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Fashion leader Catherine Walker dead at 65

Princess Diana favourite Catherine Walker loses her fight with cancer

Catherine Walker was a fashion favourite of Princess Diana

One of Diana, Princess Of Wales' favourite designers, Catherine Walker, has died at the age of 65.

The French-born couturier passed away in a hospital near her Sussex home on Thursday.

'Catherine Walker overcame young widowhood and fought cancer twice with enduring bravery,' reads a statement from her family.

'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.'

Following the death of her husband John Walker in 1975, the mum of two was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent surgery in 1995.

Catherine suffered her second bout of cancer in recent years but continued to train a design team to carry on her brand Catherine Walker & Co.

The legendary designer was voted Designer Of The Year for couture at the British Fashion Awards in 1990 and Designer Of The Year for glamour the following year.

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Nathalie Whittle