People: Nov. 24, 1986

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When it comes to keeping cool in public, Prince Charles and Diana have few rivals. But even the royal couple found themselves wilting a bit last week as they began a ten-day tour of Oman, Qatar, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia in 92 degrees heat. "It's a sudden shock, arriving after a long flight coming from the English winter," confessed the perspiring Prince. Diana, for her part, was kept in the shade, both physically and socially, reflecting the local tradition of keeping men and women separate. During a visit with the Omani Women's Association, the Princess witnessed the re-enactment of a traditional marriage-eve ritual. Told that the bride must stay awake in bed all night so as not to disturb the henna markings on her hands and feet, Diana remarked, "Poor bride." Later the Princess set Arab tongues wagging when she appeared in a lilac silk- crepe jacket, worn over a mid-calf-length skirt, that prompted fervent speculation as to whether or not she was wearing a brassiere underneath. Popular opinion held that she was not.