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The Real Diana: The revealing biography of The Princess of Wales by renowned royal commentator, Lady Colin Campbell
Royal insider Lady Colin Campbell was the first to predict the Waleses' separation and divorce, in her international bestseller, Diana in Private.
The Real Diana contains startling new revelations about Diana which Lady Colin Campbell has unearthed since Diana's tragic death, including new theories on her death itself. The Real Diana is based on 35 interviews with Princess Diana conducted by Lady Colin Campbell – and for the first time Lady Colin Campbell names her Royal sources.
Newly updated in 2013 with an Afterword that reveals Lady Colin's insights into the inquest into Diana's death, the years that have followed, and the birth of Prince George.
The Real Diana contains startling new revelations about Diana which Lady Colin Campbell has unearthed since Diana's tragic death, including new theories on her death itself. The Real Diana is based on 35 interviews with Princess Diana conducted by Lady Colin Campbell – and for the first time Lady Colin Campbell names her Royal sources.
Newly updated in 2013 with an Afterword that reveals Lady Colin's insights into the inquest into Diana's death, the years that have followed, and the birth of Prince George.
348 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1998
580 people are currently reading
988 people want to read
About the author
Lady Colin Campbell
17 books166 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Lady Colin Campbell, (née Georgia Arianna Ziadie, known as Georgie), is a British writer, biographer, autobiographer, novelist, and television and radio personality, known for her biography of Diana, Princess of Wales, The Real Diana, as well as for other books on the Royal Family and wealthy people.
Campbell was born in Jamaica, the child of Michael and Gloria Ziadie. The Ziadie family is prominent in Jamaica, the descendants of six Maronite Catholic brothers who emigrated from Lebanon in the early 20th century; she says they have gone from being "revered to reviled to treasured as exotica." Her father was of royal Russian bloodline. His family were Greek Orthodox Catholic who had settled in Lebanon. Her mother came from English, Irish, Portuguese and Spanish ancestry. Her maternal great-grandmother, family name De Pass, was Sephardic Jew.
In 1974, she married Lord Colin Ivar Campbell, the son of Ian Campbell, 11th Duke of Argyll; she divorced him in 1975.
She is the mother of two adopted Russian-born sons, Dima and Misha. She lives in Kennington, UK.
Lady Colin Campbell, (née Georgia Arianna Ziadie, known as Georgie), is a British writer, biographer, autobiographer, novelist, and television and radio personality, known for her biography of Diana, Princess of Wales, The Real Diana, as well as for other books on the Royal Family and wealthy people.
Campbell was born in Jamaica, the child of Michael and Gloria Ziadie. The Ziadie family is prominent in Jamaica, the descendants of six Maronite Catholic brothers who emigrated from Lebanon in the early 20th century; she says they have gone from being "revered to reviled to treasured as exotica." Her father was of royal Russian bloodline. His family were Greek Orthodox Catholic who had settled in Lebanon. Her mother came from English, Irish, Portuguese and Spanish ancestry. Her maternal great-grandmother, family name De Pass, was Sephardic Jew.
In 1974, she married Lord Colin Ivar Campbell, the son of Ian Campbell, 11th Duke of Argyll; she divorced him in 1975.
She is the mother of two adopted Russian-born sons, Dima and Misha. She lives in Kennington, UK.
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October 15, 2022„Истинската Даяна“ от лейди Колин Кембъл е книга със силна заявка и голяма претенция за честен и обективен поглед и разказ за живота на принцеса Даяна. Едно начинание, с което според мен се проваля гръмко.
Ако идеята на авторката е била да се очерни по всеки възможен начин Даяна, като се обвини в какво ли не – то тогава авторката се е справила брилянтно.
Съвсем наясно съм, че всеки е съвкупност от множество личностни характеристики и добри, и лоши, които се проявяват в определени ситуации, и Даяна също не е била изключение от това. Възможно е това, което твърди авторката за нея, да е било част от характера ѝ, но когато изтъкнеш само в едно изречение едно нейно качество (някак по между другото), а след това в 10-15 се спираш на неин недостатък и в подробности обясняваш колко била злобна, отмъстителна, непригодна и т.н. ами не ми изглежда да си много честен и безпристрастен в „разказа“ си. А ролята на другата страна в тази история изобщо да я няма в картинката, или ако я има, то е там, за да бъде обсипвана само с похвали.
А пък моментите, които авторката описва с Даяна и нейните „многобройни любовници“, интимни моменти и разменени думи, които реално няма как да знае, защото тя не е присъствала на тези срещи в лично качество, не ми изглеждат на нищо повече от жълти клюки, които е вкарала в книгата си за повече пикантност.
На много места авторката влиза в остър спор с книгата на Андрю Мортън „Даяна. Нейната истинска история“ за която твърди, че е пълна с фалшификации и изопачаване на нещата 🙄.
Обаче какво точно се е случило по време на брака ѝ с Чарлз, и как е било преживяно, го знаят само Даяна и хората, които са били част и преки участници във въпросните събития – така че не смятам поднесеното от лейди Колин Кембъл за 100% и неоспорима истина. Поглед към други книги и филми по темата няма да е излишен – включително и книгата на Андрю Мортън. Преди няколко години помня, че гледах и много хубав филм по NG – Даяна: Нейната история, с нейните думи (препоръчвам го).
Все пак трябва да отбележа, че след развода на принц Чарлз и принцеса Даяна в последните глави на книгата, авторката рязко смекчава преднамерено злостния си и обвинителен тон срещу нея и отделя внимание и на някои от неоспоримите ѝ достижения – като редицата благотворителни каузи, в които участва, обичта и грижата за децата си, промяната към по-голяма достъпност на кралското семейство към хората извън двореца, която Даяна внася именно през времето, в което е част от него.
Постарала се е да опише последните месеци от живота ѝ с уважение, като изтъква всяко едно от постиженията ѝ – от благотворителността до модата. Разгледала е и връзката ѝ с Доди Файед през последните дни от живота им и обяснява как през онова лято и двамата са били наистина влюбени и щастливи. Нещо, в което и аз вярвам (поглеждайки снимките им от тогава).
Не бих казал, че след прочетеното си промених по какъвто и да било начин мнението за принцеса Даяна, което имах отпреди. Продължавам да я смятам за една от най-ярките, харизматични и вдъхновяващи личности на 20-ти век, оставила трайна следа в световната история, която, въпреки трагичните събития, продължава да блести все така силно и днес.
P.S. Книгата я получих като подарък, затова сега няма да се ангажирам с поставянето на оценка, която така или иначе няма да е еднозначна.
Ако идеята на авторката е била да се очерни по всеки възможен начин Даяна, като се обвини в какво ли не – то тогава авторката се е справила брилянтно.
Съвсем наясно съм, че всеки е съвкупност от множество личностни характеристики и добри, и лоши, които се проявяват в определени ситуации, и Даяна също не е била изключение от това. Възможно е това, което твърди авторката за нея, да е било част от характера ѝ, но когато изтъкнеш само в едно изречение едно нейно качество (някак по между другото), а след това в 10-15 се спираш на неин недостатък и в подробности обясняваш колко била злобна, отмъстителна, непригодна и т.н. ами не ми изглежда да си много честен и безпристрастен в „разказа“ си. А ролята на другата страна в тази история изобщо да я няма в картинката, или ако я има, то е там, за да бъде обсипвана само с похвали.
А пък моментите, които авторката описва с Даяна и нейните „многобройни любовници“, интимни моменти и разменени думи, които реално няма как да знае, защото тя не е присъствала на тези срещи в лично качество, не ми изглеждат на нищо повече от жълти клюки, които е вкарала в книгата си за повече пикантност.
На много места авторката влиза в остър спор с книгата на Андрю Мортън „Даяна. Нейната истинска история“ за която твърди, че е пълна с фалшификации и изопачаване на нещата 🙄.
Обаче какво точно се е случило по време на брака ѝ с Чарлз, и как е било преживяно, го знаят само Даяна и хората, които са били част и преки участници във въпросните събития – така че не смятам поднесеното от лейди Колин Кембъл за 100% и неоспорима истина. Поглед към други книги и филми по темата няма да е излишен – включително и книгата на Андрю Мортън. Преди няколко години помня, че гледах и много хубав филм по NG – Даяна: Нейната история, с нейните думи (препоръчвам го).
Все пак трябва да отбележа, че след развода на принц Чарлз и принцеса Даяна в последните глави на книгата, авторката рязко смекчава преднамерено злостния си и обвинителен тон срещу нея и отделя внимание и на някои от неоспоримите ѝ достижения – като редицата благотворителни каузи, в които участва, обичта и грижата за децата си, промяната към по-голяма достъпност на кралското семейство към хората извън двореца, която Даяна внася именно през времето, в което е част от него.
Постарала се е да опише последните месеци от живота ѝ с уважение, като изтъква всяко едно от постиженията ѝ – от благотворителността до модата. Разгледала е и връзката ѝ с Доди Файед през последните дни от живота им и обяснява как през онова лято и двамата са били наистина влюбени и щастливи. Нещо, в което и аз вярвам (поглеждайки снимките им от тогава).
Не бих казал, че след прочетеното си промених по какъвто и да било начин мнението за принцеса Даяна, което имах отпреди. Продължавам да я смятам за една от най-ярките, харизматични и вдъхновяващи личности на 20-ти век, оставила трайна следа в световната история, която, въпреки трагичните събития, продължава да блести все така силно и днес.
P.S. Книгата я получих като подарък, затова сега няма да се ангажирам с поставянето на оценка, която така или иначе няма да е еднозначна.
August 9, 2014
Brilliantly Written :
I have read many royal biographies and until this book 'The Real Diana' I had never been able to logically connect the various stories, biographies and so - called newsworthy print to match the woman I saw as nothing more and nothing less than a normal human being. I never had fallen for what I can only term as the mass hysteria over Diana, and yet I deeply admired her work. Other biographies failed to represent Diana as a person with all the problems that some people have. I never viewed Charles or Camilla as the devils they are often made out to be, but I did view Diana as having a hidden side to her nature which would stop at nothing to get what she wanted - no matter who she had to maul in the process. At the same time I was equally aware of a change that came about as she matured into more of what she should always have been - a woman with her own identity. This book will undoubtably anger those who Saint Diana, and for those who would like to get to know the real woman; this book will please and delight.
I have read many royal biographies and until this book 'The Real Diana' I had never been able to logically connect the various stories, biographies and so - called newsworthy print to match the woman I saw as nothing more and nothing less than a normal human being. I never had fallen for what I can only term as the mass hysteria over Diana, and yet I deeply admired her work. Other biographies failed to represent Diana as a person with all the problems that some people have. I never viewed Charles or Camilla as the devils they are often made out to be, but I did view Diana as having a hidden side to her nature which would stop at nothing to get what she wanted - no matter who she had to maul in the process. At the same time I was equally aware of a change that came about as she matured into more of what she should always have been - a woman with her own identity. This book will undoubtably anger those who Saint Diana, and for those who would like to get to know the real woman; this book will please and delight.
May 31, 2020
Very good read
Loved it. Campbell said Diana chose her to write her story first and they did interviews over the phone. Diana didn't like that Campbell was also interviewing other people for the book and wanted it written with only her own outtake on her life. Diana stopped giving interviews and then went to Andrew Morton, a tabloid writer to have him write the story.
Diana sounds like she had rage in her. She had boyfriends before Charles that when one stood her up for a date, she went and poured an egg and flour mixture over his luxurious car. Another boyfriend she poured water in his gas tank.
It was suspected that Diana may have been bipolar.
Once she was married, she would have rages but the royal family would always keep it quiet or give in to her. She was the first to start having affairs. Her boys, she would use against Charles. Charles would be scheduled to have the boys but Diana would plan something for the boys and tell Charles the boys already had plans and were excited about them. She also had an abortion at one point when she was separated from Charles but not divorced. Read this book! I used to be pro-Diana 100% but there are 2 sides to every story and not everyone is 100% nice as I believed her to be. It is not a story of Charles but of Diana. You'll be amazed about some of the things you learn.
Loved it. Campbell said Diana chose her to write her story first and they did interviews over the phone. Diana didn't like that Campbell was also interviewing other people for the book and wanted it written with only her own outtake on her life. Diana stopped giving interviews and then went to Andrew Morton, a tabloid writer to have him write the story.
Diana sounds like she had rage in her. She had boyfriends before Charles that when one stood her up for a date, she went and poured an egg and flour mixture over his luxurious car. Another boyfriend she poured water in his gas tank.
It was suspected that Diana may have been bipolar.
Once she was married, she would have rages but the royal family would always keep it quiet or give in to her. She was the first to start having affairs. Her boys, she would use against Charles. Charles would be scheduled to have the boys but Diana would plan something for the boys and tell Charles the boys already had plans and were excited about them. She also had an abortion at one point when she was separated from Charles but not divorced. Read this book! I used to be pro-Diana 100% but there are 2 sides to every story and not everyone is 100% nice as I believed her to be. It is not a story of Charles but of Diana. You'll be amazed about some of the things you learn.
July 15, 2014
When I was gong through the first parts of this book, I was telling myself it was very magnificent on how it wasn't lying about Diana. And it wasn't. But it wasn't completely telling the truth either. No, I am not some Saint Diana worshipper, but rather someone who wants to know her well.
An honest review of this book was like:
"The only person left to blame really was Diana herself. Charles stuck with her for four years, and brought her help, and it really was her fault."
"Diana was a genius with the press."
"It is impossible to say that Diana was clever in those days."
And that's what I found so tiring. One page, Diana is a genius, the next page she is completely daft, and she is left with herself to blame. I don't know if this book surely is ALL TRUTH AND NO LIE because to my point of view, Lady Colin Campbell sounded very biased in this novel. Yes, she put a truth to Diana's life and uncovered the real being of Diana unlike the other novels, but it's really biased to the point where I question her whether she is telling the truth, or just really want to ruin Diana's image.
Unlike the other Diana biographies, however, this one has no pick on the facts — good or bad, it's spilled, and there is no sugarcoating of words. That's what I liked about it. But like I said, there was bias and I don't know if I could fully trust this book.
An honest review of this book was like:
"The only person left to blame really was Diana herself. Charles stuck with her for four years, and brought her help, and it really was her fault."
"Diana was a genius with the press."
"It is impossible to say that Diana was clever in those days."
And that's what I found so tiring. One page, Diana is a genius, the next page she is completely daft, and she is left with herself to blame. I don't know if this book surely is ALL TRUTH AND NO LIE because to my point of view, Lady Colin Campbell sounded very biased in this novel. Yes, she put a truth to Diana's life and uncovered the real being of Diana unlike the other novels, but it's really biased to the point where I question her whether she is telling the truth, or just really want to ruin Diana's image.
Unlike the other Diana biographies, however, this one has no pick on the facts — good or bad, it's spilled, and there is no sugarcoating of words. That's what I liked about it. But like I said, there was bias and I don't know if I could fully trust this book.
July 29, 2020
While waiting for Lady Colin Campbell's new book to arrive I decided to read about his late mother. Diana certainly doesn't come out great in this book. I wouldn't go as far as to say she was mentally ill with schizophrenia. She did suffer depression and anxiety, but toward the end of her life appeared more stable, which you can't do without medication and trust me we would've learned about it sooner. The author did do her best to paint a fair and balanced portrait of her, she certainly wasn't perfect, I clued in when I read the first Morton book where she said that William was her confidant which was a huge red flag, putting a child literally in the middle of his parents battles. Somehow William grew up mature and responsible and chose the perfect wife, meanwhile Harry and his wife show alarming similarities to Diana, and none of them are the good parts of her. I took a star off because the book rambled and didn't follow any order. One page William is born, the next it's the early 90's. It also rambles and she goes off on various tangents and at times focuses more on Diana's lovers than the actual story of her life, but still a worthwhile read.
June 21, 2016
The dead cannot reply
The writing itself is well done but again it's easy to write what you like when the person cannot reply. Very biased and feels like the writer wants to enter the royal circle again. Overall very disappointing and not worth the money to put into the author's greedy hands.
The writing itself is well done but again it's easy to write what you like when the person cannot reply. Very biased and feels like the writer wants to enter the royal circle again. Overall very disappointing and not worth the money to put into the author's greedy hands.
January 2, 2018
Definitely not the best book I've ever read about Princess Diana. It was informative, yes, but a lot of the time reading it felt like sitting next to Campbell and listening as she gossiped about Diana. Campbell may have personally encountered with the Princess of Wales, but some of the stuff she knew and used in this book did not have to be included and did not shape, enhance, or justify my perception of Diana. This book made me feel like Diana was a fraud and Campbell the person who filled me in on the scoop. In fact, the only positive thing I have to say about this book is that Campbell redeemed herself (partially) at the end: apparently, according to the scuttlebutt, the only reason why Diana had such a public, beautiful funeral was because Prince Charles had insisted that Diana deserved more than a private, dinky one. THAT improved my perception of Charles. I guess he really did love her, in his own way, and that was the best tidbit that Campbell left. Almost everything else left a rotten aftertaste in my mouth.
June 8, 2022
Informative
A thumping good read about a flawed human being erroneously seen as an angel. This book explains Diana's life in detail and why she chose to do the things she did. Its well written and worth a read. Well done Lady Colin Campbell
A thumping good read about a flawed human being erroneously seen as an angel. This book explains Diana's life in detail and why she chose to do the things she did. Its well written and worth a read. Well done Lady Colin Campbell
October 16, 2020
The Real Diana is unusual among the biographies I have read in that it doesn’t rely much on written historical records or written records of any kind. Of course, this is probably a result of its being one of the few biographies I have read, aside from some autobiographies and memoirs, of a person who lived very recently and scenes of whose life and death I remember myself.
It’s not that there aren’t written records of the life of Diana, Princess of Wales. But a great many of these records consist of newspaper coverage, particularly by the British tabloid press, much of which is not necessarily very accurate.
Lady Colin Campbell, the author of this biography, is a member of the circle of courtiers that surround the British Royal Family, and as such, she is personally acquainted with many people who were Diana’s family members or personal friends. She was also active in the group of people who support charitable causes, and it was in this capacity that she met Diana personally. At one time she worked with the Princess on a book that was supposed to be an inside look at her life, and during this time she had many talks with Diana herself. The book was intended to be sold with the proceeds going to one or more of the charities they supported, but something went wrong and that didn’t happen. They had some kind of falling out over this, but later became friends again.
The story is told in a sort of easy, gossipy style quite unlike the average staid academic biography. Many incidents are given from two – or occasionally more – points of view. It appears that there was a darker side to Diana than what we all saw at the time. But there was still much to like and admire, and she developed a kinder, gentler, less spoiled nature as she matured and recovered from some of her early problems.
In the afterword, apparently an update from earlier versions of the book, Lady Campbell investigates the night Diana died and gives us the final findings of the police investigations (there were several) of the case, as well as proposing some unique insights of her own.
It’s not that there aren’t written records of the life of Diana, Princess of Wales. But a great many of these records consist of newspaper coverage, particularly by the British tabloid press, much of which is not necessarily very accurate.
Lady Colin Campbell, the author of this biography, is a member of the circle of courtiers that surround the British Royal Family, and as such, she is personally acquainted with many people who were Diana’s family members or personal friends. She was also active in the group of people who support charitable causes, and it was in this capacity that she met Diana personally. At one time she worked with the Princess on a book that was supposed to be an inside look at her life, and during this time she had many talks with Diana herself. The book was intended to be sold with the proceeds going to one or more of the charities they supported, but something went wrong and that didn’t happen. They had some kind of falling out over this, but later became friends again.
The story is told in a sort of easy, gossipy style quite unlike the average staid academic biography. Many incidents are given from two – or occasionally more – points of view. It appears that there was a darker side to Diana than what we all saw at the time. But there was still much to like and admire, and she developed a kinder, gentler, less spoiled nature as she matured and recovered from some of her early problems.
In the afterword, apparently an update from earlier versions of the book, Lady Campbell investigates the night Diana died and gives us the final findings of the police investigations (there were several) of the case, as well as proposing some unique insights of her own.
March 5, 2017
This is the danger of a kindle, you drink half a bottle of wine and you can end up reading a book like this. I feel dirty but I did read it in one sitting, aside from a quick wine fuelled snooze.
The author steps into the book an awful lot with almost hysterical points of information, mainly of a self congratulatory tone.
I could not read the last chapter which was unbearably dull.
The author steps into the book an awful lot with almost hysterical points of information, mainly of a self congratulatory tone.
I could not read the last chapter which was unbearably dull.
November 30, 2015
Utter tosh. Don't waste your time on this poorly written, dull book.
April 6, 2022
A very good book that treats its subject honestly and doesn't over-endow her with the saintly qualities some authors have done since her untimely death. Nor does it paint her as a demon. Instead it portrays her as a woman who did a great deal of good during her lifetime, while struggling at times with both mental and physical issues. I thought it was fair and compelling.
August 8, 2022
Well written in the confidential, chatty style Lady C has which make for an entertaining, informative read. Lady C is balanced and fair and treats the subject with honour and candour which is rare amongst many biographers. Diana was not a saint or a sinner but a well rounded human bring treated in an understanding manner by Lady Colin Campbell.
January 22, 2023
WOW. This. Was. Great.
Writing: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Narrator: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Story/content: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I've never read anything about Diana and I only decided to listen to this on Audible after listening to Meghan and Harry: The Real Story which I was quite impressed by. Suffice it to say I'm glad I decided to check out The Real Diana. I'll be back with a review when I have more than a minute to do so ... this book deserves it!!
Writing: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Narrator: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Story/content: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I've never read anything about Diana and I only decided to listen to this on Audible after listening to Meghan and Harry: The Real Story which I was quite impressed by. Suffice it to say I'm glad I decided to check out The Real Diana. I'll be back with a review when I have more than a minute to do so ... this book deserves it!!
March 19, 2021
One of the most interesting things I learned is that Diana had originally wanted Lady Coin Campbell to write her story before she went to Andrew Morton. I felt this portrayed Diana, Charles and Camilla in a fair light.
April 16, 2021
A very readable book. This is the first book I’ve read of Lady Colin Campbell. I would definitely read another book written by her. She is an excellent biographer .
October 10, 2021
One of the best biographies on Lady Diana Spencer's/Princess of Wales entire life that I have ever read. Insightful, complete, well-researched.
February 9, 2021
Reilu kymmenen vuotta sitten luin orjallisesti kaiken mitä Dianasta löysin. Muistan elävästi myös hetken kun teininä kuulin Dianan kuolleen, varmasti moni muukin ikäisistäni jakaa tuon muiston. Tämä julkaistiin kuitenkin niin lähellä Dianan kuolemaa, että on teoksena jotenkin solahtanut huomioni läpi.
Campbell vakuuttaa monissa kohdin hänen kirjansa olevan totuuden saattaja, mutta tämä on mielestäni Dianan elämänkertojen joukossa täysin turhaa: mikään teos ei voi väittää olevansa enemmän totta kuin toinen valitettavasti. Se missä Campbell onnistuu on luomaan Dianasta aidon ja ehjän kuvan naisesta, joka omien vaikeuksien, perhehistoriansa ja ulkoisten paineiden joukossa kärsii ja käyttäytyy niiden mukaisesti. Uskaltaisin sanoa, että jopa inhimillistäen.
En toisaalta koskaan tiedä miten näihin elämänkertoihin pitäisi suhtautua, koska jokaisen kirjoittaja on aina oman agendansa ajaja ja väittää teostaan aidoksi. Lähikuva Dianasta on kieltämättä hyvä ja tuo varmasti monille Dianasta vähemmän tietäville uusia näkökulmia prinsessan elämän vaiheisiin. En muista lainkaan Tina Brownin elämänkerran sävyä, mutta ehkä tämä voi olla jopa aavistuksen parempi. Toisaalta Brownin teos on askeleen edellä, koska se on kirjoitettu reilusti Dianan kuoleman jälkeen.
No menköön tämäkin teos elämänkertahistorian hautomoon, kirjaston varastoon, josta joskus joku aiheeseen hurahtanut sen satunnaisesti sieltä pyytää luettavaksi takaisin päivänvaloon.
Campbell vakuuttaa monissa kohdin hänen kirjansa olevan totuuden saattaja, mutta tämä on mielestäni Dianan elämänkertojen joukossa täysin turhaa: mikään teos ei voi väittää olevansa enemmän totta kuin toinen valitettavasti. Se missä Campbell onnistuu on luomaan Dianasta aidon ja ehjän kuvan naisesta, joka omien vaikeuksien, perhehistoriansa ja ulkoisten paineiden joukossa kärsii ja käyttäytyy niiden mukaisesti. Uskaltaisin sanoa, että jopa inhimillistäen.
En toisaalta koskaan tiedä miten näihin elämänkertoihin pitäisi suhtautua, koska jokaisen kirjoittaja on aina oman agendansa ajaja ja väittää teostaan aidoksi. Lähikuva Dianasta on kieltämättä hyvä ja tuo varmasti monille Dianasta vähemmän tietäville uusia näkökulmia prinsessan elämän vaiheisiin. En muista lainkaan Tina Brownin elämänkerran sävyä, mutta ehkä tämä voi olla jopa aavistuksen parempi. Toisaalta Brownin teos on askeleen edellä, koska se on kirjoitettu reilusti Dianan kuoleman jälkeen.
No menköön tämäkin teos elämänkertahistorian hautomoon, kirjaston varastoon, josta joskus joku aiheeseen hurahtanut sen satunnaisesti sieltä pyytää luettavaksi takaisin päivänvaloon.
April 1, 2023
I really new aspect of Princess Diana's character. I still love her, besides all these facts, which are, if true, quite shocking (but, if you compare them with prince Harry's behaviour of late, they are not). You cannot fully love somebody unless you know him/her to the core. I have no a reason not to mistrust Lady C for she once said: "Only death is a good excuse" and that is a motto which reflects my personality as well.
November 19, 2025
I’ve read Andrew Morton’s book. This book could easily be titled “Diana the Dark Side”. She was loved and admired by millions worldwide, so it’s difficult reading this book. Clearly, the author is sympathetic to Charles, but that may be closer to the truth. Who knows? I don’t want to ruin the fun for you. If you continue to be interested, this book gives you plenty to consider.
January 22, 2024
‘Tony Blair had called her the ‘the People’s Princess, causing the Tory party to accuse him of playing politics by tying her to his cause. But they were as wrong as he was, she was really a pop Princess’.
Like almost anyone in the Anglosphere I had, through osmosis, knew the bones of Diana’s story, even though I was far too young to remember it myself. So this was the first biography I read about her. The book is written by Lady Colin-Campbell, a Jamaican-born socialite who herself has a very interesting life story. Lady C was first approached to write a book by Diana, but this later went to Andrew Morton.
There is somewhat of a ‘he said, she said’ feel to the book. I feel however there is an inevitability of this when dealing honestly with the subject matter. The real heart of the Diana story is one of a personal nature between the Royal couple and her other relationships, and I suppose therefore we should appreciate the honesty of the sources when named as opposed to ‘sources close to the Princess etc’
Lady Colin Campbell does not make her into a villain, nor does she beatify her into a song which so many people are these days apt to do. She was a complicated woman with virtues as well as flaws. She had a lasting impact on the problem of land mines and for her work with HIV/AIDS patients. She could also be hot and cold with people.
It is well worth the read.
Note: I listened to this as an audiobook.
Like almost anyone in the Anglosphere I had, through osmosis, knew the bones of Diana’s story, even though I was far too young to remember it myself. So this was the first biography I read about her. The book is written by Lady Colin-Campbell, a Jamaican-born socialite who herself has a very interesting life story. Lady C was first approached to write a book by Diana, but this later went to Andrew Morton.
There is somewhat of a ‘he said, she said’ feel to the book. I feel however there is an inevitability of this when dealing honestly with the subject matter. The real heart of the Diana story is one of a personal nature between the Royal couple and her other relationships, and I suppose therefore we should appreciate the honesty of the sources when named as opposed to ‘sources close to the Princess etc’
Lady Colin Campbell does not make her into a villain, nor does she beatify her into a song which so many people are these days apt to do. She was a complicated woman with virtues as well as flaws. She had a lasting impact on the problem of land mines and for her work with HIV/AIDS patients. She could also be hot and cold with people.
It is well worth the read.
Note: I listened to this as an audiobook.
December 19, 2023
This is the second literary work of Lady Colin Campbell that I have read and I cannot express how much I love her writing style.
Aside from being well-written, the information contained in the book's pages is thorough and extensive. It is obvious not only that Lady C has excellent sources but what is also apparent is the amount of time awarded to researching the subject via every avenue available.
Lady C brings a very balanced account of Diana, Princess of Wales' life and personality. If you like me were fooled into thinking that she was solely a Saint as portrayed by the media; then this book should be on your to-read list.
The author highlights that while she was loved and revered for her kindhearted and relatable nature as well as her excellent charity work, she also shows how Diana was also HUMAN and with that a flawed and at times troubled individual with her actions bordering on narcissistic.
An excellent read!
Aside from being well-written, the information contained in the book's pages is thorough and extensive. It is obvious not only that Lady C has excellent sources but what is also apparent is the amount of time awarded to researching the subject via every avenue available.
Lady C brings a very balanced account of Diana, Princess of Wales' life and personality. If you like me were fooled into thinking that she was solely a Saint as portrayed by the media; then this book should be on your to-read list.
The author highlights that while she was loved and revered for her kindhearted and relatable nature as well as her excellent charity work, she also shows how Diana was also HUMAN and with that a flawed and at times troubled individual with her actions bordering on narcissistic.
An excellent read!
September 21, 2014
This was an interesting look into a slice of the lives of the royals. I came away feeling that the royals were as flawed and human as the rest of the human race.
The author seems to have a large vocabulary and used it extensively.
I can't say the author was unbiased, but I can say that both good and bad were represented in both Charles and Diana. As is the case in all but the rarest divorce, both parties are culpable to some degree or another, for the demise of the relationship. This couple was doomed from the start. Diana schemed to snare her quarry, then changed once she became the princess. Charles didn't vet his wife to be, and then seemed to blame everyone, and not acknowledge any bungling on his own part.
This audiobook filled in some gaps of what I knew about Diana and the royals. I found it interesting.
The author seems to have a large vocabulary and used it extensively.
I can't say the author was unbiased, but I can say that both good and bad were represented in both Charles and Diana. As is the case in all but the rarest divorce, both parties are culpable to some degree or another, for the demise of the relationship. This couple was doomed from the start. Diana schemed to snare her quarry, then changed once she became the princess. Charles didn't vet his wife to be, and then seemed to blame everyone, and not acknowledge any bungling on his own part.
This audiobook filled in some gaps of what I knew about Diana and the royals. I found it interesting.
August 31, 2018
Ironically, I'm writing this review on the 21st anniversary of Diana's tragic death.
From the time when she first captivated us as "shy Di", Lady Diana Spencer was the ultimate beautiful and kind asset that the royal family didn't sufficiently treasure. Lady Campbell has had access to a great number of resources and appears to have painted an accurate portrait of this cherished woman, whose life was significantly more complex then other bios of her have shown.
Thoroughly enjoyable reading for royalty fanatics and those who are curious about these folks.
From the time when she first captivated us as "shy Di", Lady Diana Spencer was the ultimate beautiful and kind asset that the royal family didn't sufficiently treasure. Lady Campbell has had access to a great number of resources and appears to have painted an accurate portrait of this cherished woman, whose life was significantly more complex then other bios of her have shown.
Thoroughly enjoyable reading for royalty fanatics and those who are curious about these folks.
November 15, 2021
Interesting and believable. “The People’s Princess” was not everything she would have us believe. The damage to Prince Charles’ reputation (and to the Royal family) was significant. Those of us “not in the know” knew little or nothing of her “dark side”. She played on our emotions without shame or hesitation and was pretty despicable many ways.
Maybe that’s where Harry gets his “victim” and “role playing” from. The damage to our royal family, inflicted by mother and son, does seem to be significant.
P. Olsen
Maybe that’s where Harry gets his “victim” and “role playing” from. The damage to our royal family, inflicted by mother and son, does seem to be significant.
P. Olsen
December 23, 2018
How amazing. It seems Princess Diana would wake up too early (8am) and send work emails to palace staff. Today, Meghan Markle goes one better, and wakes up at 5am to send work texts. The laziness of the criticism, to recycle the same anecdote over a span of 30 years. Who are these people?
Otherwise, it seems Di was a bit of a goer contrary to all other reports, and Lady Campbell is surprisingly modern in her treatment of mental illness.
Otherwise, it seems Di was a bit of a goer contrary to all other reports, and Lady Campbell is surprisingly modern in her treatment of mental illness.
November 5, 2024
Eye Opening….she wasn’t a Saint but she was a great person.
I grew up idolising Lady Di and was about 10 yo when I watched her marry the then Prince Charles. I was oblivious to what a little minx she could be. I kind of feel sorry for King now. They put each other through the ringer. It’s so sad we lost her just as she was coming into herself. Sad for her boys especially. This was a great book Lady C.
I grew up idolising Lady Di and was about 10 yo when I watched her marry the then Prince Charles. I was oblivious to what a little minx she could be. I kind of feel sorry for King now. They put each other through the ringer. It’s so sad we lost her just as she was coming into herself. Sad for her boys especially. This was a great book Lady C.
September 4, 2017
A bunch of blather. The author obviously gives Charles a nice buffing, but you can't polish a t#$d. I skipped most of it. It was interminable.
Boring. A sure cure for insomnia. A load of blather not seen since kindergartners wrote what they did during summer break, or how to cook a turkey. Skipped huge chunks as it was interminable.
Boring. A sure cure for insomnia. A load of blather not seen since kindergartners wrote what they did during summer break, or how to cook a turkey. Skipped huge chunks as it was interminable.
March 29, 2019
Still not sure why I grabbed this book off the library shelf since I don’t have much interest in royalty but I read it cover to cover. It seems not much has changed over the centuries in the way that royalty looks upon itself and the rest of us. To maintain the illusion of magical superiority they must cluster together behind a wall of silence. I thought Diana was a regular girl who snagged a future king through her simple charms. Guess I wasn’t paying much attention. Now I know her family had ambitions to have one of their own marry into the royal family and promoted and marketed Diana as the one to fulfill their hopes, thereby moving the Spencers up from courtier status. Reminds me of reading Hilary Mantel about the machinations of those in the court of Henry VIII. Diana seems to have been a mess with her eating disorder and her need for constant attention, tactile closeness and manic control. Her view of love is like something from a fairytale after a retelling by Disney. It is a real shame her strong determination resulted in some shocking acts of revenge that did harm to many others and drove her to abandon friends and fire employees. I doubt that Fayed would have been a permanent solution for her had they both survived. Something would’ve happened that made her retreat from him. I would even speculate that she would’ve turned against her sons as they grew up and beyond her control. Very sad but not so uncommon. The whole royal thing repulses me even more after reading this book. The writing was at best uneven, repetitious, biased and confusing as the author’s editorial comments about Diana kept changing as if she really wasn’t sure what her conclusions were. The defense of the life of royals with their ribbon cuttings and other events as hard work was not convincing. I do think it must be terrible to be stuck in that box of presenting a perfect public persona but unable to conduct much of a normal private life. It must have been hard for William to give up his helicopter pilot job for glad handing, etc., so I guess I’m as confused as the author about what to think of these people but, in the end, I was glad I read this if only because it adds veracity to Mantel’s wonderful historical novels.
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