Genre: Biography
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When Andrew Morton’s book, Diana: Her True Story - in Her Own Words, was first published in 1992, it was quite scandalous. It was banned from several bookstores in England, people believed it did not show the true story of the much loved Princess Diana. Since he had promised her anonymity, it was difficult to prove what he was writing. When the truth of Diana’s involvement did come out, after her death, it changed the way people viewed the monarchy.
Morton was one of many palace journalists when a friend of Diana’s, Dr James Colthurst approached him in 1986 and asked if he would be interested in writing Diana’s story. He had met with the princess several times, but he had no idea what her life was actually like.
Diana was a bit unstable, but her husband and his family and friends played on her weaknesses and tried convincing her that she was being paranoid about Charles’ relationship with Camilla. Their affair was known among a nervous staff that had to cover for him, but when she tried to talk about it with Charles and the Queen, she was made to feel as though she was acting irrationally.
Diana realized she had to get out, but she was not in a position to leave. The world thought she was living a storybook life, and if she left the royal family would paint her as unstable. She felt this was the only way to get her story out, but she realized that she couldn’t meet directly with Morton. The servants would recognize him, and he would be banned. So she began meeting with Colthurst, an old friend who would arouse no suspicion. He would ask the questions that were supplied to him and deliver the answers to Morton.
Morton continues to revisit the many tapes of Colthurst’s interviews with Princess Di, and has updated the book several times. The book has her biography, transcripts of her interview and things that happened after the original publication date. The author adds in much detail about things I wasn’t aware of, and I learned more than I expected in his book.
Reading her words made me feel sad for this young woman who had the possibilities to live every young girl’s dream but was caught in every woman’s nightmare. If you have any interest in Princess Diana and have not read this book, buy yourself a holiday treat. You won’t be sorry.
- Beverly
Publisher - Simon & Schuster; Anniversary edition
Date of Publication - December 1, 2009
Morton was one of many palace journalists when a friend of Diana’s, Dr James Colthurst approached him in 1986 and asked if he would be interested in writing Diana’s story. He had met with the princess several times, but he had no idea what her life was actually like.
Diana was a bit unstable, but her husband and his family and friends played on her weaknesses and tried convincing her that she was being paranoid about Charles’ relationship with Camilla. Their affair was known among a nervous staff that had to cover for him, but when she tried to talk about it with Charles and the Queen, she was made to feel as though she was acting irrationally.
Diana realized she had to get out, but she was not in a position to leave. The world thought she was living a storybook life, and if she left the royal family would paint her as unstable. She felt this was the only way to get her story out, but she realized that she couldn’t meet directly with Morton. The servants would recognize him, and he would be banned. So she began meeting with Colthurst, an old friend who would arouse no suspicion. He would ask the questions that were supplied to him and deliver the answers to Morton.
Morton continues to revisit the many tapes of Colthurst’s interviews with Princess Di, and has updated the book several times. The book has her biography, transcripts of her interview and things that happened after the original publication date. The author adds in much detail about things I wasn’t aware of, and I learned more than I expected in his book.
Reading her words made me feel sad for this young woman who had the possibilities to live every young girl’s dream but was caught in every woman’s nightmare. If you have any interest in Princess Diana and have not read this book, buy yourself a holiday treat. You won’t be sorry.
- Beverly
Publisher - Simon & Schuster; Anniversary edition
Date of Publication - December 1, 2009
