The Diana I Knew: Loving Memories of the Friendship Between an American Mother and Her Son's Nanny Who Became the Princess of Wales - Softcover

Robertson, Mary

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0060929391 ISBN 13: 9780060929398

Publisher: Avon, 1999

Synopsis

A poignant, loving portrait of the young woman who would become the world's most famous Princess

In 1980, Mary Robertson, an American living in London, welcomed a shy young nanny into her home to care for her nine-month-old son. Little did she know that this was to be the beginning of an extraordinary friendship, for the young woman was Lady Diana Spencer who would later become Diana, Princess of Wales, the most celebrated woman of our time.

In The Diana I Knew, Mary Robertson recounts her unique memories of this remarkable woman and describes the day-to-day building of a trusting, affectionate relationship that would develop into a seventeen-year-long friendship. From Diana's first moments in the spotlight, to her lavish wedding and the birth of her sons, to her tragic, untimely death, The Diana I Knew is a moving, eloquent tribute from a friend to a friend'a candid, personal glimpse of the captivating woman the world will never forget.

About this title

Review:

Shortly after learning of Princess Diana's death in a car crash on August 31, 1997, Mary Robertson was inspired to document her memories of the princess in order to balance the "mean-spirited and critical comments about her in the media coverage and certain books." The Diana Robertson first knew was an unassuming teenager who patiently and diligently cared for Robertson's young son two days a week in 1980. Robertson recalls Diana in detail, describing her first impression: "She was lovely, with perfect English skin, a slight blush on her cheeks, and clear blue eyes.... She looked just like the suburban teenagers I had known in America, only ever so much prettier." She then shares the milestones of her relationship with the future princess--accidentally discovering Diana's lineage, being told by Diana of her burgeoning relationship with Prince Charles, dodging reporters together outside the Robertson home, attending the "wedding of the century," visiting the princess and her sons at Kensington Palace, and, finally, attending the princess's funeral. Robertson's flattering depiction of Diana as a caring woman whose humility belied her background rings true even if the information the writer reveals about her own life is at times unnecessary and excessive.

About the Author:

A graduate of Wellesley College and Harvard Business School, Mary Robertson lives in Morristown, New Jersey, with her husband and two children.

About this edition

• Publisher: Avon
• Publication date: 1999
• ISBN 10: 0060929391
• ISBN 13: 9780060929398
• Binding: Mass Market Paperback
• Number of pages: 288