Princess Diana, or her shortened name Di, touched millions of lives. Some directly, others from afar. She was an icon but someone who was so alike to us and yet, also better. I admired her most for her spirit, her life, itself, wasn't the kind of perfect we see digitised by most celebrities today. As Ken Wharfe writes, she was a woman who 'had no airs and graces about her.' [Ch. Introduction, p.ix] She was the people's princess.
Inspector Ken Wharfe, himself, was her personal protection officer working under Scotland Yard. For nearly eight years, he was with her for every tour, diplomatic mission, and adventure. He offeres an 'honest portrayal', reasonable, balanced and explorative at all times [Introduction, p.xi]. This is their story: the story of their special friendship.
Diana worked tirelessly to champion the causes she was a patron of, to bring awareness of world-issues such as AIDS, the plight of refugees and the under-privileged, to the fore-front, her steely determination and beautiful compassion is testament itself f0r how many lives were touched by her impact. And when coupled by the fact she felt isolated and misunderstood beyond measure, one can't help but admire her tenacity. She was a remakably ordinary woman who did markedly extraordinary things. She was a private person [p.151], prone to doubt herself and stubborn as any of us. We learn she often longed for the perfect escape from the probing spotlight, and camera-flashes.
As so often happens, particulary with women in the media, she was reduced. Her achievements minimised after her death, 'her real sense of public duty distorted.'[Introduction, p.xiv]
It's fair to say most of us desire a scandal. At least, that's what the tabloids and paparazzi will have you believe. But Diana was a classy woman, her efforts came from the heart and she was guided by a will to help others and, to bring change.
As Wharfe beautifully pens, Diana 'certainly made the world sit up and take notice in the time she had on earth. [...She] was a magical person.'[p.253]
I recommend this book for we can all learn from Diana's achievements and struggles. Guarding Diana serves as a loving reminder of the woman, mother, advocate and Princess our nation, and the world, lost that tragic night. For a credible record, an acknowledgement that there are two sides to every story (if not more), Ken Wharfe and Robert Jobson's book makes for a delicately, thoughtful royalty memoir. Fascinating, but not indulging: they offer a record of what happened, Diana's anxieties and dreams. Respectful of the truth and delivering what they think is important, rather than what they think we want to read.
Inspector Ken Wharfe, himself, was her personal protection officer working under Scotland Yard. For nearly eight years, he was with her for every tour, diplomatic mission, and adventure. He offeres an 'honest portrayal', reasonable, balanced and explorative at all times [Introduction, p.xi]. This is their story: the story of their special friendship.
Diana worked tirelessly to champion the causes she was a patron of, to bring awareness of world-issues such as AIDS, the plight of refugees and the under-privileged, to the fore-front, her steely determination and beautiful compassion is testament itself f0r how many lives were touched by her impact. And when coupled by the fact she felt isolated and misunderstood beyond measure, one can't help but admire her tenacity. She was a remakably ordinary woman who did markedly extraordinary things. She was a private person [p.151], prone to doubt herself and stubborn as any of us. We learn she often longed for the perfect escape from the probing spotlight, and camera-flashes.
As so often happens, particulary with women in the media, she was reduced. Her achievements minimised after her death, 'her real sense of public duty distorted.'[Introduction, p.xiv]
It's fair to say most of us desire a scandal. At least, that's what the tabloids and paparazzi will have you believe. But Diana was a classy woman, her efforts came from the heart and she was guided by a will to help others and, to bring change.
As Wharfe beautifully pens, Diana 'certainly made the world sit up and take notice in the time she had on earth. [...She] was a magical person.'[p.253]
I recommend this book for we can all learn from Diana's achievements and struggles. Guarding Diana serves as a loving reminder of the woman, mother, advocate and Princess our nation, and the world, lost that tragic night. For a credible record, an acknowledgement that there are two sides to every story (if not more), Ken Wharfe and Robert Jobson's book makes for a delicately, thoughtful royalty memoir. Fascinating, but not indulging: they offer a record of what happened, Diana's anxieties and dreams. Respectful of the truth and delivering what they think is important, rather than what they think we want to read.