Comments
Memories of Princess Diana
2009-06-14 09:54:55
We had a nice time at the Althorp literary festival, the first that Fiona and I have done with separate his'n'hers sessions on our books, me on All In The Mind, Fiona on her Secret World of the Working Mother.
The festivals I have done have tended to be very white, middle-aged, middle-class events, and this was no different, but it was a fantastic setting for a literary festival, and good crowds turned out for authors as varied as Bernard Cornwell (has he really written FIFTY-ONE novels?), Michael Dobbs, Sandi Toksvig, Pattie Boyd and Simon Schama.
My session kicked off the day and was enlivened by the presence of Boris Johnson's dad Stanley rising to ask what was intended to be a tricky question but delivered so much in the style of his son that by the time he got to the end of it, we were all laughing. With Charles Spencer in the audience, when the subject of the media came up, I also took the opportunity to pay tribute to his speech at Princess Diana's funeral twelve years ago
The bulk of questions were on the novel and issues of mental health, a few political, and one I particularly enjoyed from a man who said he used to think there was a link between hard work and happiness because when he worked hard he was a lot happier. But then he realised he was happier because working hard meant he spent less time reading papers and watching the news. I know journalists roll their eyes when I tell them this, as I did to a couple later at Rebekah Wade's wedding, but I think there is a deeper feeling than they realise among the public that media negativity is now so relentless as to be a big turn off.
It was a lovely sunny day, if not as hot as today, and we went for a stroll down to the place where Princess Diana is buried. Only close family and, I learned, Nelson Mandela, have visited the actual burial site on the little island that sits in the middle of a small lake. But there is a nicely designed memorial lakeside with a silhouette of Diana, a quote from her about the work she did for others, a quote from her brother from the funeral speech.
As anyone who has read my diaries will know, I used to whack Diana with the rest of the pack when I was a journalist, then became a tad smitten when I actually got to know her a little, and very sad when she died. The week that followed was one of the most remarkable of the weeks I worked for TB.
I often think, and thought again yesterday, whether Britain would have been different had she still been alive. I know that TB always felt she was an important part of the projection of a more modern and dynamic Britain.
I still cannot totally make sense of that extraordinary week and the outpouring of grief that went beyond anything that anyone truly had expected.
As part of the Downing Street team asked to assist the Palace in managing events and preparing the funeral, I was making regular visits up and down the Mall. As the crowds grew, and the mood grew nastier, the day before the Queen came down from Balmoral, I stopped and talked to two young couples who had come to lay flowers. I asked them why they had done so. They talked as though they had lost a loved one of their own. They really spoke as though they knew her. Their anger, which was real, came from a belief that the Royals did not care in the same way as they did. I would love to bump into them again and find out what they think now, whether they really understand what the response to her death was all about.
The wedding was in an equally beautiful waterside setting, a couple of hours drive away. As well as families of course, media figures were dominant among the guests which included a smattering of politicians. I had a couple of chats with David Cameron. I regret to report that he does not seem remotely complacent about the fight ahead.
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'No worries' - the new response to thanksPublish date: 2009-09-01 12:25:19
Tremors of Japanese political earthquake will be felt far and widePublish date: 2009-08-30 15:50:54
Pressure on Ed Miliband can help get a climate change dealPublish date: 2009-08-28 13:39:08
Why Tories and media cannot stomach GCSE success storyPublish date: 2009-08-27 16:03:34
Exposing the absurdity of Chris GraylingPublish date: 2009-08-26 13:20:19
Joy and beauty and a night of magicPublish date: 2009-08-20 10:55:11
Twitter NHS backlash good for ObamaPublish date: 2009-08-14 15:44:49
A lifetime's ambition fulfilledPublish date: 2009-08-08 16:59:02
Breaking the blog-a-day spell as warm up to holidayPublish date: 2009-07-20 17:44:49
No hiding place from Twitter, me on the bike, JP in DCPublish date: 2009-07-17 18:17:09
At last - something Obama cannot do wellPublish date: 2009-07-16 10:05:47
Will MPs take the lead in the debate on euthanasia?Publish date: 2009-07-15 12:30:01
Berlin brothel leads the way to a greener worldPublish date: 2009-07-14 10:57:25
A time for GB to explain the whole picturePublish date: 2009-07-13 12:37:54
All hail Monty, Jimmy and Collie!Publish date: 2009-07-12 20:06:36
First triathlon of the summer for me, education award for FionaPublish date: 2009-07-12 09:43:06
Of Burnley's friendly and Obama's wandering eyePublish date: 2009-07-11 12:38:52
Two great early morning momentsPublish date: 2009-07-10 10:27:07
Cameron had better be sure he's rightPublish date: 2009-07-09 11:06:22
Guardian scoop has big questions for press, cops and CameronPublish date: 2009-07-08 20:40:54
Divisive legend: Lance ArmstrongPublish date: 2009-07-07 10:38:23
First hug a hoodie, now grab a gayPublish date: 2009-07-06 12:57:09
Mail on Scumday's wonderful account of Lansley's kipperdomPublish date: 2009-07-05 13:14:51
Ecclestone undermines his own success with alarming views on HitlerPublish date: 2009-07-04 14:04:04
When the conmen move more quickly than the councilPublish date: 2009-07-03 10:19:52
Andrew Lansley done up like a kipperPublish date: 2009-07-02 10:10:52
A day spent interviewing footballers, then being interviewed by a transvestite comedianPublish date: 2009-07-01 14:47:40
When the power of black eyes fadesPublish date: 2009-06-30 09:24:59
Farewell to Henry HodgePublish date: 2009-06-29 20:41:12
Honouring the power of sport to do goodPublish date: 2009-06-29 14:49:42
Andy Murray is a winner. Is that why some Brits don't like him?Publish date: 2009-06-28 09:19:20
New Parliament will look very different. The younger the betterPublish date: 2009-06-27 17:34:26
Two nice surprises, sad end to dayPublish date: 2009-06-26 09:16:33
Apology from the Spectator on Iraq boosts Henry Hodge fundPublish date: 2009-06-25 19:57:26
Thanks to Mr Harper on mental health, rebuttal of Mr Hague on IraqPublish date: 2009-06-24 23:47:54
Glad to find Eric Cantona in a quiet cinema ...Publish date: 2009-06-24 00:46:23
By Dave's friends shall we know him?Publish date: 2009-06-23 11:30:20
The Speaker has to balance tradition and change - but defend ParliamentPublish date: 2009-06-22 11:58:44
Less a blog than an apology for not having done onePublish date: 2009-06-21 20:07:43
The day Lions skipper Paul O'Connell took my trousers downPublish date: 2009-06-20 11:48:28
On the Iraq inquiry, Independent article wrongPublish date: 2009-06-19 20:28:24
Thank you to three readers, now please get involvedPublish date: 2009-06-19 09:13:35
A tribute to a lovely manPublish date: 2009-06-18 17:19:40
Bad times in Belfast, great day for Burnley, odd statement from Ed BallsPublish date: 2009-06-18 10:04:47
A plea for five-figure cyber-donationsPublish date: 2009-06-17 07:40:42
On two inquiriesPublish date: 2009-06-16 08:57:39
From India to Iran to Labour witPublish date: 2009-06-15 10:13:17
A House Divided?Publish date: 2009-06-13 02:53:47
A humbling NHS experience, a media row and a good GB speechPublish date: 2009-06-12 10:48:46
Psychiatrists heading for relegation in 'disease prestige' league tablePublish date: 2009-06-11 10:25:35
The shrinks awaitPublish date: 2009-06-10 09:44:16
As Obama fights for healthcare, let's celebrate the record herePublish date: 2009-06-09 12:52:55
Anger at BNP seats must be turned into activismPublish date: 2009-06-08 14:11:10
Can today be as frenzied as Friday?Publish date: 2009-06-07 10:31:04
Take heart from a win in LambethPublish date: 2009-06-06 18:46:40
JP is right there was no proper campaign but Tories still weakPublish date: 2009-06-05 13:47:20
Do we care more about the NHS or moats?Publish date: 2009-06-04 00:21:23
Guardian of social justice or attention-seeker?Publish date: 2009-06-03 10:19:33
Who says Britain can't deliver the best?Publish date: 2009-06-02 08:08:38
Mainstream has a duty to vote against BNPPublish date: 2009-06-01 11:03:29
Let Diversity inspire a vote against the hate-filled BNPPublish date: 2009-05-31 12:24:20
White House whack at UK media well-timed but sure to be ignoredPublish date: 2009-05-30 13:41:00
Elvis has a plan to make MPs King againPublish date: 2009-05-29 12:09:44
At least there's a campaign on in ItalyPublish date: 2009-05-28 09:04:32
A blow to gay rights and a boost for Cameron's short-termismPublish date: 2009-05-27 11:27:41
It's my blog and I'll be a big kid if I want toPublish date: 2009-05-26 23:25:58
Highs feel better after so many lowsPublish date: 2009-05-26 10:13:12
Only one present countsPublish date: 2009-05-25 11:05:46
Contrast Cheney and BushPublish date: 2009-05-24 12:11:45
Sex (or at least the female form) obsessed BritainPublish date: 2009-05-23 20:49:57
Sport at both ends of the financial spectrumPublish date: 2009-05-23 09:57:23
Stronger together - whether Scotland or expensesPublish date: 2009-05-22 10:22:36
Back to Number 10, familiar faces, familiar argumentsPublish date: 2009-05-21 10:14:34
Speaking up for ParliamentPublish date: 2009-05-20 11:44:17
Peace in the Middle East - yes he canPublish date: 2009-05-19 09:37:35
Breaking news - one frenzy at a timePublish date: 2009-05-18 10:34:30
Getting a good look at Vince CablePublish date: 2009-05-17 09:36:55
How do you solve a problem like Silvio?Publish date: 2009-05-16 09:32:21
It was the internet wot won itPublish date: 2009-05-15 10:04:57
There now follows ... a good whack at CameronPublish date: 2009-05-14 17:21:28
They got their kit off - so you get your cash outPublish date: 2009-05-14 07:41:11
Expenses row must not obscure Tory intentions on minimum wagePublish date: 2009-05-13 16:12:08
We love you Burnley, we do ... what a nightPublish date: 2009-05-13 02:37:17
A tweet cannot express the wonders of TGVPublish date: 2009-05-12 08:48:31
It's Mind week - Get it off your Chest with me and Stephen FryPublish date: 2009-05-11 06:29:15
Hate the Mail, love ObamaPublish date: 2009-05-10 10:04:00
Burnley 1 Reading 0 - a biased reportPublish date: 2009-05-09 21:26:32
MPs expenses - time for party leaders to meet againPublish date: 2009-05-09 09:50:19
Should happiness replace prosperity as national goal?Publish date: 2009-05-08 08:43:23
Musings from a sleepless nightPublish date: 2009-05-07 07:33:49
Darren Fletcher - an injustice that has to be rightedPublish date: 2009-05-06 09:52:29
Maggie's legacy not as great as she thinksPublish date: 2009-05-05 08:33:02
Here's hoping Cardiff is metaphor for CameronPublish date: 2009-05-04 09:38:30
More Mr Benn and Co pleasePublish date: 2009-05-03 10:03:00
Going Fourth with JPPublish date: 2009-05-02 18:25:41
Journalism - print first, think laterPublish date: 2009-05-02 09:10:01
In praise of two poetsPublish date: 2009-05-01 10:26:36
JP hits the road againPublish date: 2009-04-29 18:52:11
My night with Eddie IzzardPublish date: 2009-04-29 10:53:25
Explaining the 50p top tax ratePublish date: 2009-04-28 09:22:53
George Best and Martin McGuinnessPublish date: 2009-04-27 09:02:35
Cameron confused over indepdendence and impartialityPublish date: 2009-04-26 12:20:56
Guide ro Marathon running part 2Publish date: 2009-04-25 11:01:34
Good signals on coal and the OlympicsPublish date: 2009-04-24 10:45:28
Tips for the London MarathonPublish date: 2009-04-23 17:29:27
Missed the Budget, saw why it matteredPublish date: 2009-04-22 23:09:31
Football good, politics bad. AllegedlyPublish date: 2009-04-22 00:00:24
The Great Wall gets greaterPublish date: 2009-04-21 09:55:22
Two sides to police storyPublish date: 2009-04-20 11:39:54
Budgets, Balls, billionaires and Susan BoylePublish date: 2009-04-19 12:31:45
Do muscles have memories?Publish date: 2009-04-18 09:44:44
Bring back standing at footballPublish date: 2009-04-17 14:50:22
When Facebook friends fall outPublish date: 2009-04-16 12:29:16
Guardian sightings and the email and bath plug agendaPublish date: 2009-04-15 11:32:16
The spin is all in the prismPublish date: 2009-04-14 09:22:41
A setback, not a crisisPublish date: 2009-04-13 12:55:19
The real lessons from Damian McBridePublish date: 2009-04-12 10:49:47
Will English always be the dominant language?Publish date: 2009-04-11 10:02:02
On the pipes and what makes a ScotPublish date: 2009-04-10 11:06:20
John Prescott lazy? NO WAYPublish date: 2009-04-09 09:11:31
David Frost is seventyPublish date: 2009-04-08 08:48:38
The Speaker, BBC2, tonight and tomorrow 8pmPublish date: 2009-04-07 14:25:31
Obama, colds and being woken by Korean missilesPublish date: 2009-04-06 11:59:24
When a call matters more than protocolPublish date: 2009-04-05 11:33:42
Green Cities Champions LeaguePublish date: 2009-04-04 10:19:53
Could Cameron have delivered the G20 deal?Publish date: 2009-04-03 10:11:59
Of Benn and BonoPublish date: 2009-04-02 08:21:16
Memo to Sarko - allez vite a LondresPublish date: 2009-04-01 08:46:17
Happy April Fool's DayPublish date: 2009-04-01 01:44:05
Eurostar, Le Monde and a thought for the G20 sherpasPublish date: 2009-03-31 09:17:22
Why Kevin Rudd made an impactPublish date: 2009-03-30 10:24:41
Pre-G20 hype matters less than post-G20 processPublish date: 2009-03-29 13:17:28
The Damned UnitedPublish date: 2009-03-28 10:37:04
A hobby horse, a plug and a bit of sportPublish date: 2009-03-27 10:22:23
Cloughie - he had a lot to be big-headed aboutPublish date: 2009-03-26 09:38:36
A sad sight of the old fearing the youngPublish date: 2009-03-25 17:03:07
Post-modern, post-structural, or bullshit?Publish date: 2009-03-25 08:18:02
Learning the right lessons from ObamaPublish date: 2009-03-24 08:53:15
Lazy Dave needs to keep an eye on lazy KenPublish date: 2009-03-23 11:16:14
Farewell favourite restaurant, hello hometownPublish date: 2009-03-22 08:18:09
Dave, Danny and have the Tories really changed?Publish date: 2009-03-21 08:55:13
Life beyond Dover ...Publish date: 2009-03-20 10:11:21
My friends in The New Statesman - Fergie, Fiona, Tony, Sarah, Kevin, 'Dacre,' and a great GB idea for the G20Publish date: 2009-03-18 10:38:22
Iraq, Iran, GB, Obama and diplomatic chessPublish date: 2009-03-17 10:07:13
The Age of StupidPublish date: 2009-03-16 08:27:13
Is all change good?Publish date: 2009-03-15 10:00:06
The pressure of being a post-modern sex godPublish date: 2009-03-14 10:00:55
Cameron still hasn't sealed the deal with businessPublish date: 2009-03-13 09:21:49
Stand up for social workersPublish date: 2009-03-12 08:31:17
Surely Malcolm Tucker could have told Armando Ianucci ... You can't spin a spinnerPublish date: 2009-03-11 10:58:25
Start of a new approach from Labour?Publish date: 2009-03-10 09:54:12
A peace process still strongPublish date: 2009-03-09 08:21:05
Day of destiny for the real footballer of the yearPublish date: 2009-03-08 09:21:06
Private advice to Peggy Mitchell - the leaked note in fullPublish date: 2009-03-07 08:17:21
Boris, the Tories and the tummy-tickling poodle pressPublish date: 2009-03-06 09:49:37
A day in the life of the self-obsessed TV reporterPublish date: 2009-03-05 07:55:47
GB - good speech, well deliveredPublish date: 2009-03-04 19:31:05
Notes on the environment, a role in EastEndersPublish date: 2009-03-04 10:58:56
She may be my 'wife' but it is time to rebut!Publish date: 2009-03-03 10:52:59
Some speeches matter more than othersPublish date: 2009-03-02 12:04:45
Mental health and the Carling Cup FinalPublish date: 2009-03-01 09:08:17
Inside the chocolate factoryPublish date: 2009-02-28 10:23:59
GB on the G20, JP on Jeremy KylePublish date: 2009-02-27 09:14:36
Charity and the credit crunch, please give generously!Publish date: 2009-02-26 08:55:12
Why oh why are the Tories not home and dry?Publish date: 2009-02-24 09:44:59
Me, Dermot and ten top songsPublish date: 2009-02-23 10:02:19
Names round-upPublish date: 2009-02-22 08:43:39
What's in a name?Publish date: 2009-02-21 09:58:14
Editing the New StatesmanPublish date: 2009-02-20 11:42:36
Salute Peter M’s proper use of the F wordPublish date: 2009-02-19 09:58:58
Labour's communications challenge for the NHSPublish date: 2009-02-18 10:34:39
In praise of KeighleyPublish date: 2009-02-17 14:33:57
A night at the EmiratesPublish date: 2009-02-17 00:06:51
When marriage is testedPublish date: 2009-02-16 13:36:35
Spare me the myths and the whiningPublish date: 2009-02-15 13:29:50
Dave Cameron - is that all there is?Publish date: 2009-02-14 11:11:55
Boris Johnson: F is for ...Publish date: 2009-02-13 07:55:10
The Cameron vacuumPublish date: 2009-02-12 14:48:33
Lincoln, Obama, Blair and the 24 hour media culturePublish date: 2009-02-11 10:28:47
Eighteen interviews later ...Publish date: 2009-02-10 19:24:45
Time to talk about Time to Change on NewsnightPublish date: 2009-02-09 22:47:49
So that’s what they mean by online community?Publish date: 2009-02-08 12:12:51
First blogPublish date: 2009-02-05 15:23:57
Stuart Le Gassick
2009-06-15 10:08:02Alastair
I have to comment about Jerry Short's missive!!! It is a sign of the times when an illinformed ignoramos can make comments as banal as these!! Even 'dyed in the wool' Tories like me, take no satisfaction from name calling when all did was communicate which as I understand was your job and at which you were good!!!
Stuart Le Gassick
gary Enefer
2009-06-14 22:16:45CPW (TO QUOTE) and Des Currie are truly soulless but I do not believe our wonderful country ,with it's people,politicians and young people,is.
CPW and Des - time to get a life don't you think?
New Labour Boreblog
2009-06-14 20:34:16My the comments on here are more Brown nosing than inspirational. If Gord has his way we have another year to squirm on this blog as Noo Labour try to turn things around. Complete Drivel.
Em
2009-06-14 18:36:11Shall I tell him a common friend of ours called me a good communicator only yesterday? Let's keep the name secret so as not to embarrass that generous soul.
I can only hope the point I was trying to get across somehow came through. Poor AC. He deserves far better commentators than I.
Jerry Short
2009-06-14 17:40:58Any comment on Lieutenant General Sir Michael Willcocks stating that you are a liar ????
I know who I believe, you are a sad, septic piece of human excrement. I hope to see you locked up as a war criminal.
How many more times will you be called a liar ?? How come there are no legal cases over these comments ??
I hope you see every one of the innocent dead from Iraq when you sleep...........
Jerry, Lancs...
CPW
2009-06-14 17:23:06Such a pile of sentimental tosh. Perhaps when you are next in Burnley you'll deign to ask a couple of residents why they voted BNP. It was nice to hear you paid a couple of snivelling sops the same respect outside the palace in 97.
Reading you blog and comments, leads me more than ever to the conclusion that this country is a soulless, empty place.
Dire, really dire.
Catriona Smith
2009-06-14 17:17:51Just laughing at Emilie's post....so funny! Have you heard Denis Healey's famous quote Em, 'When you're in a hole, stop digging'?
Em
2009-06-14 14:11:56Maybe it's just because I'm a Labour supporter but every time I see Dave he seems to be sporting a complacent countenance -- except on that photo of him at the RSPCA holding a puppy. Suddenly, he looks adorable. There ought to be standards about MPs pulling at the public's strings like that. A puppy for Christ's sake...
Not to make light of the Princess but, when reading your diary, do you realise how hilarious all the entries concerning her prior to her tragic end are? The characters are so perfect, it reads like fiction. You, convinced from the get-go that the Princess is madly in love with you; TB's irritation at this and his (dare I say adolescent) repeated attempts at shutting down your delusions. Wildly entertaining and poignant considering the reader knows what is soon to come.
Hope you read at our very diverse authors' festival in Toronto one day -- and bring she who must be obeyed! She is unknown here but people would fall head over heels in love with her. Does it sound bitchy if I say I only started really liking you only once I got to know her? FM is far too bright to waste her time with an idiot, so, not that I thought you're an idiot, but I started thinking you were worth a more thorough look and purchased your diaries. Did that sound even more bitchy? If so, sorry... ok, thanks, bye.
George McCallum
2009-06-14 12:34:59I went to London from Ayrshire during that week, with my wife and mother in law, and I felt at the time it was all over the top, but by the time we got there it was impossible not to be drawn into the mood of almost hysteria. I am a bit like you. even though I liked her and I knew she inspired people, it seemed out of control, something that felt both logical and illogical at the same time
Helen Shapps
2009-06-14 12:32:26Well done on being so frank about your own history of psychosis and depression and for answering such a range of questions good-humouredly. It was interesting to see you in the flesh, and see that you are actually in some ways similar to the public image and in other ways so different. I can see why the press were a little scared but also why they probably admired you more than they let on. Good luck with the next novel. It sounded very interesting
Des Currie
2009-06-14 11:37:24Unless the whole of Labour goes to Damascus on foot there is no chance of it winning the next elections. And that is by no means certain.
It's what you get when you get athiests pushing for the team.
Des Currie
gary Enefer
2009-06-14 11:36:49Really nice well written piece. Expressed a lot about these/our times....
Catriona Smith
2009-06-14 10:28:32A tad smitten?? The conversation between yourself and TB in the book is hilarious re' your meeting with Diana.
Fantastic quote re'hard work and happiness. Totally concur with this view and am trying to limit my news watching/reading, because it does have a detrimental effect on my health. Relentless negativity is indeed a total turn off. Loads of normally conscientious voters didn't vote last week because of this.
Jane A
2009-06-14 10:25:55I agree the week after Diana's death was one of the strangest times. I was on holiday in France and ingested most of it via several-days-old UK papers but vividly remember my Dad (my Dad, for heaven's sake!!) phoning me in tears.
She clearly had a one-off charisma which people took to their hearts. She was emotionally fragile, which meant people related to her, and she was a much needed dose of reality for the Royals. She hurled herself into charity work, and maybe the combo of all those qualities just made for the total effect she had.
Who knows what she'd be doing now. Maybe campaigning on mental health issues ;-)
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