Diana: The Intimate Portrait

by Judy Wade

When Princess Diana died in August 1997, the world mourned for a woman they felt they had come to know intimately; having witnessed the quiet, blushing Lady Diana Spencer transform into an elegant, stylish ambassador who tirelessly campaigned for the causes in which she believed. With the announcement of her untimely death came an unprecedented wave of collective grieving. In this revealing book, royal expert Judy Wade uncovers the woman behind the public's princess, speaking to some of Diana's closest friends and confidantes to reveal the truth about her. They journey inside her Kensington Palace apartment and describe how she cleaned her own bath and nagged her sons to improve their manners, just like any other mom. They reveal her secret plan to marry a man who shared her desire to help the sick and suffering, her violent row with Dodi Fayed just before they died, and the real reason she went on a last mission to Australia. Diana's manipulation of the media following her expulsion from the royal family is also examined, as well as the police investigation into her death, and the impact that her death had on the monarchy. This is a fascinating look at a woman who was many things to many different people.

Genres: Nonfiction

320 pages, Paperback

First published September 28, 2007

Reviews

[Meghan W. (Bookswithmegh)]

GENRE: non fiction

PLOT:
Written by a woman who went to her closest friends to get intimate details about Diana the woman, mother, and Princess.

MY THOUGHTS:
I loved this book. It was written simply & easily. A quick book, yet detailed, into the Princess' life. It really focused a lot at the end on who the Princess was possibly in love with at the end of her life. I liked the possible other options. Whereas other accounts I've read focused a lot on Dodi. I won't spoil it, even though no one will know the truth about what went on in Diana's head, I liked the different details that I hadn't read in other books on her. Where her head was at, how she acted differently varying on the day, & all the little things she did for her boys.

RATING: ☆☆☆☆☆ / 5

CONTENT:
Language: a few strong words used
Age rec: 16+
Romance content: mentions, but not described

WOULD I RECOMMEND THIS?
A definite must read if you're interested in Diana, the Princess of Wales

[Angela Ward]

I love this book! I've read many books about Diana. This one has plenty more information which seems accurate, from sources who aren't just speaking to be included in the fanfare which surrounded Diana, Princess of Wales. The book doesn't 'feel' like a bunch of hype and drama either. It's just laying the information out there for the reader to take in. A+ for me...a Diana, Princess of Wales information/memorabilia enthusiast. :-)

[Sana]

An interesting and easy read, but I think the book was written for people already familiar with Diana's life.

[Karendenice]

Really enjoyed. Interested now in reading more about her.