Royals in Uproar Over Diana Book
L O N D O N, Sept. 15 -- Cries of “betrayal” are ringing out from Buckingham Palace. A new tell-all book about Princess Diana is about to hit the market — this one coming from deep inside the inner sanctuary of Britain’s royal households.
The House of Windsor is scrambling its damage-control teams on the very day Diana’s younger son, Prince Harry, celebrates his 16th birthday and Mohamed Al Fayed, father of the princess’ companion Dodi Fayed, returns to French courts seeking further legal action.
Breaking the Code of Silence
The former private secretary to the Princess of Wales, Patrick Jephson, has written a potentially explosive book about life with Diana, who was killed Aug. 31, 1997, in a Paris car crash, along with Dodi Fayed and their driver, Henri Paul.
Once Diana’s most trusted aide, Jephson was at her side during eight turbulent years — from 1987 to 1996.
He witnessed the worst of times during her troubled marriage, separation and divorce, and once described life at Kensington Palace, Diana’s home, as “like a slowly spreading pool of blood seeping out from under a locked door.”
Although Jephson, 44, says his book is “a truthful and balanced account” intended toprotect Diana’s memory, the British press has labeled him a cad who, in an “unprecedented act of treachery,” is about to betray the princess’ most intimate secrets.
A Royal Pain on Harry’s Birthday
Palace courtiers and royal lawyers have been huddled in consultations.
The royal family condemned the new book, but solicitors reportedly advise there is little or nothing they can do to stop its publication.
“The Queen and The Prince of Wales deeply deplore Mr. Jephson’s decision to proceed with the publication of his book. Whatever its possible content, the book is likely to arouse fresh speculation about the life of The Princess which can only be upsetting to the feelings of Prince William and Prince Harry, and to the Princess’s family,” the palace said today in a written statement.
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