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Mary Robertson

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The Diana I knew: The story of my son's nanny who became the Princess of Wales Hardcover – January 1, 1998

by Mary Robertson (Author)

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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.

Print length

198 pages
Language

English
Publisher

Piatkus
Publication date

January 1, 1998
ISBN-10

0749919132
ISBN-13

978-0749919139
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Andrew Morton
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Sarah Bradford
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Christopher Andersen
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Inspector Ken Wharfe
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Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Piatkus (January 1, 1998)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 198 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0749919132
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0749919139
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.01 pounds

Best Sellers Rank: #3,247,210 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #4,126 in Royalty Biographies

Customer Reviews:
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Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5

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Patricia A Knoll

Book review

Reviewed in the United States on November 17, 2023

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Good Condition. Arrived in good time. Will start to read right away

Helpful

McIntyre

One of the Better Diana Books

Reviewed in the United States on December 20, 2005

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I wanted to read this book for the longest but it was unavailable. I finally bought it used through Amazon.

I was not disappointed! A truly readable and enjoyable book. Diana often was dismissed by critics as a shallow, self-serving woman who only "cared" about people when the cameras and press were recording an event.

Mrs. Robertson refuted this often repeated attack of Diana's character by showing us that behind the scenes and away from the press, Diana continued a warm friendship with this American woman and her family. A common family who could in no way further Diana's reportedly selfish agenda.

Why?

The only explanation is that Diana truly was a very warm and caring person. The book captures that simple quality of Diana.

Many books have been written to show the world what the real Diana was supposedly like.

These books deride fans for believing in a media image of Diana and have attacked Diana's every move.

Mrs. Robertson knew the "real" Diana and her memories are refreshing, honest and much in tune with Diana's worldwide image.

Mrs. Robertson's friendship with the Princess of Wales was not based on a phony media image.

Thank you Mrs. Robertson for writing this book and showing us the lovely "inner" Diana.

Diana proved it was possible to be warm, unpretentious, radiant AND royal.

8 people found this helpful

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Kris

Breathe of fresh air!!!

Reviewed in the United States on October 15, 2019

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What a wonderful book about Princess Diana written by an American woman who hired Diana to be her son's nanny. Mary Robertson's first-hand knowledge about Diana before-during-after her role as Princess of Wales is so refreshing to read about. I just couldn't put it down. I felt Mrs. Robertson's grief when she attended Diana's funeral, and, I remember when news hit ME that fateful Saturday night.....it literally punched me in the gut. There are so many wonderful tidbits in this book, I just thoroughly enjoyed reading it and wish I'd been fortunate to meet/know the late Princess of Wales myself.

2 people found this helpful

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cami

Easy read, and fun facts

Reviewed in the United States on January 30, 2018

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Easy read, and fun facts. See Diana as a shy 19 year old grow into a stunning “People’s Princess”, followed by subsequent hardships, and ultimately her tragic death. Very well written, and holds your interest. Fascinating to think that an American corporate wife had a chance encounter with a future princess simply by interviewing for a nanny. What are the chances?!!

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D. Rizzo

A Definitive Diana Book

Reviewed in the United States on January 8, 2001

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I've read most of the Diana books on the market, and this one is my all time favorite. The warmth, candor, and respect that Mrs. Robertson uses in describing her ongoing relationship with the late former Princess of Wales is refreshing (who else treats Diana with dignity anymore, anyway?), well paced (I can stay into it, even on the treadmill), and wholly respectable (staying exclusively in the realm of what Mrs. Robertson herself saw, learned, or experienced, and not crossing the line into lurid speculation, armchair psychology, or maudlin reflection). This is an idea purchase or gift with anyone having an interest in Diana, and I would recommend it wholeheartedly as a sweet (I know it's an overused word, but it's the RIGHT word) tribute to the relationship from one mother to another and their friendship which spanned 17 years.

8 people found this helpful

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World traveler

Super fast delivery

Reviewed in the United States on August 29, 2016

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Super fast delivery, enjoying candid recollection of someone who worked with and knew the real woman Diana was. Fast read. Thanks.

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Kindle Customer

Great.....Heartwarming

Reviewed in the United States on September 20, 2013

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A book written from a true friend about a true friend. This book tells of a compassionate Diana. I hope her boys read this one.

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Deborah Lee Leone

Really enjoyed teading this book on princess di

Reviewed in the United States on January 12, 2016

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Really enjoyed teading this book on princess di!! This book is a written from a different point of view which is a nice change of pace.

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Top reviews from other countries

Tima

Best book about the queen of hearts

Reviewed in Canada on June 26, 2020

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The best book I've read about Diana. I'm a fan of her and I've read many many books but this is the first one completely about Diana, not about the author. We Diana's fans love the little details this book mentions, about the precious caring and down to earth princess we all adore

Sabrina Stynes

Fondly Told story of Diana

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 5, 2013

Verified Purchase

I bought this from a seller on Amazon some time ago. It was in very good condition, somewhat aged but that added to the authenticity and time it was first published and that was over 15 years ago. Its about an American Lady Mary Robinsons first encounter and friendship with Diana back in 1980 when she and her husband Pat moved to London with their son Patrick aged 9 months. Diana was employed by Mary as their Nanny and this was prior to her relationship with Prince Charles. Mary speaks very loyally about Diana from the shy girl who became her Nanny unknown to them as Lady Diana Spencer up to her engagement subsequent wedding with Prince Charles and from their meetings through the years up to the death of the Princess. Mary is very honest but discreet while recounting her memories and remains true to her friendship developed with Diana. Some lovely private family photographs are shared with the readers and ultimately this story is about loyalty, friendship and respectively told anecdotes of a very special relationship held dearly in the Robinson's family memories. The book is under 200 pages long, small book, nice comfortable print. This was the hardback version and would make a nice gift for someone who has lived through that manic media period back in 1980 with a genuine interest in Princess Diana.

4 people found this helpful

Lena

Personnal recollections

Reviewed in Canada on December 1, 2018

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Warm memories of friendship with Princess Diana before marriage to Prince Charles.

julie angela mason

Book

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 8, 2019

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