Princess Diana reportedly had an unforgettable first meeting with Tony Blair’s former press secretary, Alastair Campbell, leaving him “instantly smitten,” according to royal author Valentine Low.
The encounter took place during the 1995 local elections, shortly after Diana had enjoyed dinner with Tony and Cherie Blair in Hyde Park Gardens.
Diana’s Praise Captures Campbell’s Attention
Low’s new book, Power and the Palace, details how Campbell arrived to take Blair back to Labour headquarters and was met by a surprising message: Diana wanted to meet him.
She reportedly complimented Campbell, saying she wished she had a press officer as talented as he was.
The brief, flirtatious exchange left a lasting impression, with Campbell later describing Diana in his diary as “absolutely, spellbindingly, drop-dead gorgeous.”
Colleagues Notice Campbell’s Enthusiasm
Campbell’s obvious admiration did not go unnoticed. Jonathan Powell, Blair’s chief of staff, joked that Diana had “got Campbell a bit besotted.”
Other Labour colleagues recalled Campbell being so taken with the princess that he seemed almost obsessed, convinced that Diana had taken a liking to him.
A Dinner with High Stakes
In January 1997, Diana joined Blair, Cherie, Campbell, and his partner Fiona for a dinner in Hackney.
According to Low, the evening started awkwardly.
Blair reportedly struggled to balance treating Diana as a visiting dignitary while maintaining a natural rapport.
He was also wary of the press discovering the gathering and not entirely comfortable with Campbell’s presence.
The Moment That Captured Campbell
By the end of the evening, Campbell had another brief encounter with the princess.
Diana giggled when he shook her hand, and he later recalled in his diary that he adored her laugh.
Despite the flirtatious undertone, Blair maintained a cautious distance, acknowledging Diana’s intelligence and charm but also noting her determination and manipulative streak.
From Admiration to Cynicism
After entering No. 10 following Labour’s 1997 landslide victory, both Blair and Campbell reportedly became more cynical about Diana.
Nonetheless, the tragedy of her sudden death in August 1997 meant that both men had little opportunity to collaborate closely with her.
Crafting the “People’s Princess” Legacy
Campbell played a role in helping Blair immortalize Diana’s memory.
He assisted in drafting the famous speech in which Blair described her as the “people’s princess,” a phrase that has since become synonymous with Diana and the nation’s enduring affection for her.