Alastair Campbell, former press secretary to Tony Blair, was left “instantly smitten” after a brief encounter with Princess Diana in 1995, according to royal author Valentine Low. The moment, recounted in Low’s new book Power and the Palace, highlights a fascinating side of the princess and Campbell’s unexpected reaction to meeting her.
The scene unfolded after Tony and Cherie Blair had dinner with Diana at Hyde Park Gardens. As they wrapped up, Campbell arrived to drive Blair back to Labour headquarters. Upon his arrival, Blair tapped on the window, introducing him to Diana, who had praised Campbell’s skills as a press officer. What followed was a flirtatious exchange between the two, with Campbell reportedly “lost in the beauty” of Diana, despite Blair and Cherie looking impatient.
Campbell’s fascination with Diana didn’t go unnoticed by those around him. In his diary, Campbell described her as “absolutely, spellbindingly, drop-dead gorgeous.” His colleagues, including Blair’s chief of staff Jonathan Powell, even remarked that Diana had “got Campbell a bit besotted.” Another senior Labour figure humorously recalled Campbell’s belief that Diana “really fancied” him, though some questioned her intentions.
The relationship between Diana and Campbell grew more complicated when the two met again for dinner in January 1997. The atmosphere was reportedly “awkward,” with Blair unsure whether to flirt with Diana or treat her as a dignitary. During the meal, Blair hinted at Diana’s potential in public life, but Diana remained unresponsive. Campbell, however, continued to be captivated by her, even noting her laugh with affection.
Despite his admiration, Blair was cautious about Diana. In his memoirs, he praised her emotional intelligence but described her as “manipulative and determined,” wary of her intentions. Both Blair and Campbell became more cynical after entering No. 10, though their time with Diana was cut short due to her tragic death later that year.
In his tribute to Diana, Blair famously described her as the “people’s princess,” a phrase Campbell helped him craft on the back of an envelope. This enduring legacy cemented Diana’s place in the hearts of the public, further solidifying her status as a figure who would forever be remembered.
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