Alan Bennett's Diary: Reflections on Turning 90 and a Royal Reception
In a series of poignant diary entries, celebrated author Alan Bennett offers a candid glimpse into his 90th year, blending moments of royal glamour with intimate reflections on ageing, memory, and creativity. The entries, spanning from January to December 2024, capture Bennett's wry humour and sharp observations as he navigates the complexities of growing older.
A Royal Invitation and Windsor Castle Visit
On 30 January 2024, Bennett attended a reception at Windsor Castle, hosted by Queen Camilla, to celebrate the revamping of the royal dolls' house with miniature books from contemporary authors. Arriving in an Audi with a driver named Juliano, Bennett noted the castle's vast expanse, recalling a schoolboy visit in 1951. He used a wheelchair for the event, pushed by a young attendant, and described the Waterloo Chamber as "vast and gleaming" but "a touch vulgar."
Queen Camilla mingled effortlessly, bending to speak with Bennett as he remained seated. They discussed libraries, and Bennett found the interaction refreshingly informal, even forgetting royal protocols. The reception featured tiny ham sandwiches, matching the miniature theme, and Bennett later toured the dolls' house, praising its intricate details. He also connected with fellow authors like Tom Stoppard and Jacqueline Wilson, making it a "lovely occasion."
Personal Reflections on Ageing and Identity
Throughout the diary, Bennett muses on the paradoxes of ageing. He writes, "I feel I am not yet grown up," explaining that despite his years, he lacks the dignity and worldly wisdom often associated with age. Reflecting on a past role as a National Gallery trustee, he felt like an impostor among distinguished peers, a sentiment that persists. Bennett observes that age emancipates one from class, placing the elderly in "a class of their own," and grants a privilege of plain speaking.
On 9 May, his 90th birthday was marked by a peal of bells from local ringers, a gesture that moved him to tears. He received numerous cards and well-wishes, though he notes that 90 "is not a goal" but evidence of affection. Later entries detail health concerns, including a lesion removal procedure on 8 August, which reminded him of his army conscription date in 1952, and post-cataract surgery challenges that left his vision imperfect.
The Making of The Choral and Creative Endeavours
Bennett's diary highlights his involvement in The Choral, a film project set for release in 2025. A readthrough at Cecil Sharp House on 22 May featured actors like Roger Allam and Ralph Fiennes, with Bennett feeling "ancient" among young cast members but jubilant about the production. Shooting began on Ilkley Moor on 28 May, a location coincidentally used in his first film, A Private Function (1984).
He recounts script adjustments, such as changing "VD" to "STD" for younger audiences unfamiliar with historical terminology. The diary also touches on political encounters, like a chance meeting with Ed Miliband after Labour's election victory, and reflections on treason and national identity, echoing themes from his earlier work, An Englishman Abroad.
Daily Life and Health Challenges
Bennett's entries reveal the comforts and struggles of his daily routine, often comparing his home to a "five-star hotel" due to the care from his civil partner, Rupert Thomas. Incidents like getting stuck in the bath on 9 December required assistance from friends, highlighting vulnerabilities. He experiences moments of word loss, describing it as "a cerebral incompetence" that alarms him, though it passes.
Throughout, Bennett maintains a literary presence, with his book Killing Time remaining a bestseller. The diary concludes on New Year's Eve with a reflection on silence and picking up the pieces, encapsulating a year of joy, introspection, and resilience.
