Former BBC Royal Correspondent Jennie Bond has shared intimate details of her professional friendship with Lady Diana, revealing that the late princess would often confide in her but then issue a warning to keep their conversations private. Bond discussed the relationship during a repeat episode of Celebrity Antiques Road Trip aired on June 20 on BBC Two.
Bond Recalls Diana's Confidentiality Plea
Speaking to antiques expert Raj Bisram, Bond described how Diana would share personal information, such as the famous line 'There were three of us in this marriage.' However, after each revelation, Diana would add, 'Of course, Jennie, this is just between you and me and these four walls.' Bond admitted she found this frustrating but respected the confidence.
Bond served as the BBC's Royal Correspondent from 1989 to 2003, covering the monarchy for 14 years. She stepped down to focus on family and freelance work.
Confrontation in Angola
When asked about the most memorable interview of her career, Bond recalled challenging Diana during the princess's 1997 landmine mission in Angola. Bond asked, 'Ma'am, you've been accused of being a loose cannon,' a term used by a junior government Cabinet minister critical of Diana's stance on landmines. Diana responded, 'I'm just trying to be a humanitarian. That's it.'
The exchange was captured in a documentary at the time. After the interview, Diana was visibly upset, telling the camera crew, 'I might really burst into tears now. Who said I'm a loose cannon?'
Bond described the moment as 'pretty momentous' and noted it generated significant news coverage. The episode of Celebrity Antiques Road Trip featuring Bond is available on BBC iPlayer.
