Photographing a Princess

"I con my way through the crowd, to the front barriers, and wait for the arrival of the royal party, including Prince Charles and the latest family member, Princess Diana. It is 1989 and the smiling Diana displays happiness and excitement to all who are there, guests, photographers and public alike. All feast on the woman's beauty, personality and charisma.

"Again, I Diana when she opened Bilston Street Police Station in Wolverhampton. This was made easy, largely by the woman herself, who displayed enthusiasm (often missing during official visits), eager to meet and talk to the waiting, adoring crowd, giving more of herself and time than mere politeness made necessary.

"She made the assignment easy, and great picture opportunities followed; beaming smiles, caressing childrens' faces, kisses on the cheek, a willingness to laugh in public.

"But as the years passed, a change came over the Princess. Although Diana overflowed with compassion and talked warmly to many, her enthusiasm and tolerance towards a waiting pack of invited photographers was noticeably running low.

"During one visit to Birmingham, upon her arrival, there was no looking, smiling or communication with the waiting media.

"The last assignment I had involving Princess Diana was her funeral procession. It was a powerful experience as a British public mourned openly. All for a woman known to most through images captured by the media.

"These are the images which will keep her memory alive as she endures, to many, as an Icon."