Diana’s Kensington
The Princess I knew and the places she loved.
London Walks guide Stewart Purvis* was once a TV producer who spent a year traveling around the world with Princess Diana in 1985 and 1986 producing three television programmes and a book with her co-operation and that of her then husband Prince Charles. Stewart knew her better than any other TV producer.
For the first time Stewart will lead a guided walk around Diana’s favourite ‘patch’ visiting the places in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea that meant the most to her. As a regular visitor to Kensington Palace in the 1980s Stewart will reveal what life was like inside the royal apartments plus other fascinating anecdotes. He will also reveal how in 1992 as the Editor-in-Chief of ITN he was able to exclusively break the news in 1992 that the Prince and Princess would separate.
The walk will begin at High Street Kensington station and end at South Kensington station.
*Stewart’s being modest. He’s got those three initials – CBE – after his name. “One of the architects of modern television news,” he was the Editor of Independent Television News (ITN). And subsequently the CEO of ITN.
Sue Silwood –
My husband and I really enjoyed this walk today. If you thought you knew everything about Diana, Stewart will tell you more from his experiences with the Princess.
It is two hours well spent and we highly recommend it.
Richard Hentschel –
A real cracker of a walker despite the rain. Our guide Stuart provided a bonus in describing the story in part from a television news viewpoint. So much of this story felt like it was yesterday
Alison Smith –
Stewart was an excellent guide through Kensington, telling wonderful stories of Diana’s time there. He has a fascinating perspective on the stories of that era from his personal knowledge of her and those around her. But this really isn’t gossip or just for Diana fans; it’s a new perspective on the stories that form social history for us all. Stewart’s highly-developed journalist skills shine through, as well as his great sense of humour! Highly recommend it for Londoners and visitors.
Mark –
What a great walk, the pace was great and the titbits of information given surprised us given we are avid royalists. Growing up with this fairy tale and then seeing it fall apart was incredible. We have walked thru Kensington many times not realising what we missed . Highly recommended . Highlights included the gates were the flowers were left after her death, the memorial unveiled by the 2 princes to remember her . Stewarts personal connection to the royals gave us an insight into her normal life and confirmed a few things that we and the wider public had always suspected. 2 hours of fun 5 stars . If you loved di then this is the trip for you
Giacinta Pace –
Stewart’s walk was brilliant! I am so grateful that he shared his wonderful stories and experiences with us. This walk is a must for fans of the royals!
Shirley –
Excellent walk yesterday with lots of personal information and the added addition of the Iranian Embassy excitement thank you
Kate –
Most enjoyable walk – Stewart is a great raconteur and gave us some really great behind the scenes insights. The weather was pretty grim but the time absolutely flew by. Would heartily recommend this walk for Royalists and Republicans alike!
Alison –
This walk is amazing, I was a huge Diana fan and Stewart’s insights and personal anecdotes really added to the experience.
Barbara –
Stewart gave us an interesting and well documented tour of Diana’s Kensington. We really enjoyed it, and it was our second tour with Stewart. Don’t miss his tour of Spies of Hampstead either.
Erica –
Excellent and enjoyable tour, Stewart is very engaging, has great anecdotes and pictures to accompany them.