cover image Diana: An Intimate Portrait

Diana: An Intimate Portrait

Ingrid Seward. McGraw-Hill/Contemporary, $17.95 (240pp) ISBN 978-0-8092-4535-2

The Princess of Walesaccording to this biography, ``the uncrowned queen of British fashion''is partial to French and Italian lingerie, which she often wears under her couture clothes. This is among the less-than-startling revelations of a generally respectful book, which also discusses the Queen-in-waiting's passion for shopping and having fun. The author notes Diana's headline-making activities, such as her appearances at night spots and the parties for her set, the ``Sloane Rangers,'' who dine at Kensington Palaceusually when Prince Charles is away. Trouble in the marriage is acknowledged with reference to disparity in age and temperament: Charles, bookish and reclusive; Diana, impulsive and gregarious. The serious issue of the future role of the royal family is slighted by the author's emphasis on Diana's glamourstet . Seward, editor of Majesty , a magazine devoted to coverage of the royal family, serves up entertaining morsels for the constituency. Photos not seen by PW. 50,000 first printing; first serial to Redbook and McCall's; Troll Book Club selection. (September)