Revealed at last: Princess Diana’s most discreet confidant who she affectionately nicknamed ‘Collie’
After the tragic death of Princess Diana, many have captured her life in factual and fictional works.
But no one has revealed the identity of one of her closest confidantes, Violet Collison, whom she affectionately called “Collie.”
“She was asked several times to contribute to various books, but she simply refused,” a relative of Collie’s tells me.
Collie was head housekeeper to Diana’s parents at Park House on the Sandringham estate and played an important role in Diana’s formative years.
One of Princess Diana’s closest confidantes was Violet Collison, whom she affectionately called ‘Collie’
Pictured: An envelope addressed to ‘Mrs V Collinson’ at 5 Bradfield Close, North Walsham in Norfolk, in December 1984
In her letter dated December 13, 1984, Diana thanks Collie for the Christmas presents she bought for her sons Prince William and Harry.
As head housekeeper to Diana’s parents at Park House on the Sandringham estate, Collie was an important figure in Diana’s formative years
The band remained strong until the fatal car accident in 1997 that killed Diana.
Only now, more than a decade after Collie’s death in 2013, is her relationship with the princess coming to light, as previously unseen letters are being auctioned off later this month.
“Collie and Diana had a relationship that went far beyond what a housekeeper normally experiences until her death,” the relative tells me.
Diana’s difficult relationship with her mother is well documented. There were periods when they had no contact, while Collie was a constant.
“When Diana and Charles were at Sandringham,” the relative explains, “Diana tried to escape – I think one of her hiding places was a small two-bedroom bungalow in a village two miles away. [Collie’s home]’.
While Diana had a difficult relationship with her mother, Collie remained in constant contact
Diana with her son, Prince William. The Princess’s visits to Collie’s home were kept secret and she would go without security personnel
These visits remained secret and Diana went without security personnel.
After retiring, Collie worked part-time at the Sandringham cash register.
One day, royal biographer Penny Junor came by, the relative says.
‘When Penny asked at the checkout if anyone knew a ‘Collie’, the lady behind the counter said no… that person was Collie.’