New Biography Reveals Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy Urged JFK Jr. to Console Diana’s Sons

In the wake of the tragic death of a beloved public figure, a new biography reveals that a prominent American socialite and her husband, a member of one of the most storied political families in the United States, faced a poignant moment of hesitation. The book, titled "Once Upon a Time: The Captivating Life of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy," by Elizabeth Beller, recounts how Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy urged her husband, John F. Kennedy Jr., to reach out to the young sons of the deceased, yet he ultimately refrained from doing so.

Princess Diana, known for her humanitarian work and her tumultuous life within the British royal family, died in a car crash in Paris in August 1997. The circumstances surrounding her death—being pursued by paparazzi—sparked widespread outrage and grief, not only in the United Kingdom but around the world. At the time of her passing, her sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, were just 15 and 12 years old, respectively, grappling with the loss of their mother in a very public and tragic manner.

According to Beller's biography, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, who was married to JFK Jr., felt a deep empathy for the royal brothers and believed her husband should extend his condolences. Diana had expressed a desire for her sons to emulate JFK Jr.'s modesty in the face of media scrutiny, a sentiment that resonated with Carolyn, who herself struggled with the relentless attention from the press. Beller notes that Carolyn's suggestion was "lovely," reflecting her compassionate nature.

However, JFK Jr. hesitated to make the call. He reportedly felt a disconnect, stating that he did not know the princes well and believed their situations were vastly different. Despite having met Diana on a few occasions, he was acutely aware of the overwhelming media attention that both he and Carolyn faced, particularly in light of Diana's tragic end. Beller writes, "Maybe that moment was too difficult for him to be able to reach out and say something to someone who’s just lost their parent in a very public and dramatic way."

The biography also sheds light on the personal struggles faced by Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, who was often overwhelmed by the scrutiny that came with being part of the Kennedy legacy. Beller describes her as a figure of vulnerability, stating, "The press attention really terrified her," and suggesting that it "stole a lot of her joy." This insight into Carolyn's life adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, illustrating how the pressures of fame can affect personal relationships and emotional well-being.

The connection between JFK Jr. and Princess Diana dates back to a secret meeting in 1995, where they discussed the possibility of her appearing on the cover of his political magazine, "George." Although Diana ultimately declined, the meeting left a lasting impression on JFK Jr., who described her as "very shy" yet "lovely" to talk to. This brief encounter highlights the shared experiences of two individuals who, despite their fame, navigated the challenges of public life.

Tragically, less than two years after Diana's death, JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy lost their lives in a plane crash off the coast of Martha's Vineyard. Their untimely deaths echoed the themes of loss and media obsession that marked Diana's life, creating a haunting parallel between the two families.

As the biography prepares for its release, it aims to remind readers of Carolyn's warmth and empathy, qualities that often went unnoticed amid the public's fascination with the Kennedy family. Beller hopes to illuminate the personal struggles faced by Carolyn, emphasizing her compassion and the profound impact of media scrutiny on her life.

In a world where public figures are often reduced to mere headlines, the story of JFK Jr., Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, and Princess Diana serves as a poignant reminder of the human experiences behind the fame, illustrating the complexities of grief, connection, and the relentless gaze of the public eye.