Alan Bennett's 90th Year: A Diary of Age, Class, and Royal Encounters
In a candid and humorous diary of his 90th year, celebrated author Alan Bennett reflects on the quirks of ageing, a memorable royal reception, and the simple joys of daily life. From getting stuck in the bath to meeting Queen Camilla, Bennett's entries offer a unique blend of wit and wisdom, capturing the essence of growing older with grace and humor.
A Royal Reception at Windsor Castle
On 30 January 2024, Bennett attended a reception at Windsor Castle, where the royal dolls' house was being revamped to include miniature works by contemporary authors. Arriving in an Audi with a driver named Juliano, he noted the castle's vastness, recalling a schoolboy visit in 1951. Using a wheelchair for the event, he was pushed by a young man, finding it comfortable but a mistake as it required Queen Camilla to bend over to speak to him. The queen, appearing without announcement, mingled effortlessly, recalling their previous meeting at Clarence House and discussing libraries. Bennett described her as admirable and informal, forgetting even to use "Your Majesty." The event featured tiny ham sandwiches and miniature books, with Bennett's own extract from "Enjoy" on display. He chatted with fellow authors like Tom Stoppard and Jacqueline Wilson, and later toured the dolls' house, which he found grander than expected.
Personal Reflections and Daily Life
Throughout the diary, Bennett shares intimate moments with his civil partner, Rupert Thomas, who cares for him like a five-star hotel attendant, ensuring he doesn't fall and turning back his sheets. Bennett humorously admits to sometimes not knowing if he's eaten or if it's bedtime. On 9 May, his 90th birthday was celebrated with a peal of bells from local ringers, moving him to tears of pleasure. He sat outside to listen, greeted by neighbors and cards, though he noted the absurdity of cows stampeding up the street, oblivious to the occasion. Bennett reflects on ageing, stating that a virtue of age is emancipation from class, as the old are in a class of their own, allowing for plain speaking.
Health and Memory Challenges
Bennett details health issues, including a lesion removal procedure scheduled for 8 August, which reminded him of his army conscription date in 1952. He experienced post-operative shock after an eye cataract operation, leading to moments of memory loss, such as forgetting the word "cataract" and relying on Rupert for help. On 9 December, he got stuck in the bath and was assisted by friends, highlighting the vulnerabilities of age. Despite these challenges, he maintains a positive outlook, noting that happiness comes from feeling without entitlement.
Creative Projects and Social Encounters
Bennett attended a readthrough of his film project "The Choral" on 22 May, feeling ancient among young actors but impressed by performances from Roger Allam and Ralph Fiennes. He noted that the film, set to shoot on Ilkley Moor, might be his last, coincidentally starting in the same location as his first film, "A Private Function." In July, he had a casual gathering in Primrose Hill with figures like Ed Miliband and Andrew Marr, musing that it would look good in his diary. He also received a call from Radio 4 about assisted dying, to which he responded with skepticism, being too close to the unassisted type.
Final Thoughts and Publication
As the year ended, Bennett reflected on occasional word loss, describing it as a jolting experience akin to a stroke, but hoped it was temporary. He concluded with a note on his book "Enough Said," published by Profile Books and Faber & Faber. His diary entries, filled with humor and insight, showcase a man navigating his ninth decade with curiosity and resilience, offering readers a poignant look at the complexities of ageing and identity.
