I was working at the Savoy Hotel in London in 1982, and I'd always dreamed of working at the Palace. I applied, and they accepted. My mom and I were real royalists, and the night before the royal wedding, we camped out on the Mall. We were in the front of the barrier as the royal procession passed, and just as Lady Diana’s coach got to us, she turned and waved to the other side of the crowd. That was my first glance of my future boss.

What is it like working at Buckingham Palace?

The kitchen is literally a mile and a quarter from the royal dining rooms so it’s difficult to do meals in courses. The logistics operate much like a hotel in that the queen might have a charity lunch in one room while Prince Edward would be entertaining in another.

When was the first time you actually met Diana?

After two weeks of working at Buckingham Palace, I was sent off to Scotland to Balmoral Castle, where the queen spends her summers. I was working in the pastry kitchen with my friend Robert when the Princess just walked into the kitchen. Robert introduced me. I was nervous and turned beet red. From then on, she set out to embarrass me – that's her nature – each time she saw me.

You became a regular dancing partner with Diana

At the end of each season the queen throws the Ghillies Ball, a big party to say thank you to the staff for five weeks of hard work. I was leaning against the back wall, watching the royals dancing with their tiaras, kilts and bands of Balmoral tartan, when the princess came to me and insisted I dance with her. I was beet red again, which delighted her. She took me in her arms for the St. Bernards waltz and thought “Let’s have some fun.”

What was Diana’s favorite meal?

She would be quite happy with a jacket potato and a salad. She loved sliced foie gras, eggs Suzette, steamed trout, calf's liver, and lots of fresh pasta.

Where were you when you found out about Diana’s death?

I got up on Sunday morning and was getting ready for work. The princess and the boys were due to arrive. I had the food at my home ready for preparing their dinner that night. I put the TV on and saw a picture of the princess with the dates on the background, and I thought, “They only do that when people are dead.” Stunned, I went into Kensington Palace, and the whole day went by in slow motion. It was eerie to walk around the gardens and see thousands of people just standing, with flowers...