The late author and ex-politician Jeffrey Archer gave his old friend Andrew Pierce a tour of his London home in what would prove to be his last-ever TV interview.
Mr Archer, who sold more than 300 million books in his five-decade career, died at age 86 yesterday.
His publisher confirmed that the author died peacefully at home, between writing sessions.
Just days earlier, he gave Andrew a rare tour of his penthouse home, where the pair discussed his legacy and some of the treasures he had collected throughout his glittering career.
The tour included a series of stunning paintings, including a Picasso, and artefacts from his political years.
“I’m 86, and near the end of my life, I just love the honour and privilege of being with them,” Mr Archer said of the priceless items.
One of the items was a very special military drum, which Mr Archer had received as a gift from the Royal Marines in thanks for running a 20-year charity auction for the forces.
“It was one of the eight drums at the Queen’s funeral at Westminster Abbey.
Jeffrey Archer gave his old friend Andrew Pierce a tour of his London home in what would be his last-ever TV interview
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“They had decided the eight people they would like to give it to, and I was very honoured that I was chosen as one of them. We put it there for one day, and it’s never moved.
“I’ve made it very clear that it can never be sold. If it ever goes, it must go back to the nation. It can never be sold. Heavens, no!”
The reflective discussion took Mr Archer and Andrew to the penthouse’s expansive living room, with sweeping views of the Houses of Parliment.
Among the treasured items was a drum, gifted to him by the Royal Marines, which had been used in the funeral of Queen Elizabeth
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Elsewhere in the penthouse was a series of photos, one of Margaret Thatcher, which had also been given to 12 people, including Mr Archer’s wife, Mary.
“They were very close. They were very close because Margaret was a scientist, a chemist. Mary is a scientist and a chemist.
“They both taught at the same college at Oxford. So there was a sort of connection there. And on top of it, of course, the privilege I had of working with her for 11 years.”
Another picture was of Princess Diana, which Mr Archer admitted was “rather sad”.
The pair also viewed special gifted pictures of Margaret Thatcher and Princess Diana
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“The Prime Minister asked me to spend the day with her. Oh, to be more accurate, she asked the Prime Minister to ask me to spend the day with her on the day of the divorce.
“That’s me with her. And she kindly sent this as a gift. A few days later, I made a big mistake that day… I was meant to spend the whole day with her and report back to the Prime Minister.
Later that evening, the late peer revealed he realised he should have spent more time with Diana.
Reflecting on the rift between her two sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, Mr Archer admitted: “I don’t know if she would have done that.
Mr Archer and Andrew also discussed the late author’s writing at his desk
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“I know she’d have been very sad, wouldn’t we? I mean, if my two sons were quarrelling with each other, I’d be very sad. They’re good friends, and I’d take it for granted. It might never have happened if she’d lived.”
Andrew was then guided to Mr Archer’s writing desk where pens and notebooks were set out.
“I like everything in order, easily in the same place. It has to be like that. Otherwise I can’t work.”
“Writing is no different from anything else. If you’re a ballet dancer or a violinist, a countertenor, you’ve got to be disciplined. If you cut out the discipline, nothing will ever happen.”
“I don’t know how to type, by the way, and I don’t know how to use a computer. I’m far too old and boring for that,” he revealed.
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