James Whitaker Dead: Fleet Street Pays Tribute To Royal Correspondent

James Whitaker Dies: Fleet Street Pays Tribute To Reporting 'Legend'

James Whitaker, veteran royal reporter and Fleet Street stalwart, has died at the age of 71 after a battle with cancer.

Whitaker was the royal editor of the Daily Mirror for many years. During his forty year career he was also known as a broadcaster and commentator.

Mirror editor Richard Wallace led tributes following Whitaker's death this morning.

He said: "James was a true Fleet Street legend who became famous around the world as a Royal reporter.

"His colleagues often joked that at times he appeared grander than the royals themselves - which, of course, he loved."

James Whitaker with Princess Margaret in 1983

Whitaker was known for his boisterous plummy tones and flamboyant demeanour.

Roy Greenslade, who worked alongside Whitaker in his reigning years as royal correspondant, described the broadcaster as "the doyen of the royal reporting pack during the Princess Diana era."

Whitaker broke the news that Diana, Princess of Wales, was suffering from an eating disorder. He later wrote a book about Diana's marriage to Prince Charles.

He was apparently dubbed the "big red tomato" by the princes for his characteristic ski suit whilst appearing as royal correspondant on ITV1's This Morning. Whitaker also appeared on Celebrity Fit Club in 2004, winning the competition.

Wallace went on: "Despite the severity of his illness, he never complained or went in for self-pity, but insisted he had a life well lived.

"Our thoughts are with his loving family who - like us all - will miss him terribly."

The Sun's royal photographer, Arthur Edwards, who knew the reporter for many years, said today: "He was a great man and a brilliant reporter."

Whitaker was one of the few journalists that had worked on all five on the major tabloids. Testament to Whitaker's legendary reputation on Fleet Street, high profile figures and former colleagues have been out in force to express their condolences.

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