Scandalous Jewelry Auction: Exploring the Glamorous yet Controversial Life of Pamela Harriman, High-Society Figure Known for Affairs and Deception as Her Fabled 12-Carat Earrings Hit the Market
Pamela Harriman, a topic of debate among many, was a multifaceted figure, carrying the heritage of her great-great-aunt, the notorious Victorian courtesan Jane Digby. Some saw her as a cunning manipulator, using her charm to infiltrate the elite, while others view her as a shrewd and intelligent woman, capitalizing on her skills as an intelligence gatherer to advance her own interests.
In her new biography, Kingmaker: Pamela Harriman's Astonishing Life of Power, Seduction and Intrigue, Sonia Purnell aims to shed light on the intriguing life of Harriman once and for all. As Purnell states, "she was involved in some way with most of the people and events you've heard of."
Born into a privileged but financially strapped family in 1920, Harriman spent her childhood in Dorset, living in a grand 50-room mansion built by her grandfather. Adventurous and energetic, Harriman was not a conventional debutante with much influence, as Churchill, the second wife of prime minister Anthony Eden, recalls, "We used to bully her."
At just 19 years old, Harriman married Randolph Churchill, Winston's son, whom she met only two weeks prior. Although society disliked Randolph, Harriman quickly found favor with the Churchill family. Winston Churchill took a liking to Harriman and relied on her as a trusted confidante, even inviting Harriman to Chequers and the War Bunker.
However, Harriman's marriage to Randolph Churchill was far from happy, plagued by Randolph's alcoholism and infidelity. As a consequence, Harriman began an affair with Averell Harriman, an American envoy and a man nearly 30 years her senior, ultimately leading to her divorce from Churchill in 1945.
During the war, Harriman served as an intermediary between Britain and America, gathering intelligence to facilitate the fight against Germany. She managed to weave her way into the lives of many high-profile individuals, such as the US bomber command, the British chief of air staff, Bill Paley, and Ed Murrow. Although her methods were questionable and sometimes considered underhanded, her impact was undeniable in the political realm.
Following the war, Harriman moved to New York and became a renowned socialite. Although she married Hayward, ex-husband of Slim Keith, one of Capote's circle, her reputation continued to be marred by scandal and misjudgments. Some even described her as "a world expert in rich men's bedroom ceilings." Despite the negativity, Harriman remained determined and continued to climb the social and political ladders, eventually becoming Bill Clinton's ambassador to France.
Despite facing money troubles later in life, Harriman's impact on politics and society was undeniable, making her a prime example of a 20th-century "kingmaker." Sonia Purnell's biography, Kingmaker, presents a more balanced and nuanced portrait of Harriman, affirming her place in history as a formidable figure of power, seduction, and intrigue.
- Pamela Harriman's involvement in politics and society extended to the realms of royalty, fashion-and-beauty, and general news, making her a key figure in the lifestyle of the 20th century.
- Harriman's style, often adorned with jewellery, was not just a reflection of her personally but also a strategic tool in her ability to infiltrate the elite and gather intelligence.
- While some viewed her as a cunning manipulator, her association with high-profile individuals such as Churchill, Paley, and Murrow attests to the influence she wielded in the world of politics.
- Society news of the time frequently carried reports of Harriman's affairs and scandals, yet her charm and intelligence allowed her to persevere and ascend the social and political ladders.
- Despite the controversies that surrounded Harriman's life, her remarkable impact on the political landscape of the 20th century earned her the title of a "kingmaker," imprinting her legacy on the culture and politics of the era.
