Jennie Bond is a distinguished journalist and media personality known for her sophistication and positive demeanor. With a career that oscillates effortlessly between royal affairs and mainstream entertainment, Bond has established herself as a prominent figure in British broadcasting.
Born and raised in Letchworth, Jennie Bond attended St. Francis’ College, an independent girls’ school, before going on to the University of Warwick, where she graduated with a degree in French and European Literature. Her career in journalism began in print, where she worked for various local newspapers in London. Her first reporting role was with the Richmond Herald, followed by a position at the Uxbridge Evening Mail, where she honed her skills as a journalist.
In 1977, Bond transitioned to BBC Radio, where she took on roles as a producer and editor. During her time in radio, she contributed to several notable programs, including Woman’s Hour, Tuesday Call, and International Assignment, as well as various television documentaries.
In 1989, Jennie Bond became a royal correspondent, a role that would catapult her into the public eye. Throughout the 1990s, she combined her reporting with presenting duties, regularly anchoring BBC Breakfast News, BBC One O’Clock News, and BBC Six O’Clock News. Notably, she presented the Six O’Clock News on the day of the tragic death of her friend and fellow newsreader, Jill Dando.
Bond held her position as royal correspondent until the summer of 2003, covering numerous significant events involving the British Royal Family. Her reporting included the 1992 Windsor Castle fire, royal weddings, the tumultuous divorce of The Prince and Princess of Wales, and the deaths of key royal figures, such as Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother and Princess Margaret. She also reported on the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh’s Golden Jubilee celebrations.
In 2001, Bond authored Reporting Royalty, a book detailing her experiences covering the Royal Family during the 1990s, providing insight into the challenges and triumphs of being a royal correspondent.
In a venture into reality television, Jennie Bond appeared on I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! to raise funds for the Devon Air Ambulance Trust. Her participation was a success, raising an impressive £260,989.85, which the charity utilized to acquire a state-of-the-art navigation system and extend its helicopter flying time during the summer months.
Known for her grace and professionalism, Jennie Bond remains a pillar of propriety in the media landscape. Her extensive career, characterized by her sophisticated approach and unwavering positivity, has made her a respected voice in both journalism and entertainment.