Attenborough: I feel guilty

15 September 2008 12:43pm

Lord Richard Attenborough has said he feels guilty for not spending as much time with his daughter and granddaughter before they were tragically killed.

Lord Attenborough, who has directed classics such as Ghandi and Cry Freedom, said he wished he hadn't always put work first before his daughter Lucy and granddaughter Lucy more before they were killed in the tsunami while holidaying in Thailand in 2004.

He said: "I adore my family, they are my joy. However, I am committed to my work. If on a Saturday morning when I was ostensibly going to be with the children and something arose at Rada or at Unicef or at the orphanage or whatever, I would allow the other pressures to take precedent.

"Now I have a guilt. I regret now that I can recall occasions when, If I'd had more sense..."

He added that he finds it easier now to talk about his daughter.

"I can talk to people about Jane now, although sometimes I can't get the words out. I can also see her. I can feel her touch. I can hear her coming into a room," he said.

:: :: Entirely Up To You, Darling by Richard Attenborough and Diana Hawkins is published by Hutchinson, priced £20. Available now.

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