George Walden: From Diplomat to Politician and Father of Celia Walden

Few public figures in Britain have combined such a multifaceted career with sharp intellect and outspoken candor as George Gordon Harvey Walden. From diplomatic postings in some of the world’s most politically charged capitals to the halls of Parliament as a Conservative Member of Parliament (MP), from writing acclaimed books to shaping the British education debate, Walden’s life story reflects both service and critique. Yet, beyond politics and prose, he is also the father of Celia Walden—a journalist and author known for her own colorful career and marriage to broadcaster Piers Morgan.
This article explores who George Walden is, his educational background, Political journey, family connections, and how his daughter’s literary work Babysitting George stirred public discussion around the football icon George Best. It also touches on other references, such as the occasional confusion with unrelated names like “George Walden Aon” in online searches.
Early Life and Education
Born on 15 September 1939 in Petworth, West Sussex, George Walden came from modest beginnings, but his academic ambitions and intellectual rigor propelled him into elite educational circles. He attended Latymer Upper School in London, where he developed a foundation in languages and literature that would serve him well in his later diplomatic and political career.
Walden’s formal higher education began at Jesus College, Cambridge (1959–1961). While at Cambridge, he immersed himself in modern languages—a passion that would influence both his career postings and his later writing.
Seeking a broader worldview, Walden went on to study at Moscow University, an unusual choice during the Cold War era. This gave him a firsthand understanding of Soviet culture and politics. In 1965–1967, he expanded his cultural expertise by studying Chinese at the University of Hong Kong, deepening his insight into Asian geopolitics.
His academic journey also included time at the prestigious École Nationale d’Administration (ENA) in Paris (1973–74), the training ground for many French political leaders, and Harvard University (1981–82), where he explored political thought and policy-making from an American perspective.
Such a wide-ranging educational background gave Walden the linguistic fluency, cultural sensitivity, and strategic thinking that would define his diplomatic and political work.
Diplomatic Career
Walden joined the British Foreign Office in 1962, beginning a career that saw him serve in key diplomatic roles. His postings included:
- Beijing, China, during a time when the country was largely closed to the West.
- Work on the Soviet Desk in London, where his Moscow background was an asset.
- Paris, France, where he strengthened UK–France relations.
- Serving as Principal Private Secretary to the Foreign Secretary (1981), advising on sensitive international matters.
His time in diplomacy also sparked a deep interest in art and culture. While in China, Walden began collecting Chinese paintings, eventually amassing a highly regarded collection that would later be featured in a Sotheby’s auction.
Political Career
In 1983, George Walden entered Parliament as the Conservative MP for Buckingham. He served in various roles, most notably as Minister for Higher Education (1985–1987) under Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.
During his time as Minister, Walden became known for his strong opinions on educational reform. His later writings would often revisit these themes, critiquing the inequalities and complacency he perceived in the British school system.
Walden stood down from Parliament in 1997, describing himself as an “anti-politician” and later chronicling his experiences in Lucky George: Memoirs of an Anti‑Politician (1999).
Views on Education
Walden’s educational philosophy was shaped by both personal and professional experiences. He was outspoken about what he saw as the intellectual decline in British schooling, particularly in English literature. Famously, he withdrew his daughter from the prestigious Godolphin & Latymer School after finding that the curriculum sidelined Romantic poets like Keats in favor of more contemporary works. He instead enrolled her at Westminster School, believing in a more rigorous literary education.
His 1996 book, We Should Know Better, argued for a meritocratic approach to schooling that transcended traditional private–state divides, advocating for what he called a “third, Open sector” of high-achieving schools accessible to all.
Literary Career
Beyond politics, George Walden carved a niche as a writer and columnist. From 1991 to 2002, he was a columnist for the Evening Standard, later contributing to The Times, The Spectator, and other publications. His books include:
- We Should Know Better (1996) – Education reform critique.
- Lucky George: Memoirs of an Anti‑Politician (1999) – Political autobiography.
- The New Elites (2000) – Analysis of social power shifts.
- Who’s a Dandy? (2002) – Exploration of style and identity.
- God Won’t Save America (2006) – Commentary on U.S. politics.
- China: A Wolf in the World? (2011) – Reflections on China’s rise.
George Walden Aon – Clarifying the Reference
Searches for “George Walden Aon” often appear online, but this is likely a case of mistaken identity or a different individual with the same name connected to the corporate sector, particularly the insurance brokerage giant Aon plc. There is no public evidence linking George Gordon Harvey Walden—the former MP—to corporate roles at Aon. Researchers and readers should be cautious about conflating the two.
Celia Walden – The Daughter
Celia Isobel Walden, born 8 December 1975 in Paris, is the daughter of George Walden and his wife Sarah. Raised in London, Celia attended Westminster School before reading French and Italian at Newnham College, Cambridge.
She followed her father into journalism, but with a modern media twist. Celia began as a feature writer and gossip columnist for The Daily Telegraph, eventually becoming the final editor of its “Spy” diary column. She has written for The Evening Standard, Daily Mail, GQ, Glamour, and The Spectator.
Marriage to Piers Morgan
In January 2006, Celia began dating TV presenter Piers Morgan. The couple married in a private ceremony in Swinbrook, Oxfordshire, on 24 June 2010. They welcomed their daughter, Elise Morgan, on 25 November 2011.
George Walden has occasionally spoken publicly about his famous son-in-law. In a 2020 Good Morning Britain appearance, he described Morgan as a “national treasure” for his outspoken views, particularly on political matters.
Babysitting George – Celia Walden’s Controversial Book
In 2011, Celia Walden published Babysitting George, a memoir-style account of her time spent with the legendary Northern Irish footballer George Best. The book portrays Best during his later years, reflecting on his charm, vulnerabilities, and struggles with alcoholism.
The release was met with sharp criticism from Best’s widow, Alex Best, who labeled the work as “largely fictional” and accused Walden of exploiting the footballer’s memory. Despite this, the book drew attention for its candid storytelling and sparked debates about literary ethics and memoir authenticity.
Celia Walden, George Best, and Public Reaction
The controversy over Babysitting George cemented Celia’s reputation as a fearless, if polarizing, writer. Her willingness to portray George Best in both flattering and unflattering lights drew as much praise for honesty as it did condemnation for perceived insensitivity.
For George Walden, whose career was built on diplomacy and careful public statements, his daughter’s unapologetically bold writing style marked an interesting contrast.
Legacy of George Walden
George Walden’s life spans diplomacy, politics, journalism, and literature. His views on education and social mobility remain relevant in ongoing policy debates. His books continue to provide insight into political life, international relations, and cultural trends.
While “George Walden Aon” may be a search anomaly, his real legacy is firmly rooted in public service, political critique, and cultural commentary. As a father, his connection to Celia Walden links him to a younger generation of British media figures, and through her marriage to Piers Morgan, to the ongoing theatre of modern celebrity life.
Conclusion
From the corridors of Cambridge to the embassies of Beijing and Paris, from the heated debates of the House of Commons to the pages of the Evening Standard, George Walden has lived a life defined by intellectual rigor, cultural curiosity, and a willingness to challenge orthodoxy. His legacy is further shaped by the career of his daughter, Celia Walden, whose own public life—whether through Babysitting George or her marriage to Piers Morgan—continues to attract attention.
For readers seeking a rich, layered biography of a man who has influenced politics, education, literature, and family life, George Walden’s story remains both fascinating and instructive.
This article was researched and compiled for True Biographies, where history meets detail.