A posthumous memoir, “Camelot’s Architect: The Untold Story of Jackie Kennedy, Lafayette Square, and a Secret Romance,” penned by architect Jack Warnecke, unveils an intriguing and lesser-known aspect of the life of former First Lady Jackie Kennedy. In contrast to her public persona, the memoir portrays her as playful, sensuous and, at times, daring during a clandestine romance which flourished in the mid-1960s.
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Warnecke recounts an unforgettable episode from the summer of 1966 when Jackie visited Honolulu, ostensibly with her children, John and Caroline, under the guise of a friend’s invitation. In truth, she was there to rendezvous with Warnecke, who was busy designing the state capitol for Hawaii. This excursion presented the first opportunity in years for Jackie to escape the prying eyes of the media and public, granting her a newfound sense of freedom.
In a particularly revealing scene from the memoir, Warnecke describes a relaxed evening at his stunning estate situated near Diamond Head. After sharing drinks, the pair intended to head out for dinner. However, upon retrieving his jacket, Warnecke was astonished to find Jackie already seated in his car—in the nude. Her playful declaration, “I’m all yours. All of me. I’m letting you know how much I love you,” showcased a side of Jackie that contrasted dramatically with the demure image often depicted.
Navigating Honolulu’s streets in a canvas-topped convertible, Warnecke admits it was challenging to maintain focus on the road, as he was captivated by his companion’s boldness. The couple soon sought refuge at a secluded seaside spot, allowing them to revel in the privacy and serenity the moment offered. In his reflection on those two months spent in Hawaii, Warnecke wrote of his success in helping Jackie reconnect with a sense of normalcy in her life.
The two architects first crossed paths in 1962 when Warnecke was tasked with the prestigious project of preserving Washington D.C.’s historic Lafayette Square. This venture was passionately backed by both President John F. Kennedy and Jackie, establishing an initial bond among them. With Jackie frequently turning to Warnecke for architectural advice, he gradually became an integral figure in their inner circle, even being appointed by JFK to the Commission of Fine Arts.
Following the tragic assassination of President Kennedy in 1963, the Kennedy family invited Warnecke to design the president’s gravesite at Arlington National Cemetery. This project deepened the connection between Warnecke and Jackie, eventually blossoming into a close friendship that thrived under the weight of shared experiences.
Warnecke’s daughter, Margo Merck, who oversees the Warnecke Archives, highlights the unique relationship forged between Jackie and her father. Reflecting on their history, she noted, “They knew each other when Jack Kennedy was alive. There was no romance back then, but later there was plainly an attraction.” This deepening emotional bond stemmed from their collaboration on various projects and significant experiences shared during a tumultuous period.
Margo describes her father as a dynamic, playful and inquisitive man, bringing a sense of levity to their relationship. She proposes that their eventual romance was rather unexpected for both of them, adding a layer of intrigue to Warnecke’s narrative, which emerges 16 years after his passing in 2010 at the age of 91.
“Camelot’s Architect,” set to be published on November 10, 2023, serves as a window into an almost forgotten narrative that intertwines the lives of one of history’s most prominent women with that of a respected architect. Through an exploration of their shared interests in architecture and history, the memoir offers fresh insights into the emotional landscape surrounding Jackie Kennedy during a significant chapter of her life.
Readers eager to delve further into this remarkable story can find the full account of Jackie Kennedy and Jack Warnecke in the current edition of PEOPLE magazine, available in their app.
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