Albert Campion - Family and Background

Family and Background

Allingham makes various references to Campion's aristocratic background, and hints at a connection to royalty in several asides. A study of the books suggests his father was a Viscount, and was already dead at the start of the series. Campion's mother is mentioned several times and writes a letter in The Fashion in Shrouds, and Campion borrows a car from his older brother (apparently the current holder of the title) in Mystery Mile, but neither of them appear in person. In Sweet Danger it was mentioned that his brother was "still unmarried" and therefore Campion is likely to "come into the title some day" although there is no suggestion in the books that this actually occurs. His sister Valentine Ferris plays a central part in The Fashion in Shrouds; in that book, it is revealed that they are both estranged from most of their family. In Police at the Funeral, the venerable Caroline Faraday is aware of his true identity, and knows his grandmother Emily (who she refers to as "The Dowager") - she calls him by his real name of "Rudolph" and states at one point that the rest of his family blame Emily for encouraging Campion in his adventurous ways.