It is suggested that the inspiration for Tracy Bond came from Ian Fleming's wartime romance with Muriel Wright, whom he met whilst skiing in Kitzbühel.

She married into the Italian nobility, Count Giulio di Vicenzo, who got hold of a large portion of her money before leaving her.

Desperate with grief for her child, Tracy attempts suicide by walking into the sea in Portugal, but is rescued by James Bond.

This in turn leads to a duel to the death with Blofeld in the climax of the novel, and Bond is finally awarded his revenge but suffers a head injury that leaves him with amnesia.

Originally, it had been planned that On Her Majesty's Secret Service would end with Bond and Tracy driving away from their wedding.

As a result of George Lazenby leaving the role, these scenes ended up being part of On Her Majesty's Secret Service.