The tumultuous marriage between King Charles and Princess Diana has long been a subject of public fascination and scrutiny. The couple’s union, which began in 1981, ended in divorce in 1996, a year before Princess Diana’s tragic death in a car accident in Paris.
Despite the highly publicized struggles and controversies surrounding their marriage, including the alleged affair between Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles, recent revelations suggest a complex and enduring affection between Charles and Diana even after their separation. According to royal author and historian, Andrew Morton, Diana expressed a desire for her love letters from Charles to be made public, indicating that she held onto the belief that their relationship had genuine emotional depth.
In interviews and writings, it has been revealed that Diana had a lasting affection for Charles post-divorce. Royal commentator Ingrid Seward noted that Diana had expressed a wish for people to see the love letters Charles had sent her, believing they demonstrated the true nature of their relationship. Seward remarked, “Diana told me very shortly before she died that she wished people could see the love letters that she had from Charles. She really wanted people to know that she loved Charles, and he loved her.”
The couple’s marriage, marked by public and private turmoil, included intense conflicts over Camilla, leading to a dramatic and very public split. Andersen noted that their marriage was fraught with conflict and emotional struggles, with Diana reportedly experiencing significant personal difficulties, including bulimia and suicidal thoughts.
Following their divorce, it appears that Charles and Diana retained a mutual respect for each other. Despite their strained relationship during their marriage, their interactions post-divorce seem to have reflected a more nuanced connection. Diana, who had two sons with Charles—Prince William and Prince Harry—remained a beloved figure in the public eye until her untimely death in 1997.
