As the world’s most famous woman, Princess Diana was never short of male attention. It’s been 20 years since the Princess’ death and her romances are still one of the most poured over chapters in her short yet spectacular life. From her horse riding instructor James Hewitt, royal protection officer Barry Mannakee, and, of course, billionaire Dodi Fayed, Diana’s choice in men was as ever-changing as it was fascinating. Her story is not just about love but also about heartbreak, resilience, and the quest for happiness.
With her life being a constant spectacle in the public eye, Diana faced challenges that many could only imagine. Her relationships were often scrutinized, and each romantic endeavor seemed to be a reflection of her emotional journey. As we explore her romantic life, we will uncover the complexities of her relationships and what they meant for her identity as a beloved public figure.
But who did she truly love the most? While many of her close friends have labeled heart surgeon Hasnat Khan — who had a two-year relationship with Diana which ended in 1997 — the love of her life, her former bodyguard Ken Wharfe disagrees. As we delve into the details of Diana’s romantic history, we will gain insights into her heart and the love she sought.
Diana's tumultuous relationship with Prince Charles will go down in the history books, but despite their divorce, she had a lot of love for her husband. Ken Wharfe, Diana's former bodyguard, mentioned in a recent interview, “The one love of Diana’s life was her husband. She genuinely did love him.” Despite the affection, the reality was complicated, as Charles loved someone else, adding to the emotional turmoil.
Their relationship was marked by public scrutiny and personal struggles, yet Diana's love for Charles remained evident. This powerful connection was the foundation of her identity, as she navigated the pressures of being part of the royal family while seeking personal happiness.
In a bid to get even with her husband’s romance with Camilla, Diana turned to her horse riding instructor, James Hewitt. Ken Wharfe expressed, “I’m convinced it was a protest vote on Diana’s part. In that [she thought] ‘well if you can do it, so can I.’” Their five-year affair, however, was not as intense as it was portrayed in the media.
Ken revealed, “I think he did bring some happiness into that relationship but it wasn’t a full-on relationship where they saw each other every weekend.” Sadly, Diana’s attempts to make her husband jealous did not elicit the reaction she hoped for, as it seemed to bother her more than it did Charles.
Most recently, Diana’s liaison with her bodyguard before Ken, Barry Mannakee, came to light in the explosive Channel 4 documentary, Diana: In Her Own Words. Ken clarified that Barry was more of a shoulder to cry on for Diana, rather than a sexual partner. “One thing’s for certain, Diana did not have a sexual relationship with Barry,” he shared.
The dynamics within the palace were complex, as staff members vied for special friendships with the royals. When Barry charmed his way into Diana’s inner circle, it caused tension among the staff, revealing the competitive nature of royal life.
So, what would Diana make of the fact Prince Charles ended up with the woman she used to refer to as “The Rottweiler?” Ken believes that had Diana been alive today, her presence may have changed the course of events. “One has to ask the question — had Diana been alive today, would Charles have married Camilla?” he speculated.
Ken also noted that following Diana’s death, the narrative around Camilla changed significantly. “Because Diana died, Camilla did marry the Prince of Wales, and we are led to believe today that they lived happily ever after,” he said, hinting at the ongoing public debate about the validity of that claim.
Had Diana never gone on that ill-fated trip to Paris, she would be 56 and possibly a proud grandmother to Prince George and Princess Charlotte. Ken mused about what their relationship would be like today, suggesting that healing tends to happen over time. “There is normally a healing process, it does begin. The heartaches of it all tend to drift away and one tends to live with it,” he observed.
Ultimately, Diana was a humane individual who preferred kindness over anger. Ken believed that she would have continued to make a significant impact on charitable causes, and perhaps even rekindled a relationship with Charles for the sake of their sons. Although we will never know the full extent of what could have been, Diana’s legacy continues to inspire many.
Detail | Information |
---|---|
Name | Diana Frances Spencer |
Birth Date | July 1, 1961 |
Marriage | Prince Charles (1981 - 1996) |
Children | Prince William, Prince Harry |
Death | August 31, 1997 |