Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer’s marriage, once a fairy-tale beginning, ended in turmoil. After having sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, their relationship deteriorated, with both parties reportedly having affairs. Diana famously said their marriage had “three people” involved. Here’s a look at their story.
A Prince Is Born
Prince Charles was born on November 14, 1948, at Buckingham Palace. As the eldest son of Queen Elizabeth II, he became first in line to the throne. At the age of 21, he was formally invested as the Prince of Wales in a ceremony at Caernarfon Castle in 1969.
Diana’s Early Years
Lady Diana Spencer was born on July 1, 1961, at Sandringham Estate. She grew up in a noble family and had ties to historical figures like Winston Churchill. Her parents divorced during her childhood, but she continued to live at Sandringham.
Bachelor Charles
Before meeting Diana, Prince Charles had a few relationships, including with Camilla Parker Bowles, who would later become his wife. He also dated other women, but none of them compared to his feelings for Camilla, despite her marrying someone else.
Prince Charles Meets Lady Diana
Charles and Diana first met in 1977. Diana was just 16, and they connected during a visit to her family estate. Charles found her charming and eventually began dating her.
The Engagement and Royal Wedding
After dating for a short while, Charles proposed to Diana in February 1981. Their engagement was announced shortly after. However, Charles’s feelings for Diana seemed unclear, as he later admitted to not being in love with her, which upset her deeply.
Unhappy Marriage and Diana’s Passing
The couple’s marriage struggled, with both involved in extramarital affairs. Tragically, Diana passed away in a car accident in 1997, leaving the world in shock.
Life After Diana
In 2005, Charles married Camilla Parker Bowles. Their son, Prince William, married Kate Middleton in 2011, while Prince Harry, like his mother, caused controversy with his marriage to Meghan Markle in 2018.
