Today marks the 29th anniversary of Princess Diana and Prince Charles finalising their divorce, following an ill-fated marriage that lasted a mere 11 years. The Royal pair exchanged vows at St Paul’s Cathedral, London, in 1981, but chose to part ways in 1992, with their divorce being officially finalised four years later in August 1996.
Diana reportedly received a substantial £17 million lump sum and an annual £350,000 for her private office as part of her divorce settlement. However, one aspect of the divorce left her heartbroken, prompting a young Prince William to promise to rectify the error.
Diana was permitted to retain her apartments at Kensington Palace, and the couple agreed to share custody of their sons. However, she was unable to retain her HRH title.
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Upon marrying in July 1981, Diana became Her Royal Highness, The Princess of Wales. However, following her separation from Charles, she was referred to as Diana, Princess of Wales – a change that left her deeply upset.
The loss of the HRH meant that friends and staff no longer needed to bow or curtsy in Diana’s presence. It also meant she would now have to curtsy to her ex-husband, her two sons, and numerous minor royals, reports the Mirror.
Despite losing her ties with the Royal Family, with whom she was once so closely intertwined, Diana remained a devoted mother to her two young sons, William and Harry, throughout the divorce and as she navigated life as a single parent.
Following her distress over losing her HRH title, a 14 year old William is said to have made her a heartfelt pledge.
He assured her: “Don’t worry Mummy, I will give it [HRH title] back to you one day when I am King.”
Princess Diana and Prince William pictured together in 1991 -Credit:Mirrorpix
The author revealed that the Queen had banned two things from Balmoral after Diana’s passing -Credit:AFP Contributor, AFP via Getty Images
Her former butler, Paul Burrell, revealed that this exchange moved Diana to tears.
Despite William’s caring words, he was never able to honour his vow, as Princess Diana tragically passed away just one year afterwards.
The marriage between Charles and Diana was famously stormy.
Charles even delivered a harsh remark to his then-wife as she found it difficult to integrate into the Firm, unlike her sister-in-law, Sarah Ferguson.
Since both Sarah and Diana came from countryside backgrounds and possessed a similar carefree, spirited nature, numerous Royal observers began drawing comparisons between the pair.
Nevertheless, whilst they shared many similarities, one significant distinction was how each adjusted to life within the monarchy.
Recognising the contrasts between his spouse and his brother Prince Andrew’s partner, Charles allegedly questioned Diana one day about why she couldn’t be more like Fergie, the Duchess of York.
Psychologist Jo Hemmings revealed to Channel 5’s Fergie Vs Diana: Royal Wives at War documentary: “There was a point at which Charles said to Diana, ‘Why can’t you be more Fergie?’. For someone whose self-esteem is already pretty low, who is feeling very vulnerable. That wasn’t just a rebute. That would have been one of the most cutting, hurtful remarks that her husband could have made to her.”