Andrew Morton, Diana’s biographer, and royal author Ingrid Seward reflect on the late princess’ legacy nearly 25 years after her death.
Whatever Prince Charles does or says, his ex-legacy wife’s will be right behind him.
Princess Diana’s ex-husband is still remembered for their doomed marriage nearly 25 years after her tragic death at the age of 36.
Many Britons took years to forgive the Prince of Wales, whose admitted infidelity and long-standing ties to Camilla Parker Bowles jeopardised his marriage to Diana, dubbed “the People’s Princess.” When he married Lady Diana Spencer when she was only 20 years old, the eldest son of Queen Elizabeth II was considered the world’s most eligible bachelor. A global television audience of 750 million people in 74 countries watched the wedding.
The glamorous mother of Princes William and Harry died in a car accident in 1997, five years after her public divorce from Charles. Charles married Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, in 2005. The queen expressed her sincere wish in January of this year for Camilla, who was initially shunned by Diana fans, to be known as Queen Consort when Charles takes the throne.
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Over the years, Charles has tried to establish himself as the first in line to the throne. However, some royal authors stated that Diana’s legacy continues to overshadow his accomplishments.
“His tragedy is that whatever he does, says, or does not do, he will be remembered for one thing: that his fairy-tale marriage ended,” Diana’s biographer Andrew Morton told People magazine in this week’s issue. “Prince Charles is remembered for his first wife, just as [King] Henry VIII is remembered for his six wives. It will always follow him. His marriage has defined his life.”
“The ghost of Diana followed him everywhere,” royal biographer Ingrid Seward added.
The now-73-year-old does not publicly discuss Diana, according to the outlet. Charles did participate in an investigation into various conspiracy theories surrounding Diana’s death in 2005.
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The public mood toward Charles and Camilla has since mellowed.
Camilla, now known as the Duchess of Cornwall, has served on the boards of over 100 charities, promoting literacy, assisting victims of domestic violence, and caring for the elderly.
She eventually won over many Britons with her down-to-earth style and sense of humour. Her warmth softened Charles’ stuffy image, making him appear more relaxed, if not happier, as he visited houses of worship, unveiled plaques, and awaited his turn to reign.
Charles, 73, has long stated that when he succeeds his mother on the throne, he wants Camilla to be known as Queen.
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Morton told Fox News Digital in 2017 that Diana relied on her sons for support during her failing marriage to Charles.
“She began to enjoy life a lot more as the boys grew older and became like her counsellors and friends as sons,” Morton said at the time. “Diana was devoted to William and Harry. [If] you ever criticised the boys, she’d be all over you like a tigress. She was the only one who could speak out against those two. Of course, she gave in… She desired to be a hands-on parent herself.”
Morton stated that there is still much to learn and appreciate about Diana today.
“I think what I realised was that she had compartmentalised a lot of her life,” he explained. “And you had the impression that you knew her, but you didn’t. You knew a little about her… She was both a mysterious and compassionate woman.”
