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Viewers thought it was a fairytale when Lady Diana Spencer walked down the aisle in a 25-foot train to marry her prince in 1981, a girl of 20 seemingly destined to become queen of England. With an estimated 750 million people watching around the world, the fresh-faced Diana said “I do” to 32-year-old Prince Charles. However, their 15-year marriage was doomed from the start, as the public would come to find out Charles’ heart was tied up with Camilla Parker Bowles, a woman he had met over a decade before.
Camilla lacked an aristocratic bloodline and wasn’t viewed as “virginal” enough for a proper courtship and role as a royal wife.
The devastated prince remained close friends with Camilla and rekindled an affair with her in the late 1970 before finally moving on in 1981 with Diana.
In “The Duchess of Cornwall: Camilla’s Story and Secrets”, it was revealed how Prince Charles was forced to make a quick move on Diana before the princess’ reputation was ruined.
According to author Jessica Jayne, Diana grew anxious of Camilla’s presence in Charles’ life in the early days of their courtship.
The book documents how, on social occasions where Charles and Diana appeared together, Camilla would also make an appearance alongside her husband Andrew Parker Bowles.
On the subject of proposing to Diana, the author claims that Charles said he was “terrified of making a promise and living to regret it”.
However, Prince Philip was on-hand to alleviate Charles’ inhibitions and urged him to make a decision, reportedly saying: “Either propose to Diana or break it off.”
After much deliberation, Charles proposed to Diana in February 1981.
Princess Diana showed off her engagement ring featuring 14 solitaire diamonds surrounding a 12-carat oval blue Ceylon sapphire set in 18-carat white gold.
The engagement ring was created by British luxury jewellery maker Gerrard and the cost of the ring at the time was £28,000.
They were married on Wednesday July 29, 1981, at St Paul’s Cathedral in London, with notable figures in attendance including many members of royal families from around the world.
When asked if their love was real in 1981, a demure Diana replied “of course”, before Charles added: “Whatever ‘in love’ means.”
The couple separated in 1992 and Princess Diana and Prince Charles’ divorce was finalised on August 28, 1999.
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