What began as a fairy-tale romance between Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer quickly turned into one of the most discussed—and tragic—royal relationships in modern history. Their lavish wedding in 1981 captivated the world, but behind the grandeur was a marriage plagued by misunderstandings, infidelity, and emotional distance. Despite welcoming two beloved sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, the union was riddled with challenges. Diana famously said there were “three people” in their marriage—an allusion to Camilla Parker Bowles—setting the stage for decades of royal intrigue.
Let’s walk through the major milestones of this storied relationship, from their first meeting to the heartbreak of divorce.
Table of Contents
The Birth of a Future King
Prince Charles Philip Arthur George Windsor entered the world on November 14, 1948, in Buckingham Palace. At the time, Britain was still under the reign of his grandfather, King George VI. That changed in 1952, when the King died, and Charles’ mother, Princess Elizabeth, ascended the throne as Queen Elizabeth II. From that moment, Charles became the heir apparent, destined to one day wear the crown.
In 1958, at just nine years old, Charles was formally given the title of Prince of Wales, a title traditionally held by male heirs since the 14th century. However, his formal investiture didn’t happen until 1969, when he was 21 years old. The ceremony at Caernarfon Castle in Wales was a grand affair, filled with pageantry and watched by millions. It symbolized the beginning of his public role, although his personal life would later overshadow his royal duties.
Diana Spencer’s Early Life
Diana Frances Spencer was born on July 1, 1961, on the royal Sandringham Estate. Her parents, John and Frances Spencer, Viscount and Viscountess Althorp, came from distinguished aristocratic families with deep ties to the monarchy. All four of her grandmothers had served as ladies-in-waiting to Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother, cementing the Spencer family’s closeness to the royal household.
Despite her noble heritage, Diana’s childhood was far from idyllic. When she was just six years old, her parents divorced—an event that left a lasting emotional impact. She continued living on the Sandringham Estate, which her family leased from the royals, but the fractured home life shaped much of her later empathy for children and vulnerable people. Adding to her historical significance, Diana was distantly related to Winston Churchill, the legendary wartime prime minister.
Charles the Eligible Bachelor
By his twenties, Prince Charles was a naval officer and one of the world’s most eligible bachelors. His romantic history included relationships with women from Britain’s upper class, including Georgiana Russell, daughter of a British ambassador; Lady Jane Wellesley, daughter of the Duke of Wellington; and Davina Sheffield.
The woman who left the deepest impression, however, was Camilla Rosemary Shand. Charles was deeply in love with her, but while he was serving in the Royal Navy, Camilla married Andrew Parker Bowles. This marriage did not end their connection—something that would later cause immense strain in Charles’ future marriage.
Meeting Diana for the First Time
In November 1977, Charles visited Althorp Estate to see his then-girlfriend, Lady Sarah Spencer—Diana’s older sister. It was during this visit that Charles met 16-year-old Diana for the first time. She was still a schoolgirl, full of energy and charm, and made quite an impression on him. Diana later recalled their meeting with amusement, describing herself as making “a lot of noise” that caught his attention. Charles remembered thinking she was “jolly, amusing, and attractive.”
Passing the Balmoral Test
When Charles and Diana’s relationship began to blossom, he decided to take her to Balmoral Castle in Scotland—a significant step, as it meant introducing her to Queen Elizabeth II and other senior royals. This so-called “Balmoral Test” was a way to see how a potential spouse fit into the traditions and formalities of royal life.
Diana’s warmth, charm, and easygoing nature won over the Queen and Prince Philip. She seemed to be the perfect royal bride—poised yet relatable. This approval paved the way for the next monumental step in their relationship.
Royal Engagement
By early 1981, the romance had captured public attention, and Diana’s reputation was at stake. Prince Philip reportedly advised his son to either propose or end the relationship, fearing prolonged courtship might damage her image. Charles interpreted this as a directive to marry.
On February 6, 1981, he proposed at Windsor Castle. The couple announced their engagement on February 24. When asked if they were in love, Diana quickly replied, “Of course.” Charles, however, added the now-famous phrase, “Whatever ‘in love’ means,” a remark that deeply unsettled Diana.
A Wedding Watched by Millions
On July 29, 1981, an estimated 750 million people tuned in to watch the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana at St. Paul’s Cathedral. London’s streets were lined with cheering crowds, and the day was filled with British pomp and tradition—street parties, the Red Arrows’ aerial display, and fireworks.
It seemed like a match made in heaven. Yet beneath the pageantry, cracks were already beginning to form.
A Honeymoon Overshadowed
The couple’s honeymoon included a trip to Scotland and time aboard the royal yacht Britannia. For Diana, it was a disappointment. She noticed Charles making daily phone calls to Camilla Parker Bowles. Adding to her suspicions, Charles wore cufflinks engraved with interlocking “C’s,” a gift from Camilla. Diana confronted him, leading to their first major marital row.
The Birth of Prince William
On June 21, 1982, the couple’s first child, Prince William, was born. The public saw this as a happy chapter, but tension persisted. During a royal tour of Australia and New Zealand in 1983, Diana’s popularity soared while Charles felt sidelined—a dynamic that would continue to trouble their relationship.
Growing Distance
Despite their glamorous image, insiders reported that the couple was incompatible. Diana was spontaneous and empathetic, while Charles was formal and reserved. Their 13-year age gap added to the disconnect. The press even dubbed them “The Glums,” hinting at the growing unhappiness behind palace walls.
The Arrival of Prince Harry
On September 15, 1984, Diana gave birth to Prince Henry “Harry” Charles Albert David. Charles had reportedly hoped for a daughter and reacted with disappointment, allegedly commenting on Harry’s red hair. Diana later said his reaction marked the moment she emotionally withdrew from the marriage.
Diana Confronts Camilla
By the mid-1980s, Charles and Camilla had rekindled their romance. In a bold move, Diana confronted Camilla directly, telling her she knew about the affair and that all she wanted was her husband back. Camilla’s dismissive response confirmed Diana’s worst fears—that her marriage was effectively over.
Affairs on Both Sides
Diana began her own relationships, most notably with her bodyguard Barry Mannakee and later Army officer Major James Hewitt. Her connection with Hewitt fueled rumors—still circulating today—that he could be Prince Harry’s biological father, though Diana insisted the timing didn’t align.
The Secret Recordings
Frustrated by the lack of support within the royal family, Diana began secretly recording her experiences with the help of friend Dr. James Colthurst. These recordings became the basis for Andrew Morton’s 1992 book Diana: Her True Story, which shocked the world with revelations about Charles’ affair, Diana’s struggles with bulimia, and her mental health battles.
Separation and Divorce
The Morton book made reconciliation impossible. By December 1992, the Prime Minister announced the couple’s formal separation. In 1995, after Camilla’s divorce, Queen Elizabeth II urged Charles and Diana to follow suit. Their divorce was finalized in August 1996, with Diana receiving a settlement reportedly worth over $22 million.
A Legacy Beyond the Marriage
This tragic royal love story—full of passion, betrayal, and public spectacle—remains one of the most famous in modern history. Though their marriage ended, both Charles and Diana left lasting legacies, not only through their children but also in how they shaped the public’s view of the monarchy.
