A new documentary about Princess Diana’s life and legacy has revealed some surprising insights into her marriage to Prince Charles, including their unexpectedly brief courtship.
Airing on US channel CBS last night, Princess Diana: Her Life, Her Death, The Truth shed light upon the Princess of Wales, her relationships and her tragic death; subjects which have long been sources of fascination for the public and major points of interest for programme makers: a number of other documentaries are currently in the works, including an authorised HBO programme featuring contributions from Prince William and Prince Harry, while American Horror Story showrunner Ryan Murphy is currently casting Feud: Charles and Diana.
Among the revelations from CBS’ two hour special is the fact that, by the standards of a typical relationship, Diana and Charles barely knew each other before starting their life together as newlyweds.
‘Charles and Diana had only been together – literally, as in really met – twelve times before they got married,’ senior executive producer Susan Zirinsky revealed to ELLE.com. Despite this, though, one close friend of the Princess told the documentary makers that, despite the ups, downs and eventual breakdown of their relationship, the couple did truly love each other.
‘[Diana’s friend] Lana Marks tells us that towards the end, Diana told her, “I really have only loved one man, and that’s Charles,”’ Zirinsky told ELLE.com.
2017 marks the 20th anniversary of Princess Diana’s tragic passing, with plans already in place for a year-long celebration of her philanthropic endeavours. Earlier this month, Princes William and Harry presented the Inaugural Diana Legacy Award to 20 recipients aged between nine and 18, chosen for demonstrating ‘kindness, compassion and service to others.’
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