When 19-year-old Lady Diana Spencer got engaged to Prince Charles, the whole world believed it was the beginning of a real-life fairytale. The future Princess of Wales seemed like the perfect candidate – young, without a scandalous past or any serious previous relationships. Prince Charles was her first official boyfriend. However, the fairytale turned out not to be as happy as everyone thought.
On July 29, 1981, the “wedding of the century” took place – Prince Charles married Lady Diana Spencer. The ceremony was broadcast worldwide, and the newlyweds appeared to be the perfect couple. However, it soon became clear that there would be no happiness in this marriage: Charles resumed his romantic relationship with Camilla Parker Bowles, which gave Diana an unspoken permission to have her own romantic adventures.
Diana’s first serious affair after the troubles in her marriage was with her bodyguard, Barry Manak. Their relationship began in 1985 when he worked in the royal security service. Diana later admitted that she was “deeply in love” and even ready to “give up everything for him.” The tragic death of Manak in a motorcycle accident in 1987 was a devastating blow for the princess.
Among Diana’s most famous romances was her five-year relationship with officer James Hewitt (1986-1992). They met at a cocktail party, and Diana later confirmed their affair in a 1995 BBC Panorama interview. The relationship ended when Hewitt was sent to serve in the Gulf War.
A special place in the princess’s heart was held by heart surgeon Hasnat Khan, whom Diana’s friends called “the love of her life.” Their relationship lasted from 1995 to 1997, and the couple even considered moving to Pakistan. However, Khan feared that they wouldn’t be able to have a normal family life if they married.
The last romance in Diana’s life was with Dodi Al-Fayed, the son of a billionaire and owner of Harrods. Their relationship began in the summer of 1997 when Dodi invited Diana and her sons to vacation on his yacht. The couple spent the last weeks of Diana’s life together, traveling around the Mediterranean. The tragic car crash in the Paris Alma Tunnel on August 31, 1997, ended the lives of both.
Of course, there were many rumors about other romances in Diana’s life. Among them were relationships with art dealer Oliver Hoare, rugby player Will Carling, and even a meeting with John F. Kennedy Jr. Although some of these stories remain unverified rumors, they add to the mystery of the princess, who will forever remain in the hearts of millions as a symbol of beauty, kindness, and unbroken spirit.
