The narrative of Prince Charles and Diana, Princess of Wales, is not a classic tale of star-crossed lovers. Chronicled in films, television, exposé books, and gossip columns, their story unfolds as that of a profoundly mismatched couple, heralded as the future of the English monarchy, whose tumultuous divorce nearly shook the foundations of the British Crown. Infidelity, accusations, and strategic press leaks fueled the captivating saga known as the "War of the Waleses."
However, amid the 20-year journey of Princess Diana and the then Prince of Wales, glimpses of genuine affection surfaced, albeit fleetingly. "We fell in love gradually," Princess Diana confided in biographer Andrew Morton. "It wasn't really dramatic. One blink, and it would have gone."
The encounter between 16-year-old Lady Diana Spencer and 29-year-old Prince Charles took place at her ancestral home of Althorp in the fall of 1977. At that time, Prince Charles was casually dating Diana's spirited older sister, Lady Sarah McCorquodale. "I remember thinking what a very jolly, amusing, and attractive 16-year-old she was," Charles reminisced. "I mean, great fun, and bouncy and full of life and everything."
The seeds were sown for a courtship that would capture the attention of the nation and beyond. "He met Miss Right, and she met Mr. Right," her sister Sarah later remarked. "They just clicked. They have the same giggly sense of humor, and they both love ballet, opera, and sport in all forms. It's perfect, and they are both over the moon about it."
Prince Charles and Diana began falling in love in July 1980 during their stay with mutual friend Philip de Pass in Sussex. Diana, in her empathetic nature, comforted Prince Charles over the recent loss of his beloved father figure, Lord Mountbatten. The moment was recounted by Princess Diana in her biography, where she expressed her feelings of compassion and confusion.
In February 1981, the Prince of Wales proposed to Diana at Windsor Castle. Reflecting on that period, Princess Diana acknowledged the complexity of their relationship, emphasizing the nuances of immaturity on both sides. The proposal marked a significant moment in their journey, revealing the intricate layers of their evolving connection.
