Princess Diana and Prince Charles were first introduced in 1977 by Diana's sister, Lady Sarah McCorquodale. They immediately clicked due to their shared sense of humor, love for ballet, opera, and sports.
1980: Rekindled Connection
Three years after their first encounter, Charles and Diana met again in 1980 and began dating. Their shared interests and compatibility led to a growing connection.
1981: Whirlwind Courtship and Lavish Wedding
The couple had a swift courtship, culminating in a highly publicized wedding on July 29, 1981, at St. Paul's Cathedral in London. The ceremony captured global attention.
1981: Pre-Wedding Doubts
The night before the wedding, Charles reportedly told Diana that he didn't love her. Despite considering not attending, Diana went through with the ceremony. She later described it as the "worst day" of her life.
1982-1984: Family Life
Prince Charles and Princess Diana welcomed two sons during their marriage: Prince William in 1982 and Prince Harry in 1984.
1995: BBC Interview
Diana revealed in a 1995 BBC interview that Charles resented the attention she received from the public, adding to the strains in their relationship.
1986: Marital Struggles
Charles expressed feeling "in a kind of cage" and "longing to be free" in a letter in 1986. Reports of Diana's affair with Major James Hewitt also surfaced around this time.
1992: Separation
The couple formally separated in 1992, marking a significant turning point in their marriage.
1996: Divorce
Prince Charles and Princess Diana's divorce was finalized in 1996, a year before Diana's tragic death.
1997: Tragic End
Princess Diana died in a car crash on August 31, 1997, in Paris, bringing a tragic end to her complex relationship with Prince Charles.
Despite the initial fairy-tale aura surrounding their union, Prince Charles and Princess Diana faced numerous challenges, leading to their separation and divorce.