Lady Diana Spencer married Prince Charles (now known as King Charles III) in July 1981. The wedding was lavish, as expected, but the couple already had issues, which would continue for the next 15 years. Diana was aware that Charles still wasn’t over his first love, Camilla Parker Bowles, with whom he continued an illicit affair throughout his marriage to Princess Diana.
Charles disclosed to Diana the day before they got married that he wasn’t in love with her, so it’s no wonder the marriage didn’t work out. In addition, the scrutiny of the public and the oppressive presence of royal duties added to the stress. Diana often appeared upset during public appearances, and Charles made awkward jokes, worsening the tension. Here are the most unforgettable interactions between Diana and Charles over the years.
1. Charles avoided saying he was in love with Diana
In a 1981 video announcing their engagement, Charles joked about Diana being willing to marry him, saying he was impressed by her bravery. Then, when the interviewer brought up the fact that they must be in love, Diana was quick with a positive response while Charles fumbled the answer, saying, “Whatever “in love” means.” Diana’s reaction was visibly confused and pained, and she later said in interviews that the moment “traumatized” her.
2. A tearful goodbye, but no happy tears
When the newly engaged Diana said goodbye to Charles, who was leaving for New Zealand and Australia for royal engagements, she wasn’t crying because she would miss him. Instead, it was because when she discussed the upcoming trip with her beau, he took a phone call from Camilla, and Diana was agitated by this news.
3. Princess Diana looked nervous at her wedding
It’s normal for a bride to get cold feet before getting married, but Diana’s scared disposition at her nuptials was palpable. TikTok users who saw clips from the event said that they could tell she thought marrying Charles was a mistake, and true enough, years after, the late Diana admitted that she thought about canceling the wedding after she learned about Charles’ ongoing affair with Camilla. But her family calmed her nerves, and she was about to get through the moment.
4. A facial reaction when Charles made a speech
The second time King Charles visited Australia, the two were married, and Princess Diana accompanied him. In his speech, he called himself “lucky enough to marry her,” but the crowd laughed when Diana made a face that showed she didn’t think they were so lucky to be married. Charles made a comment saying, “Amazing what ladies do when your back is turned,” which is ironic considering what he did behind her back!