When understanding Princess Diana’s many romantic relationships, one must know that her primary relationship, her marriage to King Charles, was filled with distrust and infidelity. Now widely understood by the public, King Charles was in a secret relationship with Camilla Parker Bowles, the Queen Consort today. Many of the time stamps on the relationships mentioned here might seem slightly confusing, given that Diana and Charles were married until 1996, so remember that as you read. The life of an extraordinary woman was cut short; these were the many different men in Lady Diana’s life.
#1: King Charles: the Beginning
Duration: 1977-1996
Princess Diana first met King Charles in 1977 while he was dating her older sister, Lady Sarah Spencer. Diana, then just 16 years old, reportedly found Charles charming but didn’t see him romantically until 1980. By then, Charles, under pressure to marry, began courting Diana, who seemed an ideal match for the future king.
Their engagement was announced in February 1981, sparking a media frenzy. On July 29, 1981, they wed in a spectacular ceremony watched by millions. Diana, only 20 at the time, entered royal life, unaware of the intense scrutiny and personal struggles ahead.