Charles, Prince of Wales, and Lady Diana Spencer entered into one of history’s most-watched marriages. Their joint legacy still has the power to ignite discussions today, even in royal history. Their televised wedding in 1981 was the spectacular “wedding of the century,” thrilling millions of spectators around the world. Underneath the glamorous exterior, their marriage was deeply dysfunctional. This chaos culminated in their split in 1992 and their formal divorce in 1996.
For Charles, then 32 years old, and Diana, only 20, they started their life together in a wave of lofty, if not unreasonable, expectations. They welcomed two sons during their marriage: Prince William in 1982 and Prince Harry in 1984. Though they celebrated a number of upbeat extensions to their home life, communal treachery sabotaged their union from every route. This act of betrayal put tremendous stress on their relationship.
As their lives descend down the path of addiction, the couple’s marriage reaches a breaking point after 15 years together, their anniversary more a memory than a celebration. In a candid moment during a 1995 BBC interview, Diana alluded to the struggles she faced within the marriage, stating, “Well, there were three of us in this marriage, so it was a bit crowded.” This admission served to illuminate the complexities that surrounded their union.
Public criticism came down hard as allegations of cheating began to bubble up. She says he revived an affair with Camilla Parker Bowles, a relationship that started before Charles married Diana. Following his divorce from Diana, Charles wed Camilla in 2005. Meanwhile, Diana’s struggles became increasingly public and palpable, culminating in her famous “revenge dress” appearance at a dinner party in 1996—a powerful statement reflecting her determination to reclaim her identity.
On the evening of August 31, 1997, tragedy befell the royal family and the world when Diana was killed in a car crash in Paris. Her sudden death reverberated across the globe. It raised concerns over media invasion and how it affected her life. This was a profound moment of transition for the British monarchy and their established connection to the people.
The impacts from the royal couple’s divorce echoed across the country. The marital scandal of their split led to wider conversations about the institution of marriage and royal marriages, and what the public should expect from them. Though they were divorced, Diana had retained her name and title of Princess of Wales. She simply moved ahead to try and make the best decisions for her children. “The princess will continue to be involved in all decisions relating to the children and will remain at Kensington Palace with offices in St. James’s Place,” stated a representative after the divorce was finalized.
