Prince Charles and Princess Diana's separation is one of the biggest scandals the royal family has ever faced. The royal couple had a spectacular wedding in 1981 but eventually ended their marriage in 1996. But even before they announced their split, Queen Elizabeth II was reportedly worried about the Prince and Princess of Wales' separation.
In his 2011 biography William and Catherine, Andrew Morton shared the things that happened in the royal palace before Prince Charles, and Princess Dianna announced their separation. When Prince Harry was born in 1989, the Princess reportedly felt unhappy in her marriage, but they decided they would not split until they separated in 1992.
Queen Elizabeth was particularly worried about this, as she's concerned that the royal couple's separation might affect to their sons, Prince William and Prince Harry. When Princess Diana reportedly discussed the impending separation with the monarch, the latter spoke for many and told the Princess that the welfare of her grandchildren always came first.
Her Majesty reportedly said that her concern is that her grandsons have been the "battleground" of a marriage that's broken down. Former royal butler Paul Burrell quoted the monarch's words and added that Queen Elizabeth told Princess Diana that whatever happens in the future, nothing will change because she will always be the mother of Prince William and Prince Harry.
In 1992, the Prince and Princess of Wales separated, but their divorce was only finalized in 1996. However, before their separation, the couple's rocky marriage reportedly made an impression with their sons, wherein Prince Harry reportedly lashed out at his father.
Morton said the parent rivalry of Prince Charles and Princess Diana continued inside the Kensington Palace. He claims that in one particular occasion, the young Harry reportedly attacked his father, beating him on the legs using his fist. Their youngest son reportedly shouted: "I hate you!" and "You make Mummy cry."
Prince William, on the other hand, was reportedly sensitive and a little bit shy. And since he was old enough during those times, he was able to absorb the meaning of the silence and harsh words when their parents were together.
Meanwhile, the public criticized Queen Elizabeth following Princess Diana's death as she remained silent at that time, so many thought she wasn't sensitive to the situation. But later on, Her Majesty reportedly revealed to a friend she's concerned with how her grandsons were coping with the death of their mother.