The legacy of Diana, Princess of Wales, continues to cast a shadow over the British royal family, even 26 years after her tragic demise. Newly released audio tapes from 1992, set to be featured in an upcoming Disney+ documentary, have reignited discussions about her tumultuous marriage to King Charles III.
In these tapes, Diana candidly discusses the emotional challenges she faced during her time as a royal. Renowned royal author, Christopher Andersen, commented on the tapes, stating, "Despite her global fame - she could arguably be called the most famous and celebrated woman of her time - Diana was in tremendous emotional pain."
One of the most startling revelations from the tapes pertains to a comment made by the then-Prince Charles about their son, Prince Harry. Upon Harry's birth in 1984, Charles allegedly expressed disappointment to Diana's mother, Frances Shand Kydd, hoping for a girl instead. Frances sharply retorted, reminding Charles of the blessing of having a healthy child. Diana recounted this incident, noting how it led to a further strain in their relationship.
These recordings are also expected to fuel the long-standing rumor surrounding Prince Harry's paternity. Speculations have often linked James Hewitt, one of Diana's former romantic partners, as Harry's biological father. However, it's crucial to note that Diana did not meet Hewitt until 1986, two years after Harry's birth. Despite the timeline clearly debunking this theory, the rumor persists, largely based on the superficial resemblance between Hewitt and Harry, particularly their red hair.
The documentary, titled "Diana: The Rest of Her Story," is slated for a 2024 release on Disney+. It promises to delve deep into Diana's life, with a significant focus on her troubled marriage to Prince Charles. Andersen observed, "Their marriage was famously stormy from the start. Diana acknowledged that it was a wonder that she became pregnant at all, given her marital battles with Charles."
For King Charles III, these tapes are a stark reminder of the challenges and controversies that marked his first marriage. As Andersen aptly concluded, "If it weren't for Diana and the life she lived, we would not be half as interested in the royal family."
The royal family has yet to comment on the upcoming documentary and the revelations it promises. However, as history has shown, the life and times of Princess Diana continue to captivate audiences worldwide, ensuring that her legacy remains indelible in the annals of British royalty.
