It is easy to forget how beset by turmoil the royal family was in the 1990s, especially due to Princess Diana and Prince Charles’ so-called “War of the Waleses” which threatened to tear the institution apart. In today’s perspective, it seems extraordinary that these two even married, given not just the 12-year age gap and Charles’ ongoing affection for Camilla Parker Bowles, but also the fact that they shared no interests. According to a new book, My Mother And I, an excerpt in the Daily Mail this week revealed that late Queen Elizabeth had reservations about Diana and privately wondered whether Diana wouldn’t be better suited to Prince Andrew. The book also tells of Diana’s determination to become the Princess of Wales and how she made herself known to the royal family during a visit to the castle. The book also reveals a moment in Diana’s life when she was sequestered and developed a close friendship with a footman, Mark Simpson, and how she was becoming more and more unhappy.
Apart from that, another movie about Prince Andrew’s life is in the works, and reports suggest that a female equerry has been appointed to King Charles. In addition, a recent poll showed that Kate Middleton and Charles both received 3-point ratings bounces after they were admitted to hospital, while Meghan Markle remains the least popular member of the royal family, aside from Prince Andrew. King Charles and Queen Camilla were seen at St. Mary Magdalene church in Sandringham Sunday, the first time King Charles was seen after receiving treatment for prostate enlargement. Reports also suggest that the queen wrote a letter to the BBC in the days before the broadcast of the Martin Bashir interview with Diana. Princess Margaret, George VI, Elizabeth II, and Charles and Camilla’s engagement were all historical events that happened during this week in royal history. Also, with Charles, Kate, and William off the royal stage, it is pondered whether this will be Camilla’s moment to shine, and what would have happened if Diana had married Andrew.