Royals: Charles & Diana's Relationship During Her Final Years

It's widely known that King Charles III and Princess Diana faced challenges throughout most of their 11-year marriage, leading to their separation in 1992. However, the details of their relationship post-divorce, following the finalization in 1996, remain less explored.

After Charles and Diana divorced, it seemed they lived separate lives, with their children being the main connection. There were suspicions that Diana's popularity posed a threat to the Royal family's image, creating a rift. However, reports suggest that, despite no romantic ties, Charles and Diana may have become closer before her tragic death in 1997.

In Tina Brown's 2008 book, 'The Diana Chronicles,' she mentions that after the divorce, Charles and Diana had become good friends. Brown states, "At the end of Diana’s life, she and Charles were on the best terms they’d been for a very long time."

Brown wrote, "Charles got into the habit of dropping in on her at Kensington Palace, and they would have tea and a sort of rueful exchange. They even had some laughs together."

Over time, they calmed down, discussing philanthropy. Diana accepted Charles' relationship with Camilla, understanding she was his true love. In a candid moment, Diana mentioned she would return to Charles if he wanted, showcasing a complex connection beyond their romantic history.

Simone Simmons, Diana’s spiritual healer and close friend, told 'InStyle' in 2022 that Diana never wanted to divorce Charles. “When the Queen wrote to her and demanded they get a divorce, she was blubbering on the phone, and I went over to calm her down. She said, ‘Simone, I never wanted to divorce Charles. I always loved him.'”

Debbie Frank, Diana’s astrologer, also maintains that Diana loved Charles until her final moments. Frank says Charles’ years-long affair with Camilla triggered Diana’s abandonment issues but her feelings remained. “I think she loved Charles till her dying day. I’m not saying she longed for him. She didn’t,” she told the 'Express' in 2020. “But there was still that wound..."

Diana passed away on August 31, 1997, after being injured in a car crash in Paris. The accident also took the lives of her rumored boyfriend Dodi Al Fayed and the car's driver, Henri Paul. Charles traveled to France to bring Diana's body home.

On September 6, 1997, Charles attended his ex-wife's funeral alongside their two sons, Prince William and Prince Harry. In a departure from royal protocol, which usually requires military uniforms, Charles chose to wear a blue suit, a choice that was said to be favored by Diana.

It was Diana's favorite blue suit, and she helped him choose it," shared royal author Brian Hoey with 'PEOPLE'. "She preferred him in blue rather than in black or gray. It was a lovely, silent compliment to her," Brian added.