It’s a story that still tugs at the heartstrings of millions around the world. When Princess Diana stepped into the royal spotlight, little did the public know she was quietly battling an eating disorder. Now, as new revelations come to light, it’s clear that Prince Charles’ infidelity during their marriage played a pivotal role in her emotional and physical struggles.
Dr. James Colthurst, a close friend of Diana, shared his insights ahead of the documentary Diana: In Her Own Words. According to the Sunday Express, he said, “You could see her fading physically. It was evident to everyone who knew her that her bulimia was a direct response to the overwhelming circumstances she found herself in. Her pain was palpable, and it wasn’t just about the pressures of being a royal—it was also about the betrayal she faced in her marriage.”
Unraveling the Marriage: A Decade of Heartbreak
Throughout their 15-year marriage, which began in 1981 with a fairytale wedding and ended in separation in 1992, Prince Charles maintained a secret relationship with his now-wife, Camilla Parker Bowles. As the cracks in their union deepened, Diana’s eating disorder began to surface more prominently. It was during this tumultuous period that she found the courage to speak out about her struggles, using her platform to shed light on mental health and eating disorders.
Read also:The Enduring Bond Between Liza Minnelli And Judy Garland
Her Voice of Strength: A Message Beyond the Crown
In one of her most candid speeches, Diana eloquently addressed the societal pressures that contribute to such disorders. “I’ve been told, from a place of great authority, that the relentless pursuit of perfection demanded by our society can leave individuals gasping for air at every turn,” she said. “This pressure inevitably seeps into how we perceive ourselves and our appearance. Eating disorders, whether it's anorexia or bulimia, reflect how someone can transform the act of nourishing their body into a painful assault on themselves. At their core, these issues point to far deeper emotional struggles than mere vanity.”
MORE: Prince William Awkwardly Disses Stepmother Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, in Princess Diana Documentary
Charles and Diana in 1983.
The Pain of Betrayal: A Teacher’s Perspective
Princess Diana’s ballet teacher, Anne Allan, offered a glimpse into Diana’s emotional state during this challenging time. “She loved Charles, there’s no doubt about that,” Allan reflected. “But Charles’s heart belonged to another woman. That’s a hard pill for anyone to swallow when you love someone deeply, only to discover they don’t feel the same way. It left her utterly heartbroken and devastated.”
MORE: Princess Diana Claimed Not Having a Daughter Ruined Her Marriage to Prince Charles
What’s more, Diana didn’t shy away from confronting Camilla about her involvement. “I know that she had the courage to ask Camilla to leave her husband alone,” Allan explained. “That took immense bravery, especially considering the weight of the situation. But what can you do? All you can do is try to salvage the marriage and hope for change, but unfortunately, that wasn’t the outcome.” Diana and Charles officially divorced in 1996, just two years before Diana’s tragic death in a car accident.
Read also:Andrea Barbers Exhusband Jeremy Rytky A Closer Look At Their Life Together
Join our Facebook group for the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Prince William, and all things royal!
