Letters from King Charles: Why King Charles' letters are going viral after Princess Diana's death

Unearthed letters written by King Charles after the death of Princess Diana shed new light on the deep grief he felt. The correspondence written by Charles after Diana's tragic car crash in 1997 reveals the deep sense of loss and “unbearable emptiness” felt by the then Prince of Wales.

Letters to Peter Houghton

The letters, preserved in their original envelopes, were recently auctioned for $2,000.

According to the Daily Mail, the letters were addressed to Peter Houghton, who, like Charles, was struggling with grief over Diana's death. In his letters, Charles expressed his deep sympathy for Houghton, stating that his “heart is bleeding.” He reflected on Houghton's own struggle with loss and wished he could ease the pain.

Personal reflections and grief

The letters give an insight into Charles' emotional state after Diana's death. Charles openly mentioned that he could not fathom Houghton's suffering and wished he could “wave a magic wand” to ease the situation, according to the Pinkvilla report.

Complex marriage and public perception

The marriage of King Charles and Princess Diana, which began in 1981 and ended in divorce in 1996, was one of the most scrutinized and controversial unions of the late 20th century. Despite their highly publicized conflicts, exacerbated by Charles's ongoing relationship with Camilla Parker Bowles, the couple's relationship was not devoid of affection. Royal author Ingrid Seward has noted that Diana wanted the public to understand that there were genuine moments of love between them.

Public and private struggles

Charles and Diana's turbulent marriage was marked by intense personal and public conflict. A palace source revealed that the couple's conflicts often revolved around Camilla, whom Charles loved very much. This tension contributed to Diana's emotional stress, including her battle with bulimia and several suicide attempts. According to Seward, these difficulties reflected an “unbalanced romance” that was fraught with challenges from the start.

Legacy and public memory

Princess Diana's death at the age of 36 left an indelible mark on the world. Charles' letters not only highlight his personal grief, but also reflect the complexity of their relationship. Seward has suggested that Diana hoped the public would recognise the love she and Charles felt despite their difficult marriage.

FAQ

What happened to King Charles?

In February 2024, King Charles was diagnosed with cancer and began treatment shortly thereafter. While he withdrew from public events in the weeks following his diagnosis, he remained active in his constitutional role as head of state, handling paperwork and attending private meetings.

Who will be the Queen of England in 2024?

In 2024, the British royal family will experience its first full year with King Charles and Queen Camilla on the throne.