The life and death of Princess Diana 25 years after her tragic death in Paris has aroused worldwide curiosity and sparked much speculation. A new audiobook ‘Diana-Remembering the princess’, written by her former bodyguard and published as a tribute to the ‘People’s Princess’ on the 25th anniversary of her death, has reignited controversy over the possibility of death of Diana.
Ross Coward, author of The Official Book of Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Trust, written by Inspector Ken Wharf, Diana’s police security officer, sheds light on her early life, her death and what happened after her funeral . It is narrated by Emilie Pennant-Ree & Wharf.
Born on 1 July 1961 at Park House, Sandringham, Norfolk, Diana was the first wife of Frances Spencer Charles, the Prince of Wales, and was known for her kindness and charity. Not only her life, but her sudden death in a car accident on August 31, 1997 left many thinking about the late princess, her life, marriage and divorce from her.
“When Diana was six years old, her parents separated and two years later they divorced.” Inspector Kane mentions that in 1976 Earl Spencer (Diana’s father) married Rhine Spencer, Countess of Dartmouth, who was also the daughter of the romantic novelist Barbara Cartland.
Inspector Kane noted in the audiobook: “Her (Diana’s) older sister, Sarah, had been in a romantic relationship with the Prince of Wales, but it was Diana who became engaged to Charles in 1981 when she was only 19.”
There are many controversies associated with Diana’s life, with Inspector Kane saying: “Prince Charles admitted his infidelity to Camilla in a television interview with Jonathan Dimbleby, while Diana continued her international travels and humanitarian work, her personal life was still open”. On the other hand, Prince Charles of Wales was continuing his relationship with Camilla Parker Bowles, a relationship many of his friends colluded with, leaving Diana shocked and betrayed.”
In November 1995, Diana appeared on Martin Bashir’s infamous Panorama interview, in which she made her memorable comment, “There were three of us in this marriage, so things were a little awkward.” Shortly after, her marriage to Charles broke down in August 1996.
Princess Diana’s death in a car accident in Paris made headlines. For many it was difficult to consider it a natural death. Kane revealed: “Diana is said to have interpreted her comments as ‘he needs to get rid of me’ and ‘he’ll love it if I’m not around’. Her words indicate that she predicted her death.”
Diana was cremated the day after her death. Inspector Kane also said the same thing about this. “There were no personal statements from the Queen, no signs of hurt or emotion.” The audiobook is available on Audible.