WILL CARLING
THEN: The England rugby captain was something of a heart-throb and the celebrity-packed gym Chelsea Harbour is also believed to be the scene of their first encounter.
Like James Hewitt, who won over Diana’s sons, Will was also a hit with the boys, which helped to endear him to the princess. They used to meet for coffee and when Will’s marriage to TV presenter Julia
Carling ended, his wife spoke out against Diana. Will and Diana’s meetings tapered off afterwards.
Will denied an affair, but during the inquest into her death, he was one of five men named by a palace aide as having been the princess’ lovers. The others were James Hewitt, James Gilbey, Oliver Hoare and Diana’s former bodyguard Barry Mannakee. NOW: After a career as one of England’s most successful rugby captains, Will (51) became a media commentator, motivational speaker and ran a corporate hospitality company.
Following the break-up of his marriage to Julia, he had a son with partner Ali Cockayne and later married Lisa Cooke, the ex-wife of fellow England rugby player David Cooke. The couple have two children.