The princess and the Queen
‘HE WILL NEVER GET IT BACK’
Her relationship with the Royal Family was complex, particularly following the divorce from Prince Charles, but Princess Diana never wavered in the way she respected the monarchy.
Royal author Andrew Morton recalled a moment in his book, Diana: Her True
Story, that shows this level of admiration for Her
Majesty perfectly. He explained how Diana refused to use a fan to cool herself during a royal engagement on a hot day because the Queen wouldn’t be using one. He wrote, ‘While Diana finds the monarchy as presently organised as a crumbling institution she has a deep respect for the manner in which the Queen has conducted herself for the last 40 years. Indeed, much as she would like to leave her husband, Diana has emphasised to her, “I will never let you down’.”
He added, ‘Before she attended a garden party on a stifling
July afternoon, a friend offered Diana a fan to take with her. She refused, saying, “I can’t do that. My mother-in-law is going to be standing there with her handbag, gloves, stockings and shoes.” It was a sentiment expressed in admiring tones for the Sovereign’s complete self-control in every circumstance, however trying.’
And it’s a sentiment Angela echoes. ‘Harry has got [respect] in his genes really, and to give all that up… I think he’s lost a terrific amount.’
Unlike Meghan, the sacrifices Harry is making are far more monumental. ‘Meghan gave up her career, country and a social media following of two million people to marry Harry,’ Duncan explains. ‘Two years later and it was her husband’s turn to sacrifice everything to join her in LA. The problem for Harry is the things he gave up for Meghan he will never get back. He will never have the same relationship with William, Kate, his father or the Queen. His popularity among the British public could disappear if he returns to the UK with his tail between his legs.’