Here is an overview of their relationship:
1. Courtship and Wedding: Charles and Diana first met in 1977 when Diana was 16 years old. Their courtship began in 1980, and they announced their engagement in February 1981. The couple's grand wedding ceremony took place on July 29, 1981, at St. Paul's Cathedral in London.
2. Initial Happiness: In the early years of their marriage, Charles and Diana appeared happy. The birth of their two sons, Prince William in 1982 and Prince Harry in 1984, further strengthened their bond.
3. Strains in the Relationship: However, the marriage soon began to experience difficulties. Charles struggled to adjust to the pressures of being the heir to the throne, while Diana felt isolated and unhappy. The couple's incompatibility and different personalities contributed to growing tensions in their relationship.
4. Infidelity and Extramarital Affairs: Charles's extramarital affair with Camilla Parker Bowles became a public scandal. The affair had been ongoing since before the couple's marriage and was a significant factor in the breakdown of their relationship. Diana also admitted to having an extramarital affair.
5. Public Scrutiny: The couple's personal struggles were constantly scrutinized by the media, which only intensified the pressure and stress on their marriage. The intrusion of paparazzi and the relentless public attention further fueled the tension between Charles and Diana.
6. Separation and Divorce: The couple officially separated in 1992, after Prince Charles admitted to his infidelity. The divorce was finalized in 1996, and Diana tragically died in a car accident in Paris the following year.
Overall, Charles and Diana's marriage was marked by challenges, public scrutiny, and personal distress. The complex dynamics of their relationship have had a lasting impact on the British royal family and continue to be a topic of public fascination.