When Princess Diana tragically passed away in a car accident in Paris 22 years ago, many members of the British royal family were devastated.
However, her ex-husband, Prince Charles and his partner Camilla-Parker Bowles were also reportedly “shocked and terrified.”
In an article for The Daily Mail, royal expert Penny Juror described Camilla’s reaction when Charles told her the news.
“Camilla had at first thought that Diana’s injuries amounted to little more than a broken arm – which is what Charles had been told.
“So when he rang at 3.45am with the news that Diana had just died on the operating table, she was as shocked as he was – and terrified for him.
“They spent a long time on the phone for what remained of that night.
“Charles knew immediately what the public reaction would be: they would blame him.”
WATCH: Princess Diana was sent a ‘surprise letter’ by Camilla
Diana’s death spawned never-ending conspiracy theories – even today, there are calls for the inquest into her death to be reopened.
The Prince of Wales was branded a villain after the death of Diana (despite the fact he was not responsible for the fatal car accident).
It was of the public opinion that Princess Diana was only in Paris with her new partner, Dodi Fayed because the future king had left her for another woman.
The Duchess of Cornwall was also blamed for ruining the marriage between the Prince and Princess of Wales.
According to Express, the press surrounded Camilla’s house mere hours after the news of Diana’s death broke.
The publication also said that Julia Cleverdon, who worked with Charles for more than 30 years, stated:
“That must have been appalling for her, and I thought she was courageous and humble and decent.
“He was in agony about it – he really, really was.
“And the fact that she was prepared to go through all this for him, I think, illustrates what an incredibly strong relationship and partnership they’ve had.”
Queen Elizabeth II allegedly offered her son zero support after Diana’s fatal car crash, and instead, the Prince of Wales turned to Camilla – who comforted him over the phone from Wiltshire.
“Never was the relationship between the Prince and his mother thrown more starkly into relief than it was on that terrible night,” said Junor.
“There they were, just feet away in their separate rooms, divided by paper-thin walls, but they didn’t go to one another either for comfort or to discuss logistics.
“The comforting was left to Camilla – 500 miles away at her home, Ray Mill, near Chippenham, Wiltshire – and other friends Charles called through what remained of the night.”
According to Express, Princess Diana’s death put a strain on Charles relationship with Camilla (who he had been seeing again prior to Diana’s death).
Roughly a year before the car crash, Prince Charles and Camilla – who was previously married to Andrew Parker Bowles – finalised their respective divorces and began to pursue their relationship privately.
The publication reported that Charles had been formulating plans to make the relationship official prior to Diana’s death and even brought the idea up with Prince William and Prince Harry.
However, the lovers were forced back into secrecy while the ‘People’s Princess’ was put to rest on September 6.
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