Intimate letters reveal what Prince Philip really thought of Princess Diana

Publish Date
Monday, 10 September 2018, 3:09PM
Photo / Getty Images

Photo / Getty Images

A few never before seen letters have finally revealed what Prince Philip really thought of Princess Diana's divorce from Prince Charles.

It turns out that Phillip never "dreamed" that Charles would actually leave Diana for Camilla.

The divorce, when it eventually did happen 25 years ago, shocked the world.

In an interview on Panorama with Martin Bashir, Diana revealed that there were "three people" in their marriage.

After the scandalous interview was published, the Queen reportedly wrote to the couple telling them to divorce immediately.

As well as the Diana debacle, Prince Phillip wrote about his disapproval of Charles' love life, a view that was also shared by the Queen.

"Charles was silly to risk everything with Camilla for a man in his position," Prince Philip wrote to Diana.

"We never dreamed he might feel like leaving you for her. I cannot imagine anyone in their right mind leaving you for Camilla. Such a prospect never even entered our heads."
"With fondest love, Pa."

In the letter, he also expressed sympathy and support to his daughter-in-law and offered to mediate the "war" between her and her estranged husband.

"I can only repeat what I've said before, if invited, I will always do my utmost to help you and Charles to the best of my ability," he wrote in the letter

"But I am quite ready to concede that I have no talent as a marriage counsellor."

Although he took Diana's side throughout the letter, Prince Philip also made it clear he did not support her having a new romantic relationship, writing: "We do not approve of either of you having lovers."

Snippets of Diana's letters to Prince Philip suggest a close bond between the pair.

The late princess is open to advice from her former father-in-law. Photo / Handout

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In the letter, he also expressed sympathy and support to his daughter-in-law and offered to mediate the "war" between her and her estranged husband.

This article was first published on nzherald.co.nz and is reproduced here with permission.

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