Sometimes love doesn't last and relationships end. It's a pretty normal (if sad) part of life. But, when you're royal, even the normal parts of your life are examined and debated, sometimes for decades after they happen. Case in point: Prince Charles and Princess Diana's relationship and eventual separation and split, which still fascinates royal fans today, more than 20 years after the ink dried on the divorce documents.
Hindsight is 20/20, so it's easy to say, "Oh, it was so obvious things weren't going to work out" now, but what about back in the day? Back when the cracks in the relationship were growing and breaking apart Charles and Diana's love? Turns out, it was pretty clear back then, too—at least to people who spent a lot of time watching the couple.
Outside of the actual royal family and their aides and bodyguards, the people who probably spend the most time looking at royals are royal photographers, who spend their careers documenting the family's lives and travels. In a resurfaced interview, royal photographer Arthur Edwards, who photographed the royals for 44 years, talked about his experiences following the family—and getting a front row seat to watch the breakdown of Charles and Diana's marriage, according to Express.
Edwards said he knew during Charles and Diana's final tour, to Korea in 1992, that divorce was inevitable, describing them as "miserable" together and saying that "no one was surprised" when their plan to divorce was announced a month later.
"It was only when we went to Korea, the last tour, when you knew it was all over then because they couldn’t bear to be in each other’s company. It was so miserable," Edwards said. "The tour was called the Glums' tour, and that was so miserable. And a month later the Prime Minister announced in the House of Commons, and I suppose no one was then surprised, we watched them in Korea."
It was during this trip that an iconic "Charles and Diana low-key hating each other" picture was taken. You've probably seen it before:
Diana was also snapped looking generally unhappy throughout the trip:
So, yeah, it seems accurate that the people taking these pictures could tell there was trouble in paradise.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
RELATED STORIES
Kayleigh Roberts is a freelance writer and editor with more than 10 years of professional experience. Her byline has appeared in Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, The Atlantic, Allure, Entertainment Weekly, MTV, Bustle, Refinery29, Girls’ Life Magazine, Just Jared, and Tiger Beat, among other publications. She's a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.
-
Celebrate Earth Month With Our Feel-Good Fashion Report
Your guide to being more sustainable in 2024.
By Anneliese Henderson Published
-
Anne Hathaway Details the "Gross" Audition Request She Once Endured
"Now we know better."
By Meghan De Maria Published
-
The Emotional Ending of 'Baby Reindeer,' Explained
Netflix's latest miniseries from Richard Gadd is based on the true story of the comedian and his stalker.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
British Royal Lady Gabriella Windsor's Husband Has Died at 45
Lady Gabriella is King Charles' second cousin.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
George, Charlotte and Louis Will Be Laden With Gifts as Prince William Returns From New York
He was handed so many souvenirs for the little ones.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Prince William Makes Sure to "Treat George and Charlotte as Equals," Body Language Expert Says
I should hope so!
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Prince William Isn't "A Workaholic Like His Father," Royal Expert Claims
He's got more of a work-life balance.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Princess Kate's New "Signature" Gesture? The Stealthy "Bum Pat" to Prince William
Love this for her.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Prince Harry Says His "Spirit Is Renewed" as He Attends the Warrior Games for Wounded Service Members in San Diego
The Games inspired his Invictus concept.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Prince William Not Expected to Invite Prince Harry to His Coronation, Friend Claims
That doesn't sound good.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
We Finally Know Where the Earthshot Prize 2023 Will Take Place
Let's go!
By Iris Goldsztajn Published