- When they announced their engagement in 1981, Prince Charles and Princess Diana (then known as Lady Diana Spencer) sat down for an official interview as a couple.
- At one point, the interviewer asked the pair if they were in love. Diana, then 19, said she thought the question was "thick" and answered that they were, but Charles infamously responded, "Whatever love means."
- Years later, Diana revealed that the "strange answer" left her feeling "traumatized," according to her biography, Diana: In Her Own Words.
Princess Diana's issues in her relationship with Prince Charles began long before she said "I do." In fact, the late royal eventually revealed that she was "traumatized" by something Charles said during their engagement interview.
Like many royal couples, Charles and Diana sat down for an official interview when they announced their engagement in 1981. During the interview, they were asked about everything from their first meeting to their wedding and honeymoon plans. At one point, the interviewer asked if they were in love—a question the then-19-year-old Diana found "ridiculous," considering the context (you know, that they had just announced their engagement).
Diana didn't talk a lot during the interview, but did speak up at this question to say that yes, they were in love. Charles, however, had a very different—and, in retrospect, a very telling—response.
"We had this ghastly interview the day we announced our engagement," she said, according to her biography, Diana: In Her Own Words. "And this ridiculous [reporter] said, 'Are you in love?' I thought, what a thick question. So I said, 'Yes, of course, we are,' and Charles turned round and said, 'Whatever love means.' And that threw me completely. I thought, what a strange answer. It traumatized me."
You can watch the interview in all of its awkwardness below:
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.
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.
-
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
-
The Must-Visit Hair Colorists in New York City
I trust these talented colorists implicitly.
By Sophia Vilensky 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