How Princess Diana Seemed ‘Lonely, ‘Melancholic’ While Finalizing Prince Charles Divorce

Princess Diana struggled so much during her marriage to Prince Charles. But even though she was the one who wanted to separate from the future King, the Princess of Wales was still heartbroken over the idea of divorcing the man that she once loved.

In an article she penned for InStyle to commemorate the late royal’s 22^nd anniversary, Katie Couric detailed the conversation she had with Princess Diana. The two met in June 1996 at a luncheon in Chicago.

At that time, Princess Diana and Prince Charles were finalizing their divorce. The couple went their separate ways in the same year.

During Couric’s conversation with the Princess of Wales, the former said that the latter must have been feeling exhausted because of all of the traveling that she has to do. Whenever Princess Diana is out in public, she needs to shake hands and greet thousands of people.

Couric then asked Princess Diana if she’s excited to go home, and her answer was quite heartbreaking. “I would be, but I’m going home to an empty house,” she said.

Princess Diana and Prince Charles’ divorce meant that Prince William and Prince Harry would be living under the care of their dad at the palace. The Princess of Wales was given a different home, and she was still able to spend time with her sons. But at the end of the day, the physical custody of Prince William and Prince Harry was given to the Prince of Wales.

“I will never forget her response. This was as she was finalizing her divorce from Prince Charles, and she seemed bit melancholy and lonely… My heart broke a little for her,” Couric said.

But in an attempt to make light of the situation, Couric encouraged Princess Diana to invite some of her female friends over so that they could have a slumber party. The late royal gave Couric a quizzical look.

“Perhaps that’s why the world fell in love with Diana — she let people see her insecurity and vulnerability. She seemed to wear both on her sleeve. Yes, she was a princess, but somehow, she was like all of us,” Couric said.