Princess Diana Wanted To ‘Step Down’ From Public Life Due To Overwhelming Attention

Princess Diana expressed her desire to step down from her public life in 1993 while she and Prince Charles were on a trial separation. At that time, the Princess of Wales admitted that the media’s attention has become overwhelming.

During a previous interview, the mom of two said that when she first joined the royal family in 1981, she understood that the media would be interested in what she did. She also knew that their focus will be on both her private and public life.

“But I was not aware of how overwhelming that attention would become – nor the extent to which it would affect both my public duties and my personal life, in a manner, that's been hard to bear,” she said.

Prince Charles’ ex-wife went on to say that she will figure out a way how she can have a meaningful public role while living a more private life. Princess Diana said that at the end of the year and after she completes her royal engagements, she will be reducing the extent of the public life that she had led thus far.

Meanwhile, Princess Diana’s statement bears a striking resemblance to what Meghan Markle told Tom Bradby in ITV’s “Harry & Meghan: An African Journey.” The Duchess of Sussex said that surviving is not enough because this isn’t the point of life.

“You’ve got to thrive, you’ve got to feel happy,” she said.

Prince Harry’s wife also admitted to feeling vulnerable especially while she was pregnant. During that time, she was constantly criticized by the press for every single thing that she did. Since Princess Diana and Markle’s statements are quite similar, royal fans and experts alike cannot help but wonder if Markle would also lessen her public appearances.

This month, she and her husband will be traveling to the United States to celebrate Thanksgiving with her mom, Doria Ragland. There are rumors that her stay in the US may be more permanent.