Prince Philip: his secret correspondence with Lady Di
Before leaving for long, Prince Philip and Lady Diana had an unsuspected relationship. Between tenderness and sermons, a secret correspondence shows that the prince consort has sometimes been a pillar for his daughter-in-law.
Far from being simple, the relationship between Prince Philip and Diana Spencer symbolized the straitjacket of the royal family. Torn between empathy and duty, the husband of Queen Elizabeth II has at times shown great support for the Princess of Hearts. This is evidenced by their correspondence dated 1992. Several letters unveiled by the "Express" in 2018 show the affectionate exchanges between Prince Philip and Lady Diana, as the latter's marriage plummets.
The year 1992 leaves an indelible mark on the royal family. The sovereign will even call it "annus horibilis", or "the horrible year" in Latin. Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson go their separate ways after being spattered by a scandal. The period also marks the end of the marriage between Princess Anne and Captain Mark Phillips. Above all, a phenomenon book was published on the same date: “Diana, her true story”. This confession book written by Andrew Morton reveals all about the failed marriage of Diana Spencer and Prince Charles. Rumors have already been flowing in the tabloids for years about their respective infidelities and are causing a wave of scandal over the royal family. In an attempt to save his son's union and the reputation of the Crown, Prince Philip then enlists the princess's advisor.
PRINCE PHILIP, A "MATRIMONIAL ADVISOR"
Kept secret for more than twenty years, the correspondence shows a tender Philip. The man signs his letters "Pa" and even condemns the relationship between his son Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles. “I can only repeat what I have already said. If you agree, I'll do my best to help you and Charles as best I can. I admit, however, that I am by no means the talents of a marriage counselor! », Writes the duke. A few days later, the princess answers him politely and returns him tender greetings.
“Dearest Pa, I was particularly touched by your last letter, which proved to me, if I didn't already know, that you really care about our problems. You are very modest about your marital counseling skills, and I don't agree with you! If Prince Philip is known for his many blunders, he sometimes showed sensitivity to Diana. He sees in the beautiful aristocrat the perfect wife for his son and an exemplary future queen. Despite the media fascination aroused by the young woman and the controversies she fueled, the queen's husband is ready to do anything to rectify the situation.
To the point of blaming Prince Charles. “Charles, for a man of his status, was stupid to risk everything for Camilla. We never imagined that he might want to leave you for her, "he wrote, before insisting," I can't imagine anyone who was supposed to leave you for her. Lady Diana responds herself that her "last letter shows a lot of understanding and tact" before addressing her "greatest love". The affection they have for each other dates from the first hour. As soon as she joins the royal family, Diana finds in Philip a pillar, which allows her to forget the boredom of official meals. Like him, the princess is sidelined and must adapt to this new restricted life.
A THORNY BUT FAIR RELATIONSHIP
The bond that unites them will unfortunately eventually break down. After their separation in 1992, the divorce of Prince Charles and Diana was pronounced in 1996. A year earlier, the interview of William and Harry's mother with Martin Bashir had permanently estranged Prince Philip, outraged by the behavior of his beautiful girl. Their letter-writing relationship also had darker sides. While Philip Mountbatten was initially sympathetic, he did not spare Diana Spencer in some letters. "Can you honestly say that Charles's relationship with Camilla had nothing to do with your behavior towards him during your marriage?" », Asks the prince, guiltily. The royal couple's warnings were not lacking throughout these exchanges. Anxious to preserve their reputation, Elisabeth II and her husband write to Diana: “We do not approve the extra-marital relations of the one and the other. We could not be clearer.
However, the iconic Lady Di will keep a special place in the heart of Prince Philip after his tragic death in 1997. Very close to his grandchildren, he will be a loving grandfather for Harry and William until his own death. , last April 9. On the day of the funeral, the prince volunteers to carry out the funeral procession with his grandsons, still teenagers. Worried for their well-being during this severe ordeal, he declares "I will walk if you walk", reports a relative in "The Evening Standard". A discreet and loyal man, Prince Philip has never let his family down.
