The engagement between the Prince of Wales and the Princess of Wales was a momentous occasion that was shrouded in melancholy for the Princess.
Renowned royal analyst and novelist, Katie Nicholl, delved into the intricacies of this joyous yet sorrowful event in her book, shedding light on the untold story of the future Queen.
Initially proposed to on October 20, 2010, at Lake Rutundu in Kenya, the couple decided to keep their engagement under wraps until November 3, fearing premature leaks.
Despite their elation, they maintained secrecy among friends and family, waiting for the opportune moment to share their happiness with the world.
Tragedy struck when the Princess of Wales’ grandfather, Peter, passed away on November 2, the day before she could disclose her engagement to him.
It was a heart-wrenching moment for her, knowing that her grandfather would have been overjoyed by the news of her impending marriage to the Prince of Wales.
Accompanying the Prince to her grandfather’s funeral, the Princess had to delay the announcement of their engagement until November 16, mere hours before the news became public knowledge.
This unexpected turn of events added a bittersweet layer to what should have been a purely joyful occasion for the couple.
Nicholl’s account of the events paints a poignant picture of the Princess of Wales’ inner turmoil during this period of simultaneous celebration and mourning.
The delicate balance between personal happiness and familial loss created a complex emotional landscape for the royal couple to navigate.