Royal author Ingrid Seward, who has written extensively about the monarchy and authored several royal books, including The Queen and Di, has shared a revealing comment made to her by Princess Diana about the breakdown of her marriage to then-Prince Charles.
Ingrid had a close relationship with the late Princess of Wales and even spent time with her just weeks before her tragic death in 1997.
Speaking on a former episode of A Right Royal Podcast alongside host Andrea Caamano and HELLO! royal editor Emily Nash, she discussed the fallout from Prince Harry’s headline-making BBC interview, offering her perspective on what Diana might have thought of it, and highlighting the striking similarity between mother and son in their experiences with the royal household.
© Tim Graham Photo Library via GetSpeaking about Diana’s true thoughts on those working within the royal household – individuals Harry has also criticised in his memoir Spare – Ingrid says: "She said to me just before she died, it wasn’t Camilla. 'It wasn’t Camilla that ruined our marriage, it was the people around Charles.'"
She continued: "And I could never unpick that comment and quite understand what it meant. But I also remember Diana’s father saying how tricky the royal household was. So, what I’m trying to say is that Harry obviously has a point amid his morass of complaints. He does have some valid points, and I’m riveted."
Royal divorce
© PA Images via Getty ImagesThe royals got married in 1981 when the young Lady Spencer was only 20 years old, and the future king was 32. After welcoming two sons, Charles rekindled a romance with Camilla Parker Bowles, who became his wife in 2005. Following infidelity on both sides, the pair eventually separated in 1992 and finalised their divorce four years later in 1996.
In Diana's infamous BBC interview in 1995, she made a rare comment about their split, stating: "Well, there were three of us in this marriage, so it was a bit crowded."
During a special recording of HELLO!'s A Right Royal Podcast, which aired in honour of the Princess' 65th heavenly birthday, Ingrid returned to discuss Diana and Charles' marriage breakdown.
Speaking to a live audience of 70 HELLO! readers at the Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites and Residences, London, Ingrid revealed: "She always said, 'I never, ever, ever want to get divorced'. One of her nannies, Mary Clarke, wrote a book and she told her that she never wanted to get divorced. Even to the last moment, Diana never wanted that divorce."
Comments on Harry
In the 2025 episode, Ingrid reveals why Princess Diana would have been "proud" of Harry’s interview – and why the Duke of Sussex has no regrets.
We also discuss the Duchess of Sussex’s use of HRH, years after leaving the UK, and what could happen to her and Harry if Prince William were to strip them of their titles when he becomes King.
