London – A new book by former royal butler Paul Burrell alleges King Charles married Princess Diana primarily to produce an heir, revealing a stark contrast to the public’s perception of their fairytale romance. The Royal Insider: My Life Wiht The Queen, The King, and Princess Diana, released in September 2025, details a marriage built on obligation rather than affection, according to Burrell.
The couple announced their engagement on February 3, 1981, with Diana appearing joyful. However, Burrell recounts Diana telling him Charles questioned the very concept of love, stating, “Whatever the meaning of love.” This sentiment is echoed in Andrew morton’s biography,Diana: Her True Story – In Her Own Words.
Burrell claims Diana confided that Charles explicitly told her, “I never loved you. I married you just to have children.” This revelation underscores the strategic nature of the union, focused on securing the royal lineage with the birth of Prince william in 1982 and Prince Harry in 1984. Burrell says Charles referred to William and Harry as “heir and reserve,” illustrating the transactional aspect of their relationship.
Diana reportedly lamented, “I cried until he fell asleep that night because I knew my marriage had ended. I gave him four good years and she left. And for the rest of that time I had to maintain my pretense in the world.” Despite the unhappiness, Burrell asserts Diana never desired a divorce, maintaining affection for Charles despite it being unreciprocated.
The marriage ultimately dissolved with a formal announcement by Prime Minister John Major on December 10, 1992, and the divorce finalized on august 29, 1996, after 15 years. Following the divorce, Charles resumed his relationship with Camilla, now Queen Camilla, while Princess Diana’s legacy endures as a symbol of resilience and emotional strength.