In a newly released extract from royal author Tom Quinn’s book Yes, Ma’am: The Secret Life of Royal Servants, a Balmoral attendant shares insights into the early cracks in Charles and Diana’s marriage.
The attendant, who remained anonymous, revealed how the Princess of Wales’ dislike for the Scottish estate marked the beginning of tension between the royal couple, shortly after their 1981 wedding.
Diana’s Dislike of Balmoral and Traditional Outdoor Activities
Despite growing up in a nature-loving family, Diana found little joy in the traditional activities at Balmoral, such as hunting and fishing.
According to the unnamed gilly, Diana preferred the city and had no interest in the country sports that were a passion for her husband, Prince Charles.
This difference in hobbies was reportedly a major source of frustration for Charles, who was an avid fox hunter, and the discord around it contributed to the decline of their relationship.
The Teasing Moment and Growing Frustration
Diana’s boredom during one of these country outings led her to joke with the group.
In the book, it is shared how she quipped to Prince Charles, “Darling, wouldn’t it be easier to just use a net!” during a fishing session.
This cheeky moment revealed the deepening disconnect between the couple, who were struggling to bond over shared activities.
Clashing Hobbies and Growing Distance During Their Honeymoon
As revealed in Diana’s personal letters, their differences became even clearer during their honeymoon.
While Charles brought books and watercolors with the hope of spending quality time discussing his interests, Diana was not keen on reading and felt neglected by his focus on painting and books.
Their differing expectations led to frequent arguments, one of which resulted in Diana destroying Charles’ painting and art supplies in frustration.
Charles’ Struggles and Regrets Over His Marriage
In a 2018 biography, Prince Charles revealed the emotional toll his marriage to Diana took on him.
Despite realizing early on that they were not compatible, Charles felt trapped by the societal pressures and the prospect of a broken engagement.
The decision to marry Diana left him feeling conflicted, and he later confessed his regrets, saying he “desperately wanted to get out” of the wedding before it took place.
Insights Into Charles’ Temper and Demanding Nature
Another intriguing revelation from Yes, Ma’am focuses on Charles’ often difficult temperament.
The book shares anecdotes from royal staff who describe how Charles is quick to anger if things don’t meet his exacting standards.
Known for being particular, Charles has been reported to lose his temper over small things, like not having the right teacup or how his toothpaste is placed on his brush. Although he calms down quickly, his outbursts are frequent and troubling for those around him.
A Glimpse Into the Royal Life Behind Closed Doors
Despite his temper, Charles and Camilla are said to treat their staff well.
However, they maintain a clear distance, with staff members feeling they are not invited to share personal moments like tea time with the royal couple.
The staff’s accounts offer a candid view of the less-publicized aspects of royal life, showing that the monarch’s demands extend beyond the ceremonial and into the minutiae of daily routines.
Yes, Ma’am: The Secret Life of Royal Servants by Tom Quinn is available for pre-order and promises to reveal even more behind-the-scenes stories from royal insiders.