Pull up a chair and grab a scone because it’s time for some scalding hot tea.
In an upcoming biography of (soon-to-be King) Charles III, former members of the royal family’s service staff are spilling it about the heir’s “highly combustible” marriage to Diana, including a fight that culminated in Charles telling his then wife he “might be gay.”
But don’t get too worked up; this was not Charles’ Love, Simon moment—Lady Di did not tell him, tears in her eyes, that he gets “to exhale now.” No, he was just being a sarcastic prick, as per usual.
As reported by Page Six, the anecdote comes from one of Charles’ valets, as told to author Christopher Anderson for his new book, The King: The Life Of Charles III—which we’re going to go ahead and assume the British Monarchy has not given a stamp of approval.
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In Anderson’s words, the footman recalls watching Diana “hurling epithets and mocking her husband’s obsession with the dreary-looking Camilla.” (Wait, but who said “dreary-looking”? The author, the valet, or Di? No matter who, we’re living for the shade.)
Related: Every actress who has played Princess Diana ranked from worst to best
The valet remembers watching along as Diana “literally pursued” her husband “down hallways, up staircases and from room to room” at their retreat in the English countryside.
At a certain point, she begged of him, “Why won’t you sleep with me?” As the author notes, Charles had “for all intents and purposes unilaterally called a halt to their sexual relationship” after the birth of their youngest son, Harry, in 1984.
Charles’ (alleged) sarcastic response? “I don’t know, dear. I think I might be gay.”
Now, Charles isn’t exactly known for his sense of humor. But he is known for being a pompous, withering man who turned especially icy toward Diana some five years into their marriage. So a remark like this isn’t too surprising (even if it is surprising to hear Charles “say gay”).
This is just one of many heated arguments detailed in The King, including one spat in which Diana called Charles a “f*cking animal,” and issued the warning: “You will never be King! William will succeed your mother. I will see to that.”
Related: Everything we know about Prince Harry’s upcoming red hot memoir “Spare” (so far!)
It’s said that, in the period from 1984 to 1992 (when the pair finally separated), things frequently escalated into shouting matches, with the service staff fearing that violence could break out at any point.
All of that sounds, to us, like The Crown will have plenty of material to work with in the upcoming 5th season. As the timeline of the acclaimed Netflix drama enters the ’90s (with Imelda Staunton assuming the role of the late Queen Elizabeth II), the showdown between Charles (Dominic West) and Diana (Elizabeth Debicki) is sure to take center stage, as well as the latter’s untimely, tragic death.
Related: Controversial ‘Crown’ episode explores male Royal Family member’s bisexuality
The Crown‘s fifth season will debut on Netflix on November 9—just a day after The King: The Life Of Charles III hits bookshelves. In other words, Charles is going to have a rough couple weeks ahead of him, especially as his expected coronation in May 2023 draws nearer.
Hey, no one said it was easy being the King!
abfab
Please, please let Diana rest in peace.
bachy
It’s certainly going to take a minute to adjust to the re-casting of the principals.
Jim
There were rumours a few decades ago that he sexually forced himself on a valet.
DCguy
The Royal family is an outdated, welfare sucking organization that is upheld by the belief that some people are born better. Of course Republicans love them. Which is why they attack Meghan Markle so much.
Paul2
Mel Brooks did say it was good to be the King.
Beanie16
If the monarchy is to continue they need to modernize and I’m not so sure William and Ice Queen Kate will do that. And William is all too aware that his baby brother is more lovable and likable.
cosmostephen
Harry – more likeable and loveable? Forgive me, but William has twice the class and dignity of his brother. I’m aware that Harry has psychological problems but he’s brought a lot of disrepute to his family over the years by acting like a lager lout and then disappointing and hurting his grandmother so often.
Kangol2
William appears to be dull, dutiful and cut out for the job like his grandmother. He and his robotic wife will do just fine. They just need to watch the ostentation and hope the right-wing party in power doesn’t bring the entire edifice down, as they’ve nearly done several times now since overseeing the disastrous Brexit vote.
Harry, the ginger prince, seems like he’s a lot more fun, made the right move to the US, and found a strong, loving woman to help him move forward in life.
DuMaurier
“soon-to-be-King”? When was this written?
graphicjack
this entire exchange makes Diana sound like a histrionic lunatic, and it’s Charles that’s the prick? Look, that whole marriage was a catastrophe, and I feel bad for Diana, but Charles was pressured into marrying her when he clearly was never over the woman he wasn’t allowed to marry. For that, I have a lot of sympathy for him. Should he have cheated? No, I don’t condone that, but it does sound like Diana was a LOT to deal with and she was no angel, either. The real villains in that tragedy were the ones who forced this marriage upon them. The three people involved were all collateral damage and cannon fodder for the reputation of ‘the firm’.
Man About Town
How can a marriage be called a catastrophe when it produced two wonderful gentlemen?