How Princess Diana ‘Lied’ To The Queen And Prince Philip About Meeting With Them

Princess Diana and Queen Elizabeth — Queen Elizabeth Has Had A "Change Of Heart" Over Princess Diana PA/AFP/Getty Images

Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip were aware that Princess Diana and Prince Charles’ marriage was already going downhill, but they refused to meddle in their relationship. As such, Her Majesty and the Duke of Edinburgh was criticized by a royal expert.

In the book “The Firm,” royal author Penny Junor said that when Prince Charles’ parents finally decided to involve themselves in the Prince and Princess of Wales’ relationship, it was already too late. Princess Diana had already decided that she wanted to separate from Prince Charles.

“Parents of any couple having difficulties in their marriage would be naturally reticent about intervening, uncertain as to whether help would be welcome, but this wasn’t any couple,” Junor said. “The breakdown of this marriage had huge implications for the monarchy, and yet both the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh had held back and chosen not to get involved,” she added.

Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth — Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, wear 3D glasses to watch a display and pilot a JCB digger. John Giles - WPA Pool/Getty Images

The royal expert went on to say that a lot of things have already been written about Prince Charles and Princess Diana’s marriage before they separated. Around this time, the Queen and Prince Philip met with Prince Charles and Princess Diana at Windsor.

Her Majesty and the duke discussed with Prince William and Prince Harry’s parents the current situation of their marriage. They also contemplated on whether or not they could salvage the couple’s union.

“This was the first time there had ever been a discussion of this kind,” Junor said. “Calling a conference now was too late. Diana had gone public, and, intoxicated with the power she had over the husband who had cheated on her, she announced she wanted a trial separation.”

Junor went on to say that the Queen and Prince Philip were sympathetic toward the royal couple, but they didn’t like the idea of a trial separation. Her Majesty and the Duke also tried to convince Prince Charles and Princess Diana to try and make their marriage work for the sake of their boys, the country and the monarchy.

The Queen and Prince Philip encouraged the royal couple to meet with them again the next day, and Princess Diana agreed. But when the day came, she didn’t show up.