Rare Private Letters Reveal Diana's True Bond With Prince Philip: “We Do Not Approve…”

Prince Philip and Princess Diana shared a rather affectionate relationship. Philip having married into the royal family in 1947 when the institution was even more rigid, knew what it was like to be an outsider and understood Diana. As per reports, the Duke was enthralled by Diana's charm and energy when Charles courted her. A set of unearthed letters from Philip to Diana have provided royal enthusiasts a rare insight into their relationship.

In one letter, Philip wrote, "I can only repeat what I have said before. If invited, I will do my utmost to help you and Charles to the best of my ability. But I am quite ready to concede that I have no talent as a marriage counselor!" In response, Diana penned, "Dearest Pa, I was particularly touched by your most recent letter, which proved to me, if I did not already know it, that you really do care." The letters revealed that Diana, much like Prince Charles, fondly called Philip 'Pa' and the Queen 'Ma-ma' despite her rocky state of marriage, as reported by Metro. The letter also showed that Philip was not pleased with his son’s affair.

He wrote, "We do not approve of either of you having lovers. Charles was silly to risk everything with Camilla for a man in his position. We never dreamed he might feel like leaving you for her. I cannot imagine anyone in their right mind leaving you for Camilla. Such a prospect never even entered our heads." Diana initially found both the Queen and Prince Philip to be understanding and supportive as her marriage fell apart. Her private secretary, Patrick Jephson, also shared just how much Diana appreciated her in-laws.

However, Philip wasn’t always approving of Diana. At times, he was direct and unfiltered, even suggesting that she hadn’t been the most devoted wife and that her love for Charles was overly possessive. He wrote, "Can you honestly look into your heart and say that Charles’s relationship with Camilla had nothing to do with your behavior towards him in your marriage?" The Duke pointed out that Diana didn't understand the sacrifice made by Charles and was particularly worried about Diana's struggle with bulimia, speculating that it might have contributed to some of her behavior.

As time passed, Diana's connection with Philip strained, as she too had her fair share of extramarital affairs. Royal author Ingrid Seward too confirmed that Philip had remained a source of support for Diana. At formal events, as Diana rarely sat beside her husband, she found solace next to Philip, who kept her accompanied, as reported by People Magazine.