Before Diana married Prince Charles, there were a few individuals who were considered as potential suitors for the young Lady Diana Spencer. As a member of the British aristocracy and the daughter of an earl, Diana's upbringing placed her within the orbit of several eligible bachelors. The process of finding a suitable match for a future princess was crucial, given the traditions and expectations of the British royal family. The search for a husband for Diana involved a mix of formal courtship and behind-the-scenes negotiations, with the goal of ensuring a compatible and politically advantageous union.
One of the earliest potential suitors for Diana was James Hewitt, a British Army officer. Hewitt was a riding instructor and polo player who met Diana during her teenage years. Their friendship later turned into a romantic relationship, which became public knowledge much later. However, their relationship was never officially acknowledged as a serious prospect for marriage. Diana's romantic link with Hewitt emerged only after her marriage to Prince Charles had broken down, and the two had separated.
Another notable candidate was Prince Richard of Gloucester, who is the first cousin of Queen Elizabeth II and a member of the extended royal family. Prince Richard was often mentioned as a potential match for Diana due to his royal connections and standing in society. However, the pairing never gained traction, and both Prince Richard and Diana went on to marry other partners.
Diana also briefly dated Philip Suttie, a wealthy landowner, before her marriage to Prince Charles. The relationship was short-lived, and Suttie's name gradually faded from the list of potential suitors.
One of the more significant prospects was the future King of Sweden, Carl XVI Gustaf. It is reported that Diana caught the attention of the Swedish monarch during a state visit to the United Kingdom. There were rumors that the King was quite taken with her beauty and charm, but nothing substantial came out of this potential match, and Diana eventually married into the British royal family instead.
Another name that was linked to Diana was the young Charles, Prince of Wales. Even before Prince Charles became romantically involved with Diana, there were speculations that he would marry a suitable bride of noble birth. Diana, with her impeccable lineage and genteel upbringing, fit the criteria for a royal consort. The relationship between Charles and Diana began when she was just 16, while Charles was dating her older sister, Lady Sarah Spencer. Their courtship was somewhat accelerated when they reconnected later on, and Prince Charles proposed to Diana in February 1981.
Before Diana and Charles became engaged, there was another significant contender in the picture – Camilla Parker Bowles. Charles had met Camilla years before his involvement with Diana and had developed a close friendship with her. Despite the history between Charles and Camilla, the Queen and other members of the royal family did not view her as a suitable wife for the future king due to her lack of noble lineage. However, the relationship between Charles and Camilla persisted, and their enduring connection became a point of tension in Charles and Diana's marriage.
Before Lady Diana Spencer married Prince Charles and became the beloved Princess of Wales, there were several potential suitors considered for her hand in marriage. From fellow aristocrats and members of the British royal family to foreign dignitaries, Diana's status as a young, eligible woman of noble birth attracted attention from various quarters. Ultimately, fate would lead her to marry Prince Charles, a decision that would shape her life and the trajectory of the British royal family in ways that captivated the world.
