Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh and husband to Queen Elizabeth II, had a complex relationship with Princess Diana, the former wife of his eldest son, Prince Charles. It is difficult to definitively answer the question of whether Prince Philip liked Diana, as personal relationships are nuanced and can be influenced by various factors. However, it is known that their relationship had its ups and downs, and there were moments of both support and tension between them.
In the early years of Charles and Diana's marriage, Prince Philip reportedly acted as a mentor and guide to Diana. He recognized the challenges she faced as a young woman joining the royal family and offered advice on how to navigate her new role. Diana herself acknowledged his support, stating that he was "marvelous" and a source of strength during her difficult early years as a royal.
Despite this initial support, tensions later arose within the family, particularly as Charles and Diana's marriage began to deteriorate. Prince Philip, like other members of the royal family, was concerned about the impact of the troubled marriage on the monarchy's public image. He was known to have a traditional outlook on marriage and may have found it difficult to comprehend the difficulties faced by Diana, which were rooted in a complex web of personal and public pressures.
One notable incident that strained the relationship between Prince Philip and Diana was the publication of Andrew Morton's book "Diana: Her True Story" in 1992. The book revealed Diana's struggles with her mental health, her bulimia, and her feelings of isolation within the royal family. Prince Philip was reportedly deeply angered by the book's publication, as it portrayed the royal family in a negative light. It is likely that this further strained an already tense relationship between the two.
Despite these tensions, there were also moments of reconciliation and understanding. After Diana's tragic death in 1997, Prince Philip was involved in the funeral arrangements and was seen walking alongside his grandsons, Prince William and Prince Harry, as they followed their mother's coffin. This public display of unity suggested a willingness on Prince Philip's part to put aside any personal differences for the sake of family and to support his grieving grandsons.
It is important to note that the royal family, including Prince Philip, tends to keep their personal feelings private and rarely make public statements about their relationships. Therefore, much of the information available about Prince Philip's feelings towards Diana is based on speculation, accounts from those close to the family, and media reports.
Prince Philip's relationship with Princess Diana was complex and multifaceted. While he initially offered support and guidance to Diana, tensions arose as her marriage to Prince Charles faltered and she faced personal challenges. The publication of Morton's book further strained their relationship. However, Prince Philip's involvement in Diana's funeral suggested a willingness to put personal differences aside for the sake of family unity. Ultimately, the true nature of their relationship may never be fully known, as it was a private matter between two individuals within the confines of a larger, highly private institution.
