EP12: Deadly HOSTILITIES & Children In The Crossfire - HIGHGROVE 1991

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Shauna x Another two chapters reviewed from The Housekeeper's Diary by Wendy Berry!
In these chapters, we start to see how much the tension between Prince Charles and Princess Diana started to affect Prince William and Prince Harry.
They often got caught in the crossfire and felt forced to choose one side or the other.
Princess Diana was concerned about James Hewitt seeing action in the Gulf and Prince Charles continued to recover from his serious Polo accident, receiving a lot of care and attention from Camilla Parker Bowles.
A fascinating first-hand account of what life was like at Highgrove from the Housekeeper's perspective.

[@Kari_B61ex]

I'm pleased that books like this throw Harry's claims in Waaaghh that Charles was a cold and uncaring parent right out with the rest of the rubbish.

[@nancyjay790]

Like that version of the title.

[@annewalden3795]

Kari it is veryclear that Charles is a very emotional person and it would be out of character for him to be cold with his own children.

[@mariaarcher1686]

Wendy Berry's summing up of Diana's character really backs up Lady C's assertions in her book.

[@OdeInWessex]

And Penny Junor's who also extensively researched her for her own book about Charles.

[@kimarmstrong1814]

Just read Lady C’s book on Diana and was amazed at how little we were told about her. At times she could be very cruel to people and manipulating from early childhood. She definitely has two sides, one public the other her private side. Charles was always dealt a bad hand .

[@crystalbluepersuasion1027]

Who is Lady C?

[@bnic9471]

​@@crystalbluepersuasion1027Lady Colin Campbell, authoress, socialite, gossip. She knew Diana and was going to write Diana's authorized biography, but then got dumped when she refused to put Diana's spin on things.

[@kimarmstrong1814]

@CuteCuteCute-02 Many people who worked with or knew Diana socially are confirming that Diana had two sides to her. She did have mental health problems which can make you difficult to understand, she did have many partners, she was responsible for Harry’s lifetime question about his paternity.

[@philiphutchins2152]

I'm with Wendy. lady Diana was an awful person, Harry has picked up all her traits ( she called him spare ) when I was working as a motocyce dispatch rider. One well-paid job was ferrying photographers around, Diana always tipped them off where she was going, just like this one's wife (meghan ). You can see the attraction to Harry

[@cocop5058]

What a great book find! Now that we know the ending to the story, I’d say that Wendy Barry’s portrayal of Diana was exceedingly fair. Bring several years younger than Diana, I idolized her initially and believed the fairytale for many years, but her panorama interview didn’t sit well with me and it was then I started to question the official narrative. The palace PR did a great job protecting Diana from public censure - just like they did a stellar job protecting Harry from his own abysmal behavior. But it’s clear now that Diana and Harry didn’t become lousy people due to unbearable situations that developed after marrying their respective spouses, but in fact were crappy people all along.

[@ynys_mon6928]

I don’t at all think Harry has a fear of photographers. Just look how his miserable face lights up when he’s at an event or on the ‘red carpet’. He just loves getting attention.

[@sahdogwrangler5594]

That's it! He got furious at the negative attention!! He's really made it clear that he loves the limelight. Who would move near LA for privacy? Postive PR only! He certainly isn't going after any news outlets praising & gushing over him!!

[@graphiquejack]

He’s like his mother… uses the media for attention when he wants it, but gets furious when they dare to ‘intrude’ when they don’t want attention, or print something unflattering, even if it’s true.

[@fibanocci314]

I think it's possible he's deluded himself into thinking the photographers are the only problem and that he hates them though.

[@megbreezy7543]

And every bit of it is undeserved

[@OdeInWessex]

He loves feeling as if he's getting more attention than his family. He's a nutter.

[@What_I_Think_Happened]

There is NO excuse for Diana not treating staff well. It doesn't matter what else was going on. Good people may become terse under pressure; they don't become abusive.

[@ytcomms3945]

She was always a spoiled rich little girl with abandonment issues since her parents' divorce and feud. Allegedly she kept sending Valentines to Andrew when they were younger. Then she noticed Chucky when she was sixteen and he was courting her older sister. Hmmm ... The Andrew issue got mentioned in Royal Wives at War.

[@SugarWildflower-si4ox]

Entitled…emotional…revenge motivated.

[@juliesuris8906]

Agree 100%. If anything, focusing on work, in her case her children, her projects as part of the RF and her physical appearance during her royal engagements, should have provided a welcome relief from the turmoil of her marriage and unfulfilling love affairs. All the more reason to treat all who worked for her and with her in a polite and professional manner. No excuse for treating her dresser, nannies or anyone as if they were stereotypical medieval serfs.

[@SugarWildflower-si4ox]

@@juliesuris8906 this is where her spoiled, entitled immaturity shows it’s head.

[@thevintageread]

I wasn’t making excuses…I meant understandable in relation to what we know of her at that point in the book.

[@nocontxtqueencamilla]

This made me think of a quote by John Barratt, private secretary to Lord Mountbatten: "Everyone above and below stairs adored Camilla. She is someone who is equally charming to everyone. She’s not a snob. I remember meeting her on many, many, many occasions and she always had a cheery smile and a friendly word. She was completely unpretentious. She never once tried to pull rank. She was just a tremendously nice, down-to-earth girl who was in love."

[@BumbleBee666-u5t]

No of course Camilla wasn’t a snob she was just the mistress!

[@gremlin5622]

That's very nice. Thank you for sharing it. Too many denounce Camilla b/c Diana did. And Diana according to them was a "saint".

[@sarahhayse-gregson689]

That’s how I envisioned Camilla to be. A no nonsense country wife figure and got on with everyone. If there was a mean streak, you would have heard but it seems she’s just lovely.

[@user-lk7wk3cd8e]

@@BumbleBee666-u5tDo you have the same contempt for Diana’s lovers?

[@jlwalrus1]

@@BumbleBee666-u5t Diana had many lovers. I loved Diana too but she had many faults. She was human & people seem to forget that, only want to remember the saint. What happened in that marriage is the fault of both. I wasn't a fan of Camilla & I've found that she has proven her worthy of being Queen. She is dedicated to the work, the Crown & has done nothing but kept her down & no complaints. Even William has shown acceptance just look at the way they laugh and talk at all the events they've been together. They are all a family and Diana's been gone 25+ years now

[@gigidodson]

I do believe, Diana's selfishness in not protecting her children from her flights of fancy, her rages, and tearfull sobbing episodes explains Henrys attachment to megawallis. In photos from the past of Diana rolling her eyes behind Charles back. Beinging her many livers around her sons and playing the pity card to her children. Is vile parenting. Tragic. A self centered woman making sure her children saw her as a victim.

[@wf4758]

Im very much NOT a Diana fan and I truly believe she was a very damaged person. Birderline Personality Disorder is vile to live with, for everybody involved. Diana was a media creation and she fell in love with it too.

[@ytcomms3945]

She was using William as unpaid psychologist and she probably cuddled with Harry a bit too much between boyfriends.

[@jaynetanner3757]

I agree, Diana was not the innocent little Angel some people make her out to be,

[@annatjienilsen539]

Not only her children, the whole world. The way she cried in the car on her way to engagements even before she was pregnant with William, was terrible. I will never understand why she refused all the help for her mental problems. More than one psychologist was shown the door. She absolutely refused that her problems started with her. No man would have been able to cope with her over the top moodswings and histeria day in and day out.

[@kimarmstrong1814]

William is thankfully a Windsor, Harry is totally a Spencer .

[@meno1else]

I have gained a total completely different perspective of princess diana. After listening to the housekeeper's diary and reading. Ladies C book the real Diana. The Mother Teresa saint Diana that the world media presented to everyone one is a gross injustice.. There is the Princess Diana that the media showed us who glowed with a saintly. Angelic likeness and then there is this hurt confused almost boarder line narcissists. I now have a better understanding of these two men, William & Harry. That 2 year age gap has a fundamental effect upon them. A 15 yr old who has seen his mother mentally fall apart and tries to comfort, and a 13yr old who sees the world more in black n white, hate or love. Then we have MM who let's face it has done her research on this family. And has played this young, vulnerable, mentally questionable stable man. Unfortunately for her , the rest of the family knew Harry better than her , because they had been dealing with him and all of his problems. And now she uses him like a loaded gun and points at the target and fires. The whole situation is pathetic and heartbreaking. And no matter who you blame how you lay the cards out there will never , ever ever be any winners in this

[@fibanocci314]

Agreed

[@HilaryB.]

Sadly, that's true

[@msfishandchips7204]

Spot on 😊

[@meno1else]

@@claireangier3322 as Diana

[@meno1else]

@claireangier3322 Yes, she was known, though quietly, to be a very controlling, abusive, and manipulating person. But in general, the world's view of her was a little old self-sacrificing, saintly God serving woman. Again, like Diana, it was all PR to promote an image to fulfill a purpose. As are all public people. But some use their images to serve, promote, and help others and society's good. Then there are those who promote only themselves for their own good and gain.

[@merlepadilla9119]

Love Shauna book review. I can listen to her all day long.

[@thevintageread]

Thanks for being here! 😊💗

[@Imagineitisraining]

Me too. I never miss any of them

[@cameliawilks2049]

Me too !

[@janetclaireSays]

Diana's ups and downs with the staff sounds emotionally abusive to me. As for Charles and Diana's behavior, as a mother of 3 (I had my first son just 4 weeks before William was born) I am really appalled at the way she behaved in front of her children and how she dragged them in and used their distress to manipulate and punish Charles and to make herself look like the an innocent victim, just the way she did to the public with her various manipulative photo shoots, the Morton book and the Bashir interview. I don't care how bad the marriage was, that is the behavior I find most upsetting and I think it is THAT that messed up Harry much more than even losing his mother.

[@pollyparrot9447]

The bit that Shauna mentioned about Princess Anne, Mark Phillips, Andrew Parker-Bowles etc all being able to get along despite their various entanglements is very telling. It is notable that Princess Anne's and the Parker-Bowles children all seem to be well balanced people despite their parents' marital ups and downs.

[@kyliekynaston1829]

I don’t think loosing a loved one gives them carte Blanche to just tromp over everybody for coin. They literally serve the sole purpose of What Not To Be Like

[@annamack5823]

Yes, the wretched younger son is very much *her* son.

[@janetderbyshire6170]

Weqq

[@LC_from_MO]

Diana didn’t treat her staff nicely and respectfully? Perhaps nutmeg has something in common with her, after all ‼️

[@derek.....]

let’s face it,Harry only cares about Harry period,and he’s shown us all that by turning his back on his entire family!

[@ecm958]

Since he acquired Megamess he's suffered quite a bit of steering.

[@ytcomms3945]

Pushing and pulling too. We could see that on the Jamaica videos also so she still keeps doing that. He tried to take away his hand a couple of times already during their wedding ceremony but the claws got him at once afterwards.@@ecm958

[@luilu9233]

Megamess love that

[@ichibonfriend2923]

Like Diana.

[@vbachman6742]

It would be better if hadvturned his back instead of attacking them and lying constantly.

[@magsstewart5488]

Sounds like Diana is always “in floods of tears on the floor.” Hmm. 🤔 And Diana always had a member of staff in her sights. Double hmm. 🤔

[@carolesimpson9956]

😂

[@redshoesredshoes]

That's the thing. Harry saw only sick behavior from his mother so he doesn't know what normal is. William had the Middletons who served as a contrast to Diana and a model for a healthy relationship.

[@albertamaloney6580]

One tear out of her left eye?😊

[@Polopony]

How profoundly telling that D's public persona was so very different from her private one. I think there are many similarities between her and her younger son - 'difficult, calculating and manipulative' could also describe H perfectly (albeit without the marshmallow coating...!) So now we know exactly where he gets his personality from.

[@annatjienilsen539]

I agree. The psychiatrists who visited Diana diagnosed her with a hereditary paranoic, histrionic borderline personslity disorder. I think it is quite possible that Harry slso inherited this disorder which is apparently from the Spencer family line.

[@patriciasaienni7417]

Diana certainly knew how to cover her tracks, and how to charm others into covering up her faults, flaws, her mental & psychological instability, her physical attacks on others (i.e. pushing her step-mother, Raine Spencer, down a flight of stairs as an elderly woman, her violent outbursts, and how to ensure sure that she wouldn't be held accountable for her disturbing behavior and mistreatment of others. She was an expert at how to project herself as being the epitome of purity and innocence while she was, on many, many occasions, anything but. I'll never forget her advice to Harry when she essentially told him that he could "be as naughty as he wanted to but just don't get caught." In the aftermath of her death, we've come to know a lot more about her mental & psychological instability, and that it appears that she had Borderline Personality Disorder -- the most difficult personality disorder to treat and the most difficult, destructive, disturbing,and damaging of personality disorders that families and friends of the disordered patient endure. Knowing that Diana had BPD means that Harry was always predisposed to BPD and we're all seeing the evidence that he, too, has BPD, like his mother.

[@DeeBullock1836]

@@patriciasaienni7417agree with you 1,000%!!!!!

[@paulinedixon3490]

Finally someone has let the world know Charles wasn’t the monster Diana painted him out to be. She got all the sympathy going while Charles was vilified so unfairly. It’s about time the truth came out.

[@wf4758]

Great show, and I think your rose coloured glasses re Dianas motivation are admirable...if misplaced. Diana was highly, highly manipulative and most of her distress was quite clearly a result of the mental distress that is very, very common with Eating and Borderline Personality Disorder. The heart wrenching sobbing was constant and the children were the pawns.....poor Charles didnt have a hope in navigating that...and Dianas inappropriate disclosures to staff put everyone in very difficult positions.

[@thevintageread]

Well I don’t think I have rose coloured glasses? Just sympathy for her obvious mental illness and sympathy for Charles and the boys…I don’t feel the need to lay blame but rather just try to share what the author is portraying. Usually people say I’m too harsh on Diana…😊😂

[@suemcdermott2947]

How delightful. I never knew that William told Charles he hated him for making mummy cry. I must say that Princess Di when playing the victim, her eyes gave her away when she spoke BS

[@OdeInWessex]

I could never understand how people believed her BBC interview. She dripped insincerity for me.

[@janscott7565]

Really enjoying 'The Housekeepers Diary'. Thanks, Shauna!

[@thevintageread]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@joannmitchell1314]

Me too 🇺🇸

[@jenniferlane6720]

I remember being a lonely voice in the early 1990’s when the problems between Diana & Charles were apparent & Diana’s so very public hatred towards Charles was hurting & damaging the children. I was scorned for my observations & honestly. I asked how can Diana be so selfish forgetting she is the mother of a child being prepared for the role of a King & another who is not & who needs very careful attention & stable love. Such an historic & important role yet Diana just blubbers “poor me, poor me”! Well chickens have come home to roost w/Harry-what a tragic mess. Thank heavens for QEll guidance of William.

[@carolesimpson9956]

Agree! I've always thought this and thought it strange the world didn't call Diana out. Solomon's law - if you love your children you won't pull them.apart. First rule of separating couples - never badmouth your partner in front of the kids. Diana badmouthed Charles to the whole world. Charles never, ever badmouthed her.

[@Obi-MomKenobi]

Same people told me how mean I was

[@annewalden3795]

Jennifer I too tried to bring some balance to this picture created by Diana but the fanatics would not listen and abused me. It has been interesting to read about the facts which have recently received more prominence.

[@kateboulton8789]

In fairness to Diana, she did say that Charles was a very good father.

[@jlwalrus1]

I wish that was told more in the press. Hazy seems to have forgotten & that is the narrative that the press puts out. Or that William & he have a strained relationship. Such BS. You can see the love & respect he has for his Pa. I'm sure there were bumps. We've all been there but William grew up and came to terms with everything instead of being a whinny middle-aged baby. What always gets me is that Harry was protected from a lot of the drama from William & William experienced the brunt of it all.

[@3_times_mum520]

Yehr. After getting the impression to the media, that he didn't care about them at all... She was not only mental unstable.. She was mean, egoistic, and was manipulating everyone around her...

[@zoeslovely7096]

Heartbreaking depiction of very young children exposed to a terrible situation with their parents. Honestly, i feel for all of them at that stage.

[@Imagineitisraining]

Even though I enjoy each of your videos, I seldom reply. However, I had to this time. I never truly followed Diana. I saw lovely photos but that was it. After hearing the stories in this book, it's my firm opinion that Diana wasn't a great friend to women. She seems to have adored the attention of men. I can see it all playing out. Her using her eyes and body language to gain attention from the men around her. Like diving in the water from the yacht while they were on vacation. Not too much unlike Meghan, she thrived, it appears around men. Getting along with women when she did, seemed to have been necessary As far as the crying on the steps, a woman only does that wanting to be caught. That's sad to me because she should have been concerned with how that would affect her boys. I feel that deep inside she wanted the boys to blame their father for her misery. She was what she was. I'm not criticizing, only making an observation.

[@HilaryB.]

I think that describes her very well 👍🏼

[@thevintageread]

Yes I agree, she was an endlessly fascinating, very flawed character!

[@pamjudge9691]

I wonder why Will Carling's wife and other wives whose marriages she broke up havent had their public say. Maybe for Williams sake. @@thevintageread

[@DeeBullock1836]

She had said at some point she hated her mother for a long time for leaving her father, and then doubly hated their stepmother….so it kind of makes sense she would want to be around men more than women….

[@annamack5823]

@@thevintageread Hardly fascinating.

[@rosemaryoconnell1119]

Princess Diana screaming at poor Prince Charles { at that time} that she hated him but she upset and worried about her lover James being overseas involved in a war really made my head spin for a moment. I so enjoy you reading this book, I want more please.

[@rw4754]

Diana had Borderline Personality Disorder. (BPD) Harry inherited it.

[@kathrynjames3584]

You develop EUPD, not inherit it, but yes he has traits

[@titian-red]

There is no good excuse for treating others badly. Just because I have a broken leg doesn't mean that I get to hurt others. Same thing as poor mental health. Just because I have depression doesn't mean I get to be vile to others. PSA: If someone you love suffers from poor mental health, this doesn't mean you should suffer their unwarranted wrath. Their mental health is not more important than yours.

[@bridgetmclaughlin6198]

Princess Diana grew up watching her parents argue. She did the same in front of her children. She should’ve known better. Thankfully Prince William seems to have changed the pattern

[@annewalden3795]

Bridget I think William was surprised by Cstherine's parents creation of a calm and loving home .I gather he really relaxed when he visited them.

[@pamelacox540]

All the loud sobbing on stairs by Diana was extremely manipulative and damaging to her children. As a mom and grandmother adulting through my life I have never used children to lash out at family. Shame on her.

[@ichibonfriend2923]

Probably done on purpose, and maybe got pleasure in the sadism. She wasn’t going to give that up. Cared about nobody else, but herself. The first Meghan.

[@Nikkers8]

I would imagine that Catherine, having come from what seems like a very healthy home, helped William see over time that as much as he adored his mother, she put him in unfair positions and maligned him against her is father. Either way, i think Wend Barry understood the real Diana. This matches what Lady C has written about her treatment of others long before she was a princess- calculating and vindictive but also extremely likeable to some.

[@sharonwelsh8907]

Its hilarious hearing that Charles was a brilliant Dad to Harry and knowing that Harry says differently. Harry is warped even at this age. I watched the Heir and Spare William and Harry the other day and Paul Burrel is so full of how Diana was with the boys and that he was there from the beginning which we know isn't the case as Wendy says. Diana wasn't a saint and Charles wasn't either but at least he hid his sadness and temper from the boys, which Diana never did. Looking forward to the next chapter. Thanks Shauna

[@suupkalvers2244]

Why was it different for Diana? So many women lived in a loveless marriage, so many women had a husband/lover/son/daughter in this war. It looks a lot like her daughter-in-law... 'poor me' she said, sitting sobbing on the stairs. All the other women without all privileges Diana had did not get to behave themselves that way. And what about the wives of firefighters or police officers? They live year after year with the fear their loved ones don't come home that evening.

[@minwade5436]

Yrs I’m the wife of a 43+ year veteran recently retired police officer, every shift I wondered would he come home safely. Especially as he worked in dom violence & child abuse- inc s/a. There are many nights that started as a day shift & he didn’t get home till after midnight. Thank you for thinking of the silent people “behind the lines” so to speak.

[@thevintageread]

That’s true there is a lot of suffering being endured by others, fair point. I think she tended to be a bit self absorbed….

[@suupkalvers2244]

@@thevintageread That is put very friendly, 💖

[@itsmesam1967]

I think the biggest difference between Dianas stair sobbing and Meghans floor sobbing is probably that Diana was genuinely crying and was depressed due to mental illness.... Meghans crying is most likely due to her being a narcissist.

[@ecm958]

​@@thevintagereadI think Diana was too young, immature to get married, and her environment did not, ironically, allow her to grow in certain areas.

[@Seth-gd4mz]

Amazing insight to whom Harry actually picked to marry not just her perfume but her behavior is so similar to his mother. He definitely has a mother fixation and Meghan rolls around in that delusion. Such an interesting book. Princess Diana had real Mental health issues and they affected her in every way.

[@graphiquejack]

Obviously both Charles and Diana behaved badly at times, but I’ll still take Charles over Diana any day. I can’t imagine working for someone so emotionally manipulative and difficult. At least when Charles got angry he didn’t hold grudge. He was more ‘predictable’ and rational of the two. For Diana to shout at Charles ‘look what you’ve done’ when her emotional outbursts caused William to be so upset was really just below the belt. William’s words must have really hurt Charles but Diana just needs to make it worse by trying to make him feel guilty and responsible. The public has had it all wrong for ages. Yes, both were at fault for the terrible marriage, but she was far worse.

[@debbiestevens7844]

An important factor to keep in mind is that Diana was only a teenager, who was naive, inexperienced and emotionally damaged, while Charles was over 30 years old. The family and the world’s press should never have pressurised them to marry, especially so quickly. There was a huge imbalance in power, maturity and experience with this couple and this gap would have been almost impossible to bridge. I believed the fairy tale when I was younger and then blamed Charles for her unhappiness and the break-up of their marriage. After learning more over the years, perhaps we can all see the sad situation with a more balanced viewpoint.

[@Anna_Key]

It would have been a shock for Charles to come across Diana's manipulative and emotional outbursts. He was used to very clever, educated, intelligent, direct, strong, stoic women like The Queen Mother, The Queen, The Princess Royal and then Camilla. Diana compared to them would have been very hard to take.

[@Celisar1]

After listening to the book reading from the start on: what has Charles done to ruin the marriage? What was his fault to end up in a terrible marriage? I really can’t see it. Wendy Barry describes all the time how hard and long he tried until things broke down irretrievably.

[@Celisar1]

@@debbiestevens7844lots of people have an age difference of about 13 years. She knew the life in royal circles well enough since the Spencers have always been close to the RF. At 19 she was old enough to make her own decisions and she loved the idea of marrying a prince. She was not a victim but was fully on board with everything. She could have told him 12 dates were too little and that she wanted to wait. She wasn’t pressured, she wanted it.

[@Celisar1]

@@Anna_Keythat is a very interesting and very good point of view!

[@hazeluzzell]

Sitting on the top step where she knew Charles could hear her…regardless of the damage she’s doing those poor kids

[@user-tc4tk9mo6t]

Diana sat on the back stairs sobbing uncontrollably... bc she was setting up a drama scene. If Charles came along and asked if he could help her... she would then begin screaming at him, blaming him for her tears and unhappiness and then she would run to her room where she would spend hours slamming doors, screeching and smashing things... always blaming Charles. If the children came along in response to her loud wailing and crying... she would then become the sad waif who would explain things when they grew up... but if her well laid plans worked... the kids would respond first, Charles would hear them and attempt to intercede before the drama got out of hand... which was exactly what Diana wanted. This forced Will or Harry to side with her and to blame their father... which of course is what Diana had set up. Diana was not ill, she was a class A Narcissist. She cared for no one but herself, the boys were used as weapons against Charles, and she openly pigged off with members of Charles security team... openly cheating in front of everyone, including Charles. Which might be the norm in wealthy homes... but she then played the victim to the media... playing the role of the faithful and heartbroken wife and laying claim to Charles being the cheat w/ Camilla. Diana was not crying due to heartache or illness... like all narcissists she was creating drama so the boys would see her as a victim. She really was an evil woman. If a man behaved in this way no one would have any sympathy... we shouldn't for her either.

[@karlaalsberge9868]

We can see how Charles' compensation for Harry's feelings turned out! Love your videos! Thank you!!!!!!😍

[@thevintageread]

😂💕

[@charmainerichter6954]

Thanks for the book review, Shauna! I have to say Princess Diana needed to grow up herself. Her behavior away from the public was mostly appalling!

[@catlink8998]

It's interesting the similarities between Diana sobbing on the stairs and Harry finding Megain in a sobbing heap on the floor. IMO Megain probably read this book and added that detail to use in her playbook of emotional triggers to manipulate Hazbeen.

[@susanread2637]

This is a truly gossipy book and I am loving this deep dive review. Shauna, you never disappoint! I have always thought Charles got the shaft around his relationship with Diana and it would appear Mary Berry is proving me correct. As always, there is blame on both sides when a relationship fails but Charles who is a very, very sensitive person was never the sole person at fault and I am equally sure he was an excellent father under the peculiar circumstances both were forced to endure. However, most people have painted him as the offender along with our current Queen. Thanks for another enjoyable vlog. Cheers and sip from Canada 🇨🇦

[@thevintageread]

Thanks for listening and commenting 😊💕

[@orcharddweller1109]

He never successfully hid from his young wife that he lived another woman more. I call that abominable.

[@susanread2637]

@@orcharddweller1109 the nicest thing about this group is that we can agree to disagree without rancor. I value your opinion.

[@kateboulton8789]

Yes, that is true, but you can't switch love on and off and it wasn't exactly a​well kept secret, especially in the circles they cirulated in!@@orcharddweller1109

[@avm9647]

We’ve all known Diana types 🙄

[@sr8377]

I believe the terrible thing is not really about the toxic atmosphere but the fact that the boys' mother used them as camouflage for her affairs (did this with more than just hewitt). As difficult as King Charles may have been in the self-inflicted drama of what was his marriage, at least he didn't flaunt his affair and use his children as cover.

[@pomme800]

Thanks so much Shauna, I'll be sad when it ends.....this does give a much more rounded view of both Charles and Diana..what a tragic match! The worse sides of their personalities were exacerbated by this marriage.

[@ericaknesek3266]

I really feel very very bad for those poor children. It all makes sense really now Charles of course was no angel but he was the consistent one as we can see today I know from Lady seas book the real Diana The Way she was I don’t know if you have read that book yetbut it is most definitely the best book that depicts who Diana truly was a very complex person nothing like the Andrew Morton book that Diana head in effect written herself I am really enjoying your channel. Thank you for sharing this book with us.

[@giovannamoruzzi3734]

Amazing book, described amazingly well. I wish it would go on forever. Diana comes across as highly strung to say the least. I'm sure she had some redeeming qualities but if the account is to be believed - and I do believe it, even making allowances for the author having some grievances - she bears a lot of responsibility for her boys' mental health. One seems to have dealt with it well, the other not so much, though it's equally possible that he was always a little s***t.

[@ichibonfriend2923]

Agree with you! No one has mentioned the symbolic sexualized behavior of taking your son to your bedroom and watching tv in bed. Not saying for a second that she actually abused William, but the symbolism can be very damaging.

[@katecrossrhodes]

I lived through the Di myth here in the US and never, ever bought the propaganda.

[@annamack5823]

Same here in the UK. She was obviously a ghastly woman but most people were unable to look beyond the pretty face.

[@Christine26338]

I loved Diana, but she was human and people have made her into a saint and icon. They put all their venom and blame onto Charles.

[@ellenrittgers990]

A lot of people want everything to be in black and white. Good and evil. Life isn’t like that.

[@carolesimpson9956]

I think Diana also made herself into a saint.

[@maureenball6733]

Re Raine: It was lovely that a few years later, a real and warm friendship developed between Diana and Raine.

[@waipocock5767]

Interesting, I'm glad my intuition of Diana being a manipulative, drama queen was spot on. I was never a Diana fan.

[@katiehill619]

Such a sad situation -- two completely incompatible people. Unfortunately, Diana wallowed in her drama and emotionality, to the detriment of her sons and to herself as well. If we consider how many relationships she ping ponged around over those years - there was definitely something very off there.

[@Fjos773]

If I was Charles, I would have chosen to leave Diana.

[@Anna_Key]

Charles was old fashioned though, a public marriage and private affair was not unusual. Diana grew up in that upper class lifestyle too, but she was not discreet. Much like her ancestor the Duchess of Devonshire.

[@constancedenchy9801]

He was damned if he did and damned if he didn't

[@3_times_mum520]

He wasn't allowed to divorce her... Why do you think he was fighting with his mother and father... Talking to them on the phone.. almost every day

[@3_times_mum520]

​@@Anna_Keyhis mother didn't allow him to divorce . before she gave the interview.. saying he wouldn't make a good King

[@Anna_Key]

@@3_times_mum520 you're right.

[@jackiegould1569]

I was never a Diana fan and its nice to see I was right. She wasnt that nice. No matter how bad you feel you never ever involve the children. Its selfish! No wonder Harry hates his father. Not being the brightest child it wouldnt surprise me in the slightest if Diana hadnt dripped poison in his ear about Charles and he believed it. Mind you from the interview, Netflix and his book - harry does seem to be capable of making up his own narrative. Another fascinating listen. Thanks

[@mflow6485]

I think he still has someone dripping poison in his ear.

[@willman9567]

I remember not liking Diana from the moment I saw her. It was the engagement interview and something was off about her. I never bought into her public act. The bad vibes were too strong. Now the truth is becoming known and I know I was right.

[@ichibonfriend2923]

We must’ve been the only two in the world then! 😂😂

[@willman9567]

@@ichibonfriend2923 She always looked sly and mean to me. She definitely knew how to manipulate the media. She would have been great at social media now. Meghan Markle trying to do the same, but she's just not good at it. She does have her fanbase fooled, but Diana fooled most of the public.

[@sandywolfe9587]

I'm happy KC is happy now.

[@annatjienilsen539]

The impression I got from what I've read, is that she would not have mind much of having an audience. She did not mind that the broader public saw her uhappiness. The more sympathy she could garner the better. Her histrionic personality definately played a role in her over the top reactions. That as well as the bulimia played havoc with her emotions. It is such a pity that she at this stage still refused to accept the help of the psychologists offered to her.

[@barbraluce5706]

God bless Ken Wharfe whose kindness and empathy for the Princes took action. His six years with them were pivotal. The tragedy is that the Princess could not face her mental illness.

[@purpurina5663]

I feel like H punishes Charles because deep down he knows he was more loving and a better parent. Because he was more unconditional, so there is more leeway to push. One of those psychological paradoxes.

[@l.d.1385]

So obviously, Hazmat, married the exact same as his mum. Diana Spencer was not my favorite mum. She acted like a horrible mum,to these boy's. She was suffering from hiding her bulimia,and took it out on Prince William. Thank God he found a new family, the Middletons,and his beautiful wife Catherine the Princess of Wales. If not,he may have ended up like Hazmat.

[@laurabailey1054]

@@saturnia1146 and Magpie claimed she had zero knowledge of the royal family

[@annewalden3795]

​@@laurabailey1054MM makes lots of claims and her nose gets a little longer every day.

[@mbd6054]

Luckily William had an excellent loving father, supportive grandparents, and a close extended family. It is beyond insulting to his father, and to the RF, to somehow claim he was devoid of family love and support, until he met the Middletons. That is patently and proveably untrue.

[@annewalden3795]

@@mbd6054 Charles is very proud of William and encourages him to spend quality time with his Wife and children. I think it was very useful for William to meet and get to know Catherine's family at an impressionable age and that does not in any way reduce the contribution made to his upbringing by his father , grandparents and Aunts / Uncles etc .

[@mbd6054]

@@annewalden3795 That's a fair comment. The Middletons are indeed excellent people, and have certainly contributed to William's stable family life.

[@dawnc1419]

How abiut not making excuses for Diana's behaviour...or bending the knee to the Diana supporters who refuse to see just how wrong her behaviour was 😮😮

[@Laurie804]

Mań, Meghan is just horrific.

[@misscatalina711]

I always thought Diana was a selfish immature brat. Though, being in an unsatisfactory marriage didn’t help her antics.

[@33donnally]

I am going to be sad when we get to the last chapter! I have loved going chapter by chapter, and hearing your in-depth thoughts on each one. I’d love it if you followed this one with an in-depth look at another book.

[@thevintageread]

Yes that’s the plan!

[@sonniehoulihan5505]

I'm a huge fan of yours across the pond.

[@thevintageread]

😊❤

[@Anna_Key]

From across an even bigger pond, the Pacific ocean.

[@gerrymarmee3054]

This is sure interesting. Made me realize how much William does to take care of his own family.

[@spiritofanu3112]

Love, love your reading this book to us. You are such a good storey teller! I remember a couple of times William spoke of his mother. He does so rarely and selectively. Once he said “I want my mother to be proud of me in my life after her passing so I work towards that. That is the way I chose to honour her”. And another time he said “my mother wore her emotions in her sleeve. I try not to.” I think he has become an extraordinary man and he has also commented in public about his wife “I got lucky”. I have no doubt that Catherine, in her private ways, has been a huge part of his healing. If you watch him closely in public and especially his eyes, you can see a lot of depth and compassion and also hurt. I wish Harry and Meghan would do the right thing and willingly give up their titles and place in the LOS snd just stop hurting their families for monetary gain. Just go away and lead the quiet life you initially spoke of. Thank you again for this reading.

[@karinkesel5577]

I totally agree on everything you've said!

[@ytcomms3945]

I have the physical copy myself HAH. But I do not even want to read it yet. I prefer it in your presentation LOL. Thanks again.

[@dangerkittyfilms]

Having recently read Paul Burrel’s book after the video you did, I remember reading that his wife Maria had changed her tune about Diana too after experiencing a freeze out 😂

[@bnic9471]

Staff witnessed Burrell on his knees, once, begging Diana not to can him. I doubt he liked her very much, either, except for the cha-ching factor.

[@joricardochard2824]

Just wonderful, thank you. I do wonder where Diana fitted on the emotional spectrum. It sounds as if Charles was empathetic and Diana was unstable in many ways. Her behaviour was a result of childhood trauma and something she bought into the marriage. In any event both Charles and Diana helped raise two healthy children. William is in a solid, happy relationship, and is fit for purpose. One can only guess how Harry would have turned out, had he met someone who loved and cared for him, someone who fitted into his life.

[@anastasiaabrahim9096]

Both Physically healthy but one is very unhealthy mentally.

[@gabbyb4493]

I firmly believe that Diana was a narcissist. I saw through her just like I saw through Meghan Markle. Those of us who have had narcissists in our lives see through the facades they present to the world. Diana and Meghan would have not got along and it would be interesting if she were still alive whether Meghan could have gotten Harry out of the UK.

[@heden1460]

Even Diana in her interview said Prince Charles was a good father. That was interesting.

[@Donna_Relaxing]

Eye opener (yes I’ve subscribed) Diana wanted the boys to hate their father 😢

[@Joyof...]

Diana was no angel, and I wish people would realize that.

[@nocontxtqueencamilla]

1:34 "Diana didn't treat the staff very well understandably..." is it understandable though?

[@thevintageread]

Due to mental illness…? I am starting to see real evidence, or at least some extreme mood swings that indicate troubling symptoms. I meant understandable knowing what we know so far 😊💕

[@larhumba4233]

Loving this book Shauna! Please don't feel the need to apologize ot explain Diana's bad behaviour towards the Staff. She came from an Aristocratic family and was used to Staff. Those complaining are the Diana worshippers who blame Charles for everything, as though staying in that marriage was good for anybody. They need to grow up and look at the truth of the situation and Diana's flawed character. Yes, she was beautiful, that doesn't mean she was perfect. It's absolutely absurd how some idiots still call Camilla "Charles's mistress" when they've been married for 19 years, longer than he was ever married to Diana. As Ingrid Seward says, Diana was always coyly flirtatious with men, but with women she pretended to be your best friend, until she cut you off. Will you be reviewing Ingrid Seward's new book?

[@graphiquejack]

Diana apologists go so far as to call Charles’ cancer diagnosis as karma. It’s disgusting. How well did Diana manipulate the public into believing she was this tragic little victim.

[@dawnjohnson5937]

That account of the staff pool party where everyone was being thrown in the pool - reminded me of that snippet in I-don't-remember-whose-book about H throwing girls in the pool at a friend's home. Wonder if he was trying to recreate the joy he remembered from that pool party with his mum 🤔, but misjudged the situation and ended up being an arse.

[@kimmckenzie3696]

Just love your book reviews like The Housekeepers Diary. Would you consider doing more of the popular books on the royals. Would love to see The Traitor King for example. Thank you great work and much appreciated

[@thevintageread]

Wallis and Edward! WEIRD Relationship Explored: Traitor King kzbin.info/www/bejne/sJOteZqqa6yEepI

[@Nicstewert]

When we were little and my mother needed a cry she ALWAYS did it away from us. Not only did she want privacy but she understood that children seeing their mother a blubbering mess is actually really scary for them and her job was to be a stable force.

[@allyanderson6755]

Im early 😂just got last child asleep, its 11pm NZ south of the Bombays😂. Will catch up on snarky snippets while waiting 😂❤

[@thevintageread]

Enjoy!

[@bridgetmclaughlin6198]

She shouldn’t have taken out her anger on the staff regardless.

[@susanmahon-tk6mf]

Narcissists can only keep up the “Act” for so long, especially when it comes to entertaining children. They’re only good for a couple of hours, 3 at most. You were right about Diana not being able to “sustain that sort of fake happiness that she was putting on for other people’s benefit.”

[@gailspooner7356]

Can't wait for the next chapter. You are an amazing storyteller Shawna ❤

[@Drayton627]

It's because of Diana's erratic behaviour and overly emotional reactions, people have speculated she may have had BPD (borderline personality disorder). If that was the case, did TRF and Charles know what they were dealing with? Did they try to get her some help? Was she herself aware she had psychiatric problems? This is not to let Charles off the hook, but it is very difficult dealing with a person with full blown BPD. They are at the mercy of their emotions which can cascade, triggered by something that may appear to be insignificant.

[@anastasiaabrahim9096]

Charles did try to get her a therapist especially after william’s birth and during when she threw herself down the steps

[@janetd5317]

I read she was taking Prozac for awhile, but with the bulimia I doubt it would have worked. This was actually during the honeymoon, when they were in Scotland. A doctor and a psychiatrist had been sent for. Great start to a marriage....

[@bnic9471]

Very disordered BPDs burned me out on psychiatric nursing in 2 years flat. By the time I learned how to handle them properly, I was worn out and switched to a different nursing discipline. The sickest BPDs are like dealing with very diabolical toddlers. Their needs are unappeasable.

[@sandrajohnson9231]

Love this book series. I always held princess Diana on a pedestal. But after reading true accounts- it’s just telling. You are correct- thank goodness William was first born and able to rise above the early years. Thank you for this.

[@ericaknesek3266]

Diana was very disturbed….. read lady C’s book the real Diana. That’ll tell you everything you need to know about Princess Diana it’s a very good book..

[@martharamirezdelacruz5106]

Look is it possible that Diana played the victim for the eyes of the public when she was not? Many upperclass people have arranged marriages where after the couple produces the required heirs, then they are both allowed to have affairs as long as they are discreet. The British, wealthy, titled class has a different set of morals than the poor or middle class. Diana came from Charles' circle; Charles dated her sister before dating Diana which apparently is common if these people were not allowed to date outside their wealthy circle (William broke this tradition not Harry); her parents were divorced and she had abandonment issues. People even blamed Charles for Diana's bulimia and mental health issues when they started in her childhood because her sister was also bulimic. Lady C might be labeled as biased (team Charles) but maybe she isn't because she told the truth in her book when nobody wanted to hear/believe it. Life and marriage to a prince is not a fairy tale like Diana and Meghan want the public to think and then the public is supposed to feel sorry for them if their life is not fairy tale (victim narrative). Diana even went as far as to say that Charles should not be king and the crown should go directly to William. Meghan Markle has used Diana's life as a blueprint to attack the royal family, manipulate Harry and portray herself as the victim. It worked at first when Black Lives Matters was at its height in the US, but the public's opinion changed when all her lies were exposed around the world.

[@userMelC]

I got my copy of The Houskeeper's Diary and I am enjoying it. This is just my opinion, but It seems Diana relied heavily on William, despite his young age. And yes, she likely had an undiagnosed mental illness which can be very difficult on children. I know this from my own childhood. Harry's deep jealousy of his brother has made Harry unrecognizable, but it is not William's fault that Diana favoured him or that she sometimes left Harry out. It is Diana's fault. Harry won't see his mother as anything but perfect so he blames William, and his father as well, which lead to the last several years. Sadly, Harry also married a very toxic woman who encouraged him because narcissists love control and don't like to share. Deep down, I believe Harry is really angry at his mother because she died and left him, because he believed William was her favourite and had more time with her, and he looks like her. Harry needs proper therapy, probably medication and he needs to free himself from his wife.

[@pamelav4628]

Diana seems manipulative and difficult.

[@ftlauderdaleborn1098]

Your last Snarky Snippet was the best 🎉❤

[@cornelia9778]

Sounds like everything Diana did was arranged like a scene. How tiresome.

[@louesparza8003]

Wonderful storytelling. Entertaining and unbiased. Excellent!

[@maggiedavies5312]

Neither my mother nor my daughter, both wysiwyg people, could stand Diana. They both thought she was totally manipulative, rather like Harkle.

[@barbaraallen435]

Hello Shauna and everyone from the UK 😊

[@elizabethcloutman8913]

My goodness! This book was truly eye-opening. Now the whole story from the marriage to Prince Harry now all comes together! Thank you, Shauna, as well as Wendy Barrie, so very much for being so wise and perceptive! I quickly decided to become a subscriber! You’re totally amazing, Shauna!!!!

[@amybaker1233]

Another thoughtfully, explained review. Thank you x

[@thevintageread]

Thanks for watching!

[@Tasmaniantiger8]

There's news footage of Charles at the wheel of his Aston Martin driving to William in hospital. He was criticised for keeping an evening engagement and going to the opera, rather than staying by W's post op bedside. Diana stayed.

[@MsKK909]

I’ve experienced a person who changed moods abruptly like that……she was diagnosed BPD.

[@wendispencer1064]

Oh my gosh I just looked on Amazon for The House Keepers Diary. I did take a screenshot but can’t attach it. $399.99 holey moley. I think I’ll continue to listen to you read it 😂❤

[@thevintageread]

Out of print! Not many copies around!

[@mickidonahue4038]

The film of Diana taken by the man who was teaching her public speaking gave a window in to her unpracticed personality. She seemed like a flirty teenager who was annoyed by a younger brother ( Harry peaking in.)

[@trishosullivan4857]

Hi Shauna and everyone , can’t wait for this 🎉

[@barbraluce5706]

You are looking much better! Feeling sad for William and his parents. Things had been rocky for year.

[@SugarWildflower-si4ox]

Diana’s had fell from grace ..however human and flawed ..she was a self centered at damaging at times emotional wreck……. Why on earth did the Dowager Queen Elizabeth and the QEII and Prince Philip adults in the family think throwing Charles and emotionally immature Diana was good for the couple? Old fashion snobbery keeping royal in the blood lines did more damage to all of them involved even the country. Charles was sent away to sea when he was leaning towards Camilla the love of his life who was single herself however not good enough in Dowager Queen Elizabeth’s opinion. Remember, she had a very stodgy, old fashion snobbery about her. Very old school..she did not approve of Prince Philip as a suitable match to her daughter. However QEII won out marrying the love of her life. Margaret was over ruled in her first true love too. Dowager E had Major influence over QEII. Dowager Queen had her own opinion on everything. Diana or Charles would not have been miserable and mismatched. Interference in love matching in the RF. The one time they should have interfered in a marriage has turned into an embarrassment and total disaster by one petty, emotionally immature, jealous rebellious prince. Such is life..🤷‍♀️

[@sherr8713]

I always look forward to this part of the week. I find it an honest portrayal of parenting and how the media twisted it into different situations. My sister often said to me mom and dad did this and I will never do that with my kids. Her daughter, an adult, says the same thing about her parents. I said we take the good and change what we didn’t like and our children will do the same. It will be interesting if one day William said Pa did take us for bike rides while Mummy was in London. Mummy took us to Disney while Pa was … I think memories with such a difference to a young child will be remembered differently. Charles enjoyed private time while Diana used her time to document outings. I mean I would remember Disney compared to a bike ride and with photographs to prove it. I think Harry remembers but maybe not as well because the pictures are few and far between.

[@GrannyDi276]

I don't think Diana was ever as nice as the media made out....she was very vindictive. She allegedly keyed a guy's car who broke up with her before Charles...I don't think either of them were great as marriage partners. Very sad for the kids & she was first to write a telk-all against Charles & the royal family. Harry's a lot like her....& Charles did the same❤❤❤