Deborah Chan
The honeymoon of King Charles and Princess Diana is a well-known event, with the couple embarking on a three-month-long trip, including a 12-day cruise on the royal yacht Britannia to Egypt and the Greek islands. This trip was not without controversy, as the Spanish king was advised against attending due to a stopover in Gibraltar, a disputed territory. The honeymoon was also marred by Diana's suspicions about Charles's enduring affection for his former lover, Camilla. In 1991, the couple took a second honeymoon to Italy, which was described by the press as a love cruise, despite the troubled nature of their relationship.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Honeymoon trip | A 12-day cruise aboard the royal yacht Brittania, followed by a trip to Egypt and the Greek islands |
| Honeymoon duration | Three months |
| Second honeymoon | A trip to Sardinia, Italy, in 1985, six years before their "second honeymoon" in 1991 |
| Honeymoon issues | Diana's suspicions about Charles's enduring affection for his former lover, Camilla, grew when she saw him wearing cufflinks gifted by Camilla |
| Honeymoon stopover | Gibraltar, a disputed territory |
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What You'll Learn
Royal yacht Britannia cruise
For their honeymoon in 1981, Prince Charles and Princess Diana spent 12 days cruising on the Royal Yacht Britannia, travelling to Egypt and the Greek islands. The yacht was a regular sight at Cowes Week in early August and was usually home to the Queen and her family for an annual cruise around the islands off the west coast of Scotland, known as the "Western Isles Tour".
Her Majesty's Yacht Britannia was in service to the British monarchy from 1954 to 1997. During her 43-year career, the yacht travelled over one million nautical miles around the world, visiting more than 600 ports in 135 countries. Britannia conveyed the Queen, other members of the Royal Family, and various dignitaries on 696 foreign visits and 272 visits in British waters. The vessel was designed to be converted into a hospital ship in wartime, but this capability was never realised during the Falklands War. Britannia was decommissioned in 1997, and the Labour opposition announced that public funds would not be used for a replacement vessel.
Now retired from royal service, Britannia is permanently berthed at Ocean Terminal, Leith in Edinburgh, Scotland, where it is a visitor attraction. Visitors can explore the five decks of the yacht and discover what life was like on board Queen Elizabeth II's former floating palace. The onboard Lighthouse Restaurant & Bar is a stylish space welcoming non-residents and overnight guests. Visitors can indulge in afternoon tea, dinner, and nautical-inspired cocktails while enjoying waterfront views.
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Greek Islands
After their wedding in 1981, King Charles and Princess Diana set sail on the royal yacht Britannia to cruise around the Greek Islands. The newlyweds boarded the ship in Gibraltar, Spain, and spent two weeks sailing around the Mediterranean, stopping off at various Greek islands.
Although the trip seemed to have a promising start, with photos of the couple looking happy and in love, it is said that Diana was still hurt by a comment made by Charles in an interview following their engagement. The honeymoon was also marred by the discovery of a pair of cufflinks with two interlocking C's, which Diana realised stood for Charles and Camilla, his former lover.
The cruise around the Greek Islands was in keeping with royal tradition, but it did little to ease the tensions between the couple, who reportedly spent most of their honeymoon fighting or not getting along. Diana, in particular, found being cooped up on the yacht frustrating, while Charles wanted to spend his time reading books about philosophy.
After their honeymoon, the couple spent a few days at the royal family's estate in Balmoral, Scotland, before returning to the United Kingdom.
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Camilla Parker Bowles
Prince Charles and Princess Diana's honeymoon included a stopover in Gibraltar, a disputed territory, which caused the Spanish king to be "advised" against attending the wedding. The newlyweds kicked off their three-month-long honeymoon with a 12-day cruise aboard the royal yacht Britannia, during which they travelled to Egypt and the Greek islands.
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Diana's bulimia
Prince Charles and Princess Diana spent their honeymoon at Balmoral Castle in Scotland. During their time there, the press was given an arranged opportunity to take pictures. However, Diana's suspicions about Charles's enduring affection for his former lover, Camilla Parker Bowles, grew during their honeymoon. She discovered that he was wearing cufflinks gifted to him by Camilla and that he had brought photographs of her on the trip.
Princess Diana's bulimia
Princess Diana's struggle with bulimia was well-documented. In 1992, Andrew Morton published a biography of Princess Diana, titled "Diana: Her True Story", which shed light on her eating disorder. The source for the explosive details was Diana herself, who, through an intermediary, passed on confessional tapes. In these tapes, Diana revealed that her bulimia started the week after her engagement to Charles and would take nearly a decade to overcome. She attributed the trigger of her eating disorder to a comment made by her husband, who, upon placing his hand on her waistline, remarked, "Oh, a bit chubby here, aren't we?". Additionally, the ongoing affair between Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles contributed to her condition.
In a 1995 interview with the BBC, Diana openly discussed her battle with bulimia, describing it as a secret disease that stems from low self-esteem and a feeling of worthlessness. She explained that bulimia is a repetitive pattern which is very destructive and that it served as an escape mechanism during challenging times in her marriage. Diana's struggles with bulimia continued throughout her marriage, as depicted in Season 4 of "The Crown," which showcases the painful and destructive nature of her eating disorder.
The public revelation of Diana's eating disorder sent shockwaves around the world, as eating disorders were rarely discussed openly at the time. Her courage to speak candidly about her experiences challenged societal stigmas and demonstrated her dedication to helping others facing similar struggles. Diana's older sister, Lady Sarah, also reportedly struggled with an eating disorder.
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Balmoral Castle, Scotland
Nestled in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, Balmoral Castle has been the cherished home of the British Royal Family since 1852. The castle is surrounded by breathtaking Highland landscapes, offering visitors a unique glimpse into royal life. The grounds of Balmoral Castle are open to the public, who can explore its gardens, admire the grandeur of the castle, and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the estate.
The history of Balmoral Castle dates back to the 14th century when King Robert II of Scotland had a hunting lodge in the area. In 1390, Sir William Drummond built a house on the estate, which was later tenanted by Alexander Gordon, the second son of the 1st Earl of Huntly. The Gordons built a tower house on the estate, which was acquired by Charles Farquharson of Inverey in 1662. The castle, as it stands today, was built in 1856, with major alterations made to the original structure, including baronial-style extensions designed by John Smith of Aberdeen.
Queen Victoria and Prince Albert first visited Scotland in 1842 and fell in love with the country. They rented properties during their visits until 1847 when they acquired the remaining part of the lease on Balmoral, along with its furniture and staff. The purchase of a Scottish estate by Victoria and Albert and their adoption of a Scottish architectural style influenced the ongoing revival of Highland culture. They decorated Balmoral with tartans and attended Highland games, with Queen Victoria even professing herself to be a Jacobite.
Balmoral Castle holds a significant place in the history of the Royal Family. Queen Elizabeth II spent her annual summer holiday at the castle in 2022, and it was also the location of British Prime Minister Liz Truss's appointment, due to concerns about the Queen's mobility issues. Sadly, Queen Elizabeth II passed away at Balmoral on 8 September 2022, becoming the first monarch to die at the castle in over 400 years. The castle and its grounds continue to be a popular attraction, offering visitors a glimpse into the majesty of royal life in Scotland.
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Frequently asked questions
Charles and Diana spent their honeymoon on the royal yacht Britannia, sailing around the Greek islands. They also spent time at Balmoral Castle in Scotland.
Charles and Diana honeymooned in 1981.
Yes, in 1991, Charles and Diana took a trip to Italy, which was described by the press as a "second honeymoon".
The honeymoon was reportedly a difficult time for the couple, with Diana's struggle with bulimia and the age difference between the couple causing tension. Diana also discovered that Charles had a pair of cufflinks with the initials of his former lover, Camilla Parker Bowles.
No, King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofía of Spain did not attend the wedding. The Spanish king was advised against attending by his government because the newlyweds' honeymoon included a stopover in the disputed territory of Gibraltar.
