Prince Charles never knew how to "deal" with Princess Diana.
Prince Charles
The 67-year-old royal - who married the late Princess of Wales in 1981 - couldn't deal with his former wife's "popularity", according to the former royal protection officer Ken Wharfe who served the family for 16 years in 1986.
Speaking about the couple to the Mail Online, he said: "The Prince didn't know how to deal with her popularity.
"Diana made desperate attempts to try to put that right. They could have been the biggest double act in the world, but after that confrontation with Camilla and Charles she felt there was no return."
And Ken has revealed Diana - who is the mother of Prince William and Prince Harry - used to plead with Charles to attend events with him, which he rejected so she wouldn't steal the limelight.
Speaking about a time he witnessed Charles snub Diana, he explained: "Diana really tried. I remember once after an engagement we arrived back at Kensington Palace as the Prince was getting into his car.
"He waved and said: 'Did you have a good day?'
"She said: "Yes, it was fantastic, where are you going now?'
"'Going to do my churches in the City.'
"'Oh that'll be nice. You like all of that. Well, do you want me to come with you?'
"[Charles replied] 'No, they'll only be interested in you.
"In essence there was nowhere for her to go. Diana was desperate, and desperate people often do desperate things."
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