Encore: Diana to Meghan | Whatever ‘in Love’ Means | 40
Dec 8, 2020
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Diana Spencer, a 19-year-old engaged to the future King of England, faces the challenges of being a soon-to-be royal. Topics include the early stages of Diana and Charles' relationship, her struggles to win over the royal family, Diana's battle with bulimia and loneliness, and the revelation of Charles' infidelity. The podcast also explores the Australia tour where Diana discovers her own popularity and seeks control over her portrayal in the media.
Diana impresses the royal family, including the Queen, with her down-to-earth nature and ability to adapt to royal expectations.
Diana learns how to manipulate the press, gains popularity among the public, and asserts control over her public image.
Deep dives
The Summer of Love and Charles' Infatuation with Diana
In 1980, Charles and Diana start hanging out and develop a romantic interest in each other. Diana ticks all the boxes as a potential royal wife, and her feistiness intrigues Charles. The Balmoral test, a challenge for any woman dating Charles, is undertaken by Diana to win over his family, including the Queen. She impresses everyone, including the Queen, with her down-to-earth nature and ability to adapt to royal expectations.
The Roller Coaster of Diana's Engagement
Leading up to their engagement, Diana and Charles face both excitement and doubts. Diana has a moment of panic when she overhears Charles on the phone, possibly speaking to Camilla. After the engagement, Diana faces challenges as she tries to fit into the royal family and learn the etiquette associated with her new role. She feels isolated and struggles with bulimia. Despite these hardships, Diana finds joy in becoming a mother to Prince William.
Camilla's Continued Presence and Diana's Emotional Struggles
Camilla's presence in Charles' life lingers, which causes tension and insecurity for Diana. The press becomes relentless in targeting Diana, blaming her for various problems in the royal family. However, during an Australian tour, Diana realizes her own popularity and begins to take control of her public image. Meanwhile, Charles grows distant, and Diana hopes he will come around, but their relationship remains strained.
Diana's Empowerment and Charles' Jealousy
Diana undergoes a transformation and starts to assert control over her public image. She learns how to manipulate the press and gains popularity among the public. Charles becomes jealous of Diana's growing fame and the public's adoration for her. While Diana hopes their relationship will improve, Charles remains distant, and their marriage becomes increasingly strained.
Diana Spencer is 19 years old, engaged to the future King of England, and living what seems like a Cinderella fantasy. Except without the fantasy part. Life as a soon-to-be royal is harder than she ever could have imagined. And it gets even worse when she discovers that her fiance still carries a torch for another woman.
If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, the National Eating Disorders Association has a free helpline for resources and support: 1-800-931-2237.
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