The Dark Side of Diana’s Drive
Introduction
Diana, Princess of Wales, was known for her love of driving, which was a hobby she enjoyed with her husband, Prince Charles. While her royal duties often kept her busy, Diana found solace in the freedom of driving. However, there are numerous reports and allegations that suggest her driving skills were questionable, and she may have been intoxicated at times. In this article, we will explore the available evidence and examine the possibility that Princess Diana’s driver may have been intoxicated.
The Early Years: Prince Charles and Diana’s First Meeting
Diana met Prince Charles on a first meeting at the Africa Centre in London in 1980. The two were immediately drawn to each other, and their relationship began. However, their differing interests and lifestyles led to periods of tension in their relationship. Prince Charles, who was already married to Lady Diana Spencer, was concerned about the pressure on his marriage and the fact that his wife would be married again.
Diana’s Love of Driving
Diana was known for her love of driving, which she enjoyed with her late husband. She would often take her car out for spins, and even took a driving course in 1987 to improve her skills. However, Prince Charles was wary of her driving skills, and would often remind her to be more cautious on the road. Prince Charles reportedly told Diana to "not drive to make other people cry". This comment highlights the tension in their relationship and the fact that Prince Charles was skeptical of Diana’s driving abilities.
Allegations of Intoxication
Over the years, there have been numerous allegations that Princess Diana was intoxicated while driving. One of the most famous allegations was made by Andrew Morton, Diana’s biographer, who wrote in his 1992 book "Diana: Her True Story**:
"I don’t think Diana would have made it as a driver if she had kept her usual temper on the road. She was completely reckless." Another alleged instance was when Sarah, Duchess of York, Diana’s friend and confidante, claimed that Diana was driving recklessly and was " incredibly drunk". Sarah also claimed that Diana was visibly drunk and was floating on the seat. The Car had crashed** into a lamp post just a few hours after the incident.
Additional Evidence
In addition to these allegations, there are several other pieces of evidence that suggest Princess Diana’s driver may have been intoxicated. One such example is an incident in 1984, when Diana was driving a Toyota Corolla down the A1 road in Cambridge. She was pulled over by a police officer, who reported that she was "incoherent" and " driving erratically". The officer also claimed that she was slurring her words and had a strong, heady smell on her breath. The car was seized by the police and the driver was later hospitalized for a case of poisoning.
The Argument
The argument between Prince Charles and Diana’s driver, Gordon Turner, about driving while intoxicated was reportedly fierce. Gordon had been working as Diana’s driver for several years and had been given a cruise stick by her mother, Princess Margaret. However, he became increasingly frustrated with Diana’s driving skills and felt that she was not being safe. Prince Charles, who was feeling increasingly uncomfortable with Diana’s behavior, eventually told her that she had to stop driving altogether.
Impact on Diana’s Relationship
The incident with Gordon Turner has been cited as an example of the tension in Diana’s relationship with Prince Charles. Prince Charles was reportedly furious with Turner and felt that Diana’s behavior was unacceptable. This incident has been described as a trigger point in their relationship, and it took a significant toll on Diana’s mental health.
Conclusion
While there is no concrete evidence to prove that Princess Diana was intoxicated while driving, the allegations of recklessness and intoxication remain. The incident with Gordon Turner provides a clear example of the tension in their relationship and the difficulties of driving while under the influence. The tragic events of that day, including the car crash and Gordon’s death, led to a significant change in Diana’s life and her relationship with Prince Charles.
Additional Information
- In 1995, Prince Charles and Diana divorced after nine years of marriage.
- Diana married Dodi Fayed, a member of the Egyptian royal family, in 1997.
- Diana tragically died in a car accident in Paris on August 31, 1997.
- Andrew Morton‘s book "Diana: Her True Story** (1992) is a detailed account of Diana’s life and her relationships, including her time with Prince Charles and her experience as a driver.
- The Car had crashed into a lamp post just a few hours after the incident.
- Sarah, Duchess of York claimed that Diana was driving recklessly and was incredibly drunk.
- Gordon Turner was Diana’s driver and was given a cruise stick by her mother, Princess Margaret.
- Prince Charles was furious with Turner and felt that Diana’s behavior was unacceptable.