15 Unforgivable Mistakes King Charles Made at Princess Diana’s Funeral

King Charles III’s role at Princess Diana’s funeral in 1997 was one of the most scrutinized moments of his life. While he was undoubtedly mourning the loss of his ex-wife, his actions during the funeral raised eyebrows and sparked controversy. Here are 15 mistakes many felt were unforgivable:

1. The Lack of Public Emotion – Charles’s perceived lack of visible grief during the funeral was criticized, with many feeling he didn’t show enough emotion for the mother of his children.
2. The Separation from Sons – Many were shocked by how Charles distanced himself from his sons, Princes William and Harry, at the funeral, particularly during the famous walk behind Diana’s coffin.
3. The Walk Behind the Coffin – While it was a royal tradition for close family to walk behind the coffin, some felt that Charles, as the ex-husband, was inappropriate in leading the procession, overshadowing the sons’ roles.
4. Cold Interaction with Diana’s Family – Tensions were high between Charles and Diana’s family. His strained interactions with her siblings were evident and left a bitter impression on the public.
5. Failure to Address the Public Outpouring of Grief – Charles was seen as out of touch with the overwhelming grief the public felt for Diana. His failure to connect emotionally with the masses upset many.
6. Diana’s Final Resting Place – The choice of where Diana was laid to rest, at Althorp, her family’s estate, was controversial. Some felt it should have been a more public, national site fitting for her legacy.
7. Handling of the Media – Charles’s press handling during the days following Diana’s death was widely criticized for being too defensive and insensitive to the public’s raw emotions.
8. The Royal Family’s Detachment – The royal family’s apparent detachment during the funeral, including Charles, was often cited as one of the biggest public relations blunders of the event.
9. His Relationship with Camilla – At the time of the funeral, Charles’s relationship with Camilla Parker Bowles was a source of intense public criticism. His connection with her during the funeral proceedings felt distasteful to many.
10. Not Supporting William and Harry – Many felt that Charles failed to provide adequate emotional support to his young sons, William and Harry, especially as they endured the intense media spotlight.
11. The “Royal Coldness” – Charles, along with other members of the royal family, was accused of displaying a “royal coldness” that contrasted with the warmth Diana had shown the world.
12. The Public Mourning Contrast – While Diana was adored by millions, her funeral seemed to emphasize the distance between the royal family and the public, with Charles’s behavior perceived as unfeeling.
13. Lack of Acknowledgement for Diana’s Charitable Work – At the funeral, there was little direct acknowledgment of Diana’s incredible charity work, with some feeling Charles missed the opportunity to highlight her legacy.
14. The Silence of the Royals – The royal family’s silence in the days following Diana’s death angered many, with critics feeling that Charles and others should have spoken more publicly about their grief and respect for Diana.
15. The Involvement of the Media – While Charles wanted to control the narrative, his handling of the media during the funeral procession left many feeling he was more concerned with royal image than genuine mourning.

These moments during Diana’s funeral are still deeply etched in the public’s memory and have been cited as key moments in shaping the public’s perception of King Charles and his reign. While time has passed, these mistakes continue to spark discussions about royal duty, empathy, and leadership.