Princess Diana’s “shadow” will hang over King Charles and Camilla during the Coronation as her popularity “scored ahead” of the monarch’s, says her ex private secretary. The Coronation is just a week away, with organisers scrambling to complete last-minute tasks and ensure the event runs smoothly as millions of people are expected to watch the live event broadcast across the world. During the service at Westminster Abbey, Camilla will also be crowned as Queen Consort and will be sat next to Charles during the procession through The Mall from Buckingham Palace.
Writing for the Daily Mail, Diana’s ex-private secretary Patrick Jephson said: “The palace has been sent a respectful reminder of the reservations felt by many of the King’s subjects. Recently, The Mail’s comprehensive poll of attitudes to royalty revealed that Diana scored ahead of Charles as the royal figure making the more positive contribution to the country.
“It seems the new reign — like Diana’s marriage — will still be a bit crowded. More worrying to Coronation strategists was the finding that naming Camilla ‘Queen’ is approved by only 14 per cent.
“Something for thoughtful monarchists to ponder, as they nibble quiche and raise their glasses to celebrate the happy King and his smiling Queen.”
Princess Diana died in a fatal car accident in Paris on August 31, 1997. Charles and Diana had separated in 1992, with Prime Minister John Major declaring: “It is announced from Buckingham Palace that, with regret, the Prince and Princess of Wales have decided to separate.”
Preparations are in full swing ahead of the spectacle on May 6, with Charles reportedly practicing his role in Buckingham Palace.
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