Prince Charles in Anguish as Popularity Plunges on Anniversary of Diana’s Death

The 20th anniversary of Princess Diana's death has left Prince Charles in a gloomy and introspective mood, according to insiders.

The torrent of stories surrounding the death of the People's Princess and the failure of her marriage to the heir to the throne has left him feeling raw and emotional.

Prince Charles has been receiving calls and messages from close friends who are empathising with the difficult situation.

The Prince has expressed his gratitude to those who are helping to lift his spirits during this time.

However, the relentless focus on the heartache of decades ago has been disappointing for Prince Charles.

He is grateful that the virtues and good works of Princess Diana are being remembered, but he would rather leave the past behind.

The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall have been surprised by the impact the focus on the marriage breakdown has had with the public, following the broadcast of interviews given by Princess Diana during former private sessions with a speech therapist.

A poll conducted by the Sunday Express found that 67% of people do not support the Duchess of Cornwall taking the title of Queen when Charles becomes King, and only 19% felt she was fit for the role.

Prince Charles backed the deeply personal tributes from the Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry to their mother in a television documentary, but the decision by Channel 4 to broadcast interviews given by Princess Diana during former private sessions with a speech therapist has reopened deep wounds that the Prince would rather have left alone.

Lawyer Michael Mansfield has added to the anguish of the couple by saying in an American documentary that there should be a new investigation into the death of Diana in a crash in the Alma Tunnel in Paris on August 31, 1997.

Mr Mansfield suggests the crash was no accident and wants evidence re-examined.

The conspiracy theories were demolished during the inquest where it was decided Diana and Dodi were unlawfully killed by Frenchman Mr Paul, who was speeding and had been drinking.

Pursuing French paparazzi photographers were also partly to blame for the tragedy.

Days before the anniversary, author Hilary Mantel joined the national debate by attacking the princess myth surrounding the late Diana, Princess of Wales.

In a newspaper article, the Wolf Hall novelist criticised the mystical realm in which royal people exist and said there was no bar on saying what you like about the late princess, in defiance of the evidence.

Prince Charles has made it clear that he is very grateful for the support from his loyal friends during this time.

A source close to the couple said, “It is fair to say Prince Charles is feeling pretty raw and emotional with a lot of the pain from the past being dredged up again.”

The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall had been surprised by the impact the focus on the marriage breakdown has had with the public, following the Diana's private thoughts being aired by Channel 4.

More than a quarter, 27%, think less of Charles following the broadcast, which was heavily biased in favour of Diana's view of the collapse of the marriage.

The Prince has admitted the pain he is feeling by expressing his thanks in private to those close to him who are helping to lift his spirits.

A source close to the couple said, “To some extent, it is the War of the Whales all over again, which is disappointing as Prince Charles had left that unhappy period in his life behind.”

Prince Charles has been receiving calls and messages from close friends who are empathising with the difficult situation.

He is grateful that the virtues and good works of Princess Diana are being remembered, but he would rather leave the past behind.

The Prince has made it clear that he is very grateful for the support from his loyal friends during this time.