Why Princess Diana Was Expected To Marry This Royal Instead Of Prince Charles

Princess Diana’s marriage to Prince Charles is probably one of the biggest turning points in the history of the royal family as we know it, especially after the dynamic that ensued after their scandalous affairs and divorce. A lot of “what ifs” can be thrown around to alter history, like what if the couple had not divorced or what if they had actually found love in the arms of each other or even what if the two had never met.

For Princess Diana, her wedding with the heir apparent was along her goals as it is. “My wedding will be at Westminster Abbey,” Diana proclaimed at her sister’s wedding day in 1980. What people had not foreseen at that time, however, was Diana marrying Charles. A report shockingly pointed out that the late princess was rather expected to have married Prince Andrew, the Duke of York.

According to the Amazon Prime documentary miniseries “The Diana Story,” the Spencers’ family housekeepers believed that Diana will end up marrying Prince Andrew. “We thought she’d be with Prince Andrew,” said former housekeeper Betty Andrews.

It might have seemed like a weird notion in hindsight, but a closer inspection reveals that the two are only 1 year apart in age, as compared to Diana and Charles, who are 13 years apart. Aside from this, the Duke of York is also known for his “dashing good looks” — much to the chagrin of his older brother.

Andrews, however, made it quite clear that this notion was purely based on their own guesses rather than what Diana mentioned. She clarified that Diana never talked about it, nor did she confess any inkling as to wishing to be with Prince Andrew. “She never said what she wanted to do,” said the former housekeeper.

Prince Andrew, on the other hand, was also expected to marry someone else — and it was neither Diana nor Sarah Ferguson. His first love was American actress Koo Stark, and she had been reported to have charmed the Queen when she met Andrew’s family. Unfortunately, a scandal surfaced, forcing the Duke of York to break up with her.