Discover the full, compelling account of how Princess Diana secretly collaborated with author Andrew Morton for his explosive 1992 biography, “Diana: Her True Story,” unveiling the royal marriage’s hidden struggles and forever changing public perception of the monarchy, a narrative now resonating with fans of “The Crown.”
In 1992, the world was stunned by the publication of “Diana: Her True Story,” a biography that pulled back the curtain on the seemingly fairy-tale life of Princess Diana. What few knew at the time was the extraordinary secret behind the book: Princess Diana herself was the primary source, meticulously detailing the unhappiness in her marriage to Prince Charles, her struggles with bulimia, and feelings of isolation. This groundbreaking collaboration, a testament to Diana’s desire to control her narrative, became known as the “royal scoop of the century” and profoundly reshaped public opinion of the monarchy.
The Genesis of a Royal Bombshell
Before the sensational revelations, Andrew Morton was already a royal author, known for works on Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson. His ambition to write a more substantial biography of Princess Diana led him to cultivate a friendship with Dr. James Colthurst, a mutual friend of Diana’s. Their paths crossed fortuitously at a royal engagement Diana was covering, where Colthurst had facilitated the princess opening a new hospital unit. It was through Colthurst that Morton pitched the idea of a biography, and Diana, feeling unheard and dismissed by the royal establishment, proved receptive.
As depicted in Netflix’s “The Crown,” Diana’s motivation was clear. She felt trapped and believed that unless her side of the story was shared, people would never truly understand her plight. She feared being labeled mentally ill or sidelined from her children, Prince William and Prince Harry, if she spoke out directly. This fear solidified her decision to communicate through a trusted intermediary, ensuring a layer of deniability.
The Secret Tapes and Shocking Revelations
The method of collaboration was ingenious and discrete, a testament to the early 90s. Colthurst would cycle to Kensington Palace, ostensibly for tea with Diana. Once there, he would relay Morton’s questions, and Diana, sitting in her drawing-room, would record her answers onto an old tape recorder. Colthurst would then cycle to a café near Morton’s home to hand over the tapes, away from prying eyes.
When Morton first listened to these tapes, he was “staggered,” as he later told People in 2022. Diana spoke candidly about topics previously unimaginable from a royal figure. These included:
- Her battle with bulimia nervosa, an eating disorder largely unknown to the public at the time.
- Multiple suicide attempts, including one instance while pregnant with Prince William.
- Her husband’s long-standing affair with Camilla Parker Bowles, a name previously unfamiliar to most outside royal circles.
- Details of her wedding day, which she described with a “rising sense of doom,” feeling like a “sacrificial lamb.”
- Prince Charles’s dismissive reaction to the birth of Prince Harry, lamenting that it was “a boy” with “rusty hair.”
These revelations were a stark contrast to the perfect royal facade and exposed the deep fractures within the marriage. As one friend reportedly told Morton, the marriage was “a charade” driven by “the whole prospect of Camilla.”
The Immediate Aftermath and Public Reaction
Upon its publication in June 1992, “Diana: Her True Story” was an immediate sensation, selling millions worldwide and translated into 29 languages. It irrevocably altered public perception of Diana, shifting from a shy princess to a sympathetic figure struggling against immense personal and institutional pressures. Initially, Morton denied Diana’s direct involvement, attributing information to unnamed “friends” to protect her.
The book’s impact was swift and profound. By the end of 1992, Prime Minister John Major announced the separation of Prince Charles and Princess Diana. Charles himself later admitted his affair with Camilla in a 1992 interview with official biographer Jonathan Dimbleby. When courtiers questioned Diana about Morton’s book, she publicly denied any involvement.
Diana’s Truth Revealed Posthumously
The full extent of Diana’s involvement only came to light after her tragic death in 1997. Morton republished the book as “Diana: Her True Story in Her Own Words,” which included edited transcripts of her recorded responses. This definitive edition confirmed what many had suspected and gave powerful, personal evidence of her contribution. While some, like The Guardian writer Mark Lawson, criticized Morton for publishing the transcripts, the release cemented the book’s place as a pivotal historical document. As Morton told The New York Times in December 1992, the book’s core was to expose a fundamental weakness within the royal “organization” that failed to support Diana.
A Lasting Legacy
“Diana: Her True Story” remains a foundational text for understanding the modern British monarchy and the woman who challenged its traditions. Andrew Morton’s career continued to flourish, writing biographies of other prominent figures such as Meghan Markle, Queen Elizabeth, and even celebrities like Madonna and Tom Cruise. He acknowledges that Hollywood celebrities often have a clearer “arc of revelation” compared to royals, whose stories are often tightly controlled.
For fans of royal history and particularly those who engage with dramatizations like “The Crown,” Morton’s work offers invaluable insight into the complex reality behind the royal facade. It serves as a powerful reminder that behind the titles and traditions, there were deeply human stories, struggles, and the enduring desire to be understood. The book is not just a historical account but a testament to Diana’s brave decision to reclaim her voice, a choice that continues to resonate today.
