After her split from Prince Charles in the mid-1990s, Princess Diana chose to spend Christmas differently, making a significant change to her holiday traditions.
In 1995, instead of joining the royal family at Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, Diana opted for a quieter celebration in her Kensington Palace apartment. He reportedly took several sleeping pills throughout the day.
Even after her official separation from Charles in 1992, it marked a departure from her previous years of attending royal events.
Reports suggest that Diana’s decision to skip the royal Christmas gathering has created a tense atmosphere at Sandringham. His absence was keenly felt, as it was one of the first signs of his growing distance from the royal circle.
Sources close to the late princess claimed that she was often received coldly at these gatherings, making her appearance uncomfortable.
Journalist Richard Kay, a friend of Diana’s, recounted an incident in 1993 when she attended royal events but left shortly after the morning church service.
Instead of joining the family for lunch, she returned to Kensington Palace and later flew to Washington to spend time with friends.
Recalling a trip in 1993, Mr Key said Princess Diana “stayed overnight and went to church with everyone” but didn’t stay long, the Daily Express reported.
He wrote: “But she didn’t stay for lunch. Instead, she went home alone to Kensington Palace and spent the rest of the day there before heading to Washington to stay with friends.”
Princess Diana’s decision to break away from royal Christmas traditions highlighted her struggle to find her place in the family after her separation.
Her absence from Sandringham gatherings not only highlighted the stress she faced but also marked her journey towards redefining her life outside the constraints of royal expectations.
Despite the challenges, Diana’s choice to prioritize her personal well-being reflects her resilience and determination to create a space where she can feel at ease during the festive season.