Royal Couple Prince Charles And Princess Diana/ file photo/REUTERS/Handout/Files
Former press officer of the couple will be revealing all in his upcoming book of memoirs. REUTERS/Handout/Files

The former press officer of Prince Charles and Lady Diana has disclosed some shocking revelations about the royal couple. As per the memoir of the officer, the duo had been estranged and their marriage began to crumble within nine years only. However, the couple had been perceived by the public to be deeply in love with each other throughout their union.

Daily Mail reported that Dickie Arbiter worked in the royal press office from 1988 until 2000. He is revealing all these details in his upcoming book 'On Duty With The Queen: My Time As A Buckingham Palace Press Officer'.

The book is full of similar revelations involving the royal couple and their love life. As per excerpts from the book, the couple used to live in different houses. Princess Diana preferred the Kensington Palace while Prince Charles chose Highgrove, which is more than 100 miles away in Gloucestershire, as his home.

However, they willingly made the necessary appearances as a couple. They used to depart together, but would soon part ways in different cars after a stop at St James' Palace. This had been the couple's alleged routine following every appearance they had together.

Arbiter especially recalls one incident that further made their rocky marriage more evident. In June 1990, Prince Charles had to be hospitalized due to a broken arm and had to stay in the hospital for a couple of days.

At that time, he was visited by none other than Mrs. Camilla Parker Bowles who made an unannounced drop in. The company of the lady was said to have been enough to comfort the ailing prince, who was still under the influence of anaesthetics.

During the royal couple's visit to India, numerous efforts needed to be made so that they appear in love, but everything failed. Princess Diana visited the Taj Mahal, the symbol of eternal love, alone. Her lonely picture sitting on the bench before the monument just three days before Valentine's Day was quite heart wrenching. The photo was then circulated globally through the media.

When quizzed by reporters of her visit, she commented that it was quite a healing experience. Despite still fuming about being left alone on the visit, Princess Diana had to attend to a scheduled awarding of prizes in Jaipur where Prince Charles was playing a polo match.

Arbiter recalled that she was quite reluctant to attend the event, but eventually agreed after extensive convincing. However, her mood during the entire function spelled out her reluctance and pain. During the awarding ceremony, Prince Charles reportedly forgot to kiss her on stage after she gave him his award.

In Arbiter's own words, "Realizing his mistake, he hastily returned and, with an uncertain crowd looking on, moved to kiss his wife's cheek. Incensed, the Princess swivelled her head so that the kiss landed near her ear."

The book is said to be published by Blink on October 1.