A close friend of the late Princess of Wales has expressed a heartfelt conviction that the princess would be heartbroken by the profound and public estrangement between her sons.
Jenni Rivett, who served as Diana’s personal trainer for six years and became a trusted confidant, shared her perspective in a recent discussion. She painted a picture of a woman whose central focus was her family.
“Diana adored her boys; they were her entire world,” Rivett stated. Reflecting on the current, well-documented rift between the brothers, she added, “She would have been utterly devastated by what is happening between them now. Her deepest desire wasn’t for a royal life, but simply to be a devoted wife and mother.”
Rivett recalled the princess often sharing personal struggles during their sessions, with Rivett striving to offer support and guidance. She also shared lighter memories of the princes’ childhood, noting their playful competition and how they would sometimes disrupt their mother’s exercise routines at Kensington Palace.
The relationship between the brothers has been under intense public scrutiny for several years. Tensions became openly acknowledged in a 2019 documentary, where one of the princes confirmed they were on “different paths.” The dynamic shifted further in 2020 with a decision to step back from royal duties, followed by a televised interview in 2021 that addressed the growing emotional distance.
Reports from sources close to the family have since described the relationship as being at its lowest point, with a significant breach of trust cited as a major factor. One insider suggested the damage may be irreparable.
Rivett’s reflections underscore a poignant personal tragedy within the very public narrative: the belief that the conflict between her sons would represent a profound sorrow for the princess, whose life was cut short nearly three decades ago.
