Princess Diana was adored for her compassionate visits to hospitals, which often brought comfort and encouragement to those she met. However, during one of these visits, she embarked on a journey beyond compassion, entering into a secret romance that endured in mystery for many years.
Let’s transport ourselves back to 1995, just two months before Diana’s life would change dramatically following her memorable Panorama interview. This was the interview where she bravely shared her battles with mental health and the challenges of being in the royal family, gaining global support and sympathy.
Prior to this pivotal moment, Diana encountered a charismatic doctor, a Muslim with deep, handsome features reminiscent of the legendary actor Omar Sharif. This is where the remarkable story of her relationship with Dr. Hasnat Khan, a heart surgeon at London’s Royal Brompton Hospital, begins.
The chance connection was thanks to Joe Toffolo, who had been a patient at the hospital, and his wife, Oonagh Shanley-Toffolo, an Irish nun and acupuncturist who was a confidante of Diana. Quickly, Diana found herself making frequent visits to the hospital, drawn by more than just her charitable instincts.
A Spark Ignited
At a glance, the numerous photographs of Diana visiting the hospital display her commitment to cheering up unwell children and promoting awareness of cystic fibrosis. Yet, beneath this noble facade lay a personal motivation. At 35, Diana had discovered a reason to smile anew, a sentiment not felt since her separation from Prince Charles.
Diana’s blossoming relationship marked her first serious involvement since that separation three years earlier. Their romantic journey was enveloped in secrecy, known by only a close few. Dr. Khan, 37 at the time, was a heart surgeon with apparently mundane habits—smoking heavily and enjoying nights at jazz clubs and indulging in fast food like Kentucky Fried Chicken.
Surprisingly, these differences didn’t deter Diana. She reportedly found Khan incredibly handsome and confided in Oonagh about her attraction.
Keeping Secrets
To preserve their privacy, Diana communicated with Khan using the pseudonym “Dr. Armani.” Their secret meetings often took place in disguised forms to avert media attention. In a memorable attempt, Diana wore a black wig to visit a famed jazz club, Ronnie Scott’s, and Khan discreetly entered Kensington Palace hiding in the trunk of a car with help from Diana’s loyal butler, Paul Burrell.
During one low-spirited moment, Khan cheered Diana by taking her to an amusingly named pub, The Prince of Wales, near where he worked. It was a private world filled with laughter and shared experiences that blossomed unnoticed.
Such was the depth of Diana’s affection that she pondered marrying Khan, seeking a priest for the ceremony despite their religious differences. Diana even visited Khan’s family in Lahore, Pakistan, embracing their culture and savoring personal moments over tea.
Family Ties
As the relationship deepened, Diana took the earnest step of introducing Khan to her sons, William and Harry. Calling him “Mr. Wonderful,” Diana spoke of him as her soulmate. Close friends revealed he was deemed “the love of her life,” a sentiment she expressed sorrowfully when their relationship concluded.
However, the challenges didn’t escape them. The incessant attention from the paparazzi became an overwhelming force, unlike any Khan had faced. His career and personal life felt threatened by Diana’s public role and media spotlight.
Proposals for escaping media attention emerged, with thoughts of moving to Pakistan—and even Australia or South Africa—but none took root. In the end, their romance met its untimely end in July 1997, driven apart by conflicting desires for privacy and recognition.
The Aftermath
A mere month later, in a tragic twist, Diana perished in a devastating car accident in Paris with her companion Dodi Fayed. Khan was unaware of Diana’s relationship with Dodi until it emerged publicly. He later expressed a profound anger and confusion at the discovery.
Attending Diana’s funeral at Westminster Abbey, Khan reflected on the enduring emotional impact, describing how memories of her perpetually resurface, despite striving to move forward.
Reflecting on Diana, Khan fondly remembered her honesty, warmth, and imperfections, which he cherished as part of her immense charisma.
Life Beyond the Palace
In 2006, Khan married Hadia Sher Ali, a 28-year-old woman of Afghan royal descent, but their union lasted only two years. He finds solace in the UK, continuing his work in heart surgery and humanitarian projects in Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
Khan shares that peace now embraces him at home, with simple joys stabilizing his life. „It feels very tranquil,” he muses, carving out a sanctuary far from the glare and chaos of his more celebrated days.
The enchanting, if brief, story between Diana and Dr. Hasnat Khan stands testament to the depth of love that can occur amidst royal obligations and public intrigue. Remembering Princess Diana, we honor not just her royal legacy, but the personal joy she discovered with a man who cherished her inner self.
