Inside the heartfelt love story of Princess Diana and Hasnat Khan
The late Princess Diana was renowned for her empathetic hospital visits, where her mere presence lit up the rooms and inspired hope in the hearts of those facing adversity. Her regular journeys to these medical centers were not merely ceremonial; they served as a means of bringing comfort and reassurance to patients who found in her a symbol of care and compassion. Such visits underscored her dedication to human kindness.
Yet, behind the scenes of these benevolent missions lay a hidden narrative. During one of these hospital visits, what began as an act of compassion unexpectedly evolved into an intimate and secret connection. This discreet romance would later capture the fascination of many, as details of the passionate relationship were carefully guarded from the public for several years while the world saw only the smiling humanitarian side of the Princess.
In the year 1995, events were unfolding that would forever change Diana’s life, just two months before her legendary Panorama interview aired. That particular interview revealed her personal struggles with mental health and marital issues, resonating deeply with millions of people worldwide. Despite the overwhelming public attention, there lay a more private, turbulent story beneath the surface—a romance that was both unexpected and intensely personal, disrupting the carefully managed image of a beloved royal figure.
During that period, Diana encountered a charming doctor with a magnetic presence and distinctly Middle Eastern features that drew comparisons to the classic allure of Omar Sharif. This captivating doctor, known for his dedication as a heart surgeon at the prestigious Royal Brompton Hospital in London, suddenly became the focal point of her daily thoughts. Their unexpected meeting sparked a profound connection, leading to repeated visits to the hospital as Diana sought every opportunity to be near him.
The famed surgeon, Dr. Hasnat Khan, was recognized not only for his professional achievements but also for his personal quirks, which contrasted sharply with the polished image of the royal family. He worked diligently at the Royal Brompton Hospital, and his unassuming lifestyle combined with his striking physical appearance made him an unlikely yet irresistible match. The pairing seemed incongruous at first, and many wondered just how such a convergence of worlds could lead to an affair so laden with secrecy and passion.
Surprisingly, an intricate chain of connections played a role in this secret liaison. Joe Toffolo, a patient under Dr. Khan’s care who later underwent an operation, was married to Oonagh Shanley-Toffolo, an Irish nun and acupuncturist deeply trusted by the Princess herself. This link, in many ways, symbolized the intricate web of personal and professional relationships that allowed a romance of such subtle intensity to develop amid the public glare of royalty.
As days turned to weeks, Diana’s visits to the hospital became increasingly frequent, ultimately spanning nearly three uninterrupted weeks. With each encounter, her resolve to pursue this captivating surgeon grew stronger. The connection they shared was palpable, transcending the boundaries between a royal commitment and personal longing. In the midst of professional life and public duty, she found a spark in this man that brought warmth and new meaning to her existence, a momentary escape from her ceremonial responsibilities.
Smoked cigarettes and loved KFC
Looking back at the countless photographs depicting Diana’s hospital visits, it is easy to assume that her motivation was solely to lift the spirits of ill children or to increase public awareness about cystic fibrosis. While it is undeniably true that she brought joy to many, there was also a deeply personal aspect to her frequent visits. At the age of 35, amid a life filled with obligation and scrutiny, she found solace in the company of one man, rekindling a sense of happiness that had long been obscured by the weight of royal expectations.
The evolution of her relationship with Dr. Khan marked her most sincere romantic involvement since her formal separation from Prince Charles some three years earlier. Despite the inherent risks associated with stepping outside her royal duties, Diana was willing to embrace the unpredictable pulse of genuine love. Her actions revealed a woman determined to seek emotional fulfillment even as she navigated the intricate balance between personal desires and the public persona that history would remember.
Dr. Khan himself was an unconventional character; at 37 years old during their courtship, he was a man with a complex mix of habits and tastes that hardly matched the pristine image expected of a royal lover. Known for his fondness for smoking a pack of cigarettes daily, indulging in the comforts of Kentucky Fried Chicken, and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of late-night jazz clubs, his lifestyle painted a picture of a man comfortable in his own skin—a stark contrast to the formality of royal engagements. Yet these very differences added to the allure, drawing Diana ever closer to him.
To conceal their intimate relationship from the relentless scrutiny of the media and curious onlookers, Diana devised ingenious methods of communication. Adopting the pseudonym “Dr. Armani” for her secret notes, she ensured that her messages to Khan remained mysterious and untraceable. Their clandestine meetings were arranged in the most unorthodox of locations, each chosen carefully to avoid drawing any unwanted attention, thus allowing their budding romance to flourish quietly behind the scenes.
On one memorable evening, in order to mask her identity, Diana wore a dark wig and managed to slip into Ronnie Scott’s—an iconic jazz club nestled in Soho. In another daring maneuver, Khan once concealed himself in the boot of a car to stealthily enter Kensington Palace, with the assistance of Diana’s ever-loyal butler, Paul Burrell. These extraordinary exploits not only reveal the lengths to which they went to preserve privacy but also serve as a testament to the creative and adventurous spirit that fueled their connection in a world obsessed with appearances.
In an incident reflective of their playful rapport, when Diana found herself overwhelmed by melancholy, Khan took it upon himself to lift her spirits by whisking her away to a local pub situated near Harefield Hospital, where he had previously been employed. Aptly named The Prince of Wales, the establishment served as an emblem of light-hearted humor in the midst of their clandestine affair. Khan later recounted how Diana’s reaction was one of amusement, a small but significant escape from her often arduous life.
Such moments of levity and shared humor only deepened the bond between the pair. Diana went as far as requesting that her butler seek out a priest who could officiate a marriage, even though the idea of uniting with Khan, a devout Muslim, posed significant cultural challenges. As their shared moments became more intimate, she immersed herself in learning about Islam, treasuring even a simple photograph she referred to affectionately as “my dishy doctor.” She even journeyed to Lahore, Pakistan, to connect with his family and absorb the warmth of their cultural traditions during an enchanting afternoon tea.
Met William and Harry
The intensity of this whirlwind romance reached new heights when Diana, despite her royal obligations, decided to introduce Dr. Khan to her beloved sons, William and Harry. In doing so, she not only acknowledged the significance of their relationship but also shared a part of her private world with her children. Describing him affectionately as “Mr. Wonderful,” she made it clear to both her family and close confidants that Khan held an undeniable place in her heart, even amidst the pressure of public life.
According to her trusted butler, Paul Burrell, Diana considered Khan to be her soulmate—a partner who understood her on a deeply personal level. Friends and acquaintances of the Princess frequently remarked that he was the love of her life, a sentiment that weighed heavily on her long after the romance had faded. As is often the case with intense relationships, the pressures of public scrutiny and the contrasting demands of their very different lives ultimately began to erode the once vibrant connection they shared, leading to heartache and disappointment.
Facing an unrelenting media onslaught and unyielding public interest, the couple soon found themselves at a crossroads. While Diana was somewhat accustomed to living in the spotlight, Khan struggled with the ever-mounting pressures of public exposure, fearing that any overt display of affection might compromise both his professional career and personal life. The couple deliberated over drastic measures, including relocating to Pakistan, Australia, or even South Africa, yet none of these plans came to fruition. Ultimately, this clash of desires forced the romance to come to a sorrowful conclusion in July 1997, leaving both hearts bruised but forever marked by their time together.
In the wake of growing media intrusion into their private lives, the inevitable complications of maintaining such a secret romance became apparent. While Diana’s charm and resilient spirit made her comfortable in the glare of public attention, Khan’s more reserved nature was challenged by the unyielding intensity of the spotlight. Concerned that any further exposure could damage his thriving career as a heart surgeon, he became increasingly anxious about continuing their relationship under such conditions. Discussions about moving countries were fervent, yet the conflicting desires between the royal and the professional proved too vast, leading to their eventual separation and heartache.
The painful aftermath of their split was compounded by further tragic events. Just a month after their parting, on the early morning of August 31, 1997, the world was rocked by the sudden and devastating death of Princess Diana. The fatal car crash in Paris claimed the lives of Diana, her partner Dodi Fayed, and their driver Henri Paul, plunging the public into mourning. Dr. Khan, who had been kept in the dark about her subsequent relationship with Dodi until after it had been made public, later expressed intense anger and sorrow. In a 2012 interview, he described his reaction as one of profound fury—“mad as hell”—after learning of the betrayal.
The shock of Diana’s untimely passing resonated deeply within Khan, whose grief was compounded by feelings of abandonment and regret. He attended her funeral service held at Westminster Abbey, an event that symbolized both a national loss and the personal void left in his own life. In the quiet moments that followed, he openly recalled experiencing waves of emotion so intense that he felt at times overwhelmed by the urge to scream. Despite the passage of time and his attempts to move forward, the memories of their shared moments continued to haunt him, a constant reminder of what once was and what could never be again.
Over the years, despite the profound impact of his relationship with Princess Diana, Dr. Hasnat Khan sought to rebuild a new life for himself. In 2006, he entered into marriage with Hadia Sher Ali, a 28-year-old woman with a heritage tracing back to Afghan nobility, though their union dissolved after just two short years. Today, as reported, Khan continues to reside in the United Kingdom while actively serving as a heart surgeon and engaging in numerous humanitarian projects in countries such as Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. Reflecting on his life in an interview, he mentioned the tranquil joy of returning home, where simple activities like fishing and walking offered him solace and a sense of sanctuary amid the storm of his past experiences.
Although the romance between Princess Diana and Dr. Hasnat Khan was ultimately brief, it remains an indelible and intriguing episode in her life story. It exemplifies the delicate balance between personal longing and the burdens of royal duty, and it highlights the complexities of love under intense public scrutiny. The passion they shared continues to captivate those who learn of it, reflecting a moment of authenticity in an often contrived world of appearances.
In remembering the life and legacy of Princess Diana, one cannot help but also celebrate the intimate moments she experienced—a connection formed with a man who recognized her not only as a global icon, but as an individual with her own vulnerabilities and passions. The secret love affair with Dr. Hasnat Khan, with its daring adventures and heartfelt emotions, serves as a timeless reminder of the power of love, a force that can bridge even the widest gaps between disparate worlds, leaving traces that last far beyond the passing years.
