This article was first published on November 22, 1995

By David Wallen and other agencies

New blow to monarchy as Diana admits adultery

Princess Diana’s frank admission of adultery, her graphic description of a three-year battle with bulimia, and her certainty she will never be queen left Britons reeling and dealt a new blow to the monarchy.

In an unprecedented hour-long interview watched by 20 million people, including Hong Kong subscribers to Cable TV, Diana spoke candidly about her failed marriage to Prince Charles, portrayed the royal household as callous, and suggested the heir to the throne was not suited to become king.

Speaking with quiet dignity, Diana said she had been labelled mentally unstable by the royal family as she battled postnatal depression and bulimia, an eating disorder, within two years of her fairy-tale marriage to Charles in 1981.

“I’d like to be a queen of people’s hearts … but I don’t see myself being queen of this country,” she said.