Princess Diana felt like ‘third person’ in her own divorce

Princess Diana was upset with the way Queen Elizabeth II handled her divorce.

The former Princess of Wales, who passed away in a car accident in 1997, was displeased with how Her late Majesty consulted the church first over her split.

In his book A Royal Duty, former royal butler Paul Burrell speaks of the letter through which Princess Diana was told about her divorce.

"It began, as always, 'Dearest Diana' and ended, 'With love from Mama,'" Burrell explained. "This letter, though, was different from any other I had read and, as The Queen's former footman, I felt uncomfortable as I read it."

Burrell continued: "I was talking to the back of the princess's head as she remained on the [couch] but I needed to express my discomfort. 'I'm not sure I should be reading this, it says 'in the strictest of confidence.'"

He continued: "The Prime Minister and the Archbishop of Canterbury! My divorce has been discussed with John Major and George Carey before it has been discussed with me."

Burrell added: "The princess was infuriated that The Queen had consulted the government and the church first...'This is my marriage and it is no one else's business!' she yelled."