From fairytale to Royal nightmare

The fairytale marriage between the Prince and Princess of Wales started with the "wedding of the century" in 1981 - but soon became a public prison for both partners trapped in a loveless union.

n 1982 - Prince William is born in June. Charles is away from the public gaze while Diana basks in public affection.

n 1984 - Prince Harry is born in September.

n 1987 - A rift in the marriage becomes increasingly obvious, prompting media speculation about a split.

n 1991 - By their 10th wedding anniversary, the relationship seems to have died. They have separate holidays, separate friends, separate and rival households, and almost, but not quite, separate homes.

n 1992 - Andrew Morton's book Diana: Her True Story, is published in June. It says the princess feels "trapped in a loveless marriage".

In August the "Squidgygate" tape scandal breaks, giving details of an intimate telephone conversation said to be between Diana and long-standing friend James Gilbey.

In November comes the "Camillagate" tape - allegedly a highly personal conversation between the prince and Camilla Parker Bowles.

In December, the Prime Minister announces to a packed Commons that the couple have agreed to separate.

n 1993 - In December the princess announces her withdrawal from public life.

n 1994 - In June Charles admits in a television documentary, that he has been unfaithful to his wife.

n 1995 -In November, in an interview on Panorama, the Princess reveals that she often feels under attack from "the enemy''.

mas with the Royal Family at Sandringham, but a few days ago it is announced that the Princess has changed her mind.

The decision is interpreted as a snub to the royals, but it is not yet known if the Princess had received the Queen's letter before deciding to stay away.