Those treasured moments

"Royalty does good and is badly spoken of." So wrote the philosopher, Antisthenes, in the 5th century BC. If he were around today, he may need a slight rethink.

1981: Charles on his engagement: "I am positively delighted and frankly amazed that Diana is prepared to take me on."

On the eve of his wedding: "Diana will develop her own sphere." She did. So did he.

1984: Diana in a rare (at that time) television interview. "It's interesting with a second child . . . you're more relaxed as parents, I think, and therefore able to communicate an atmosphere of greater relaxation to the child."

1985: Couple show they have mastered said communication. Charles: "I suspect that most husbands and wives find they often have arguments." Diana: "But we don't."

1994: Royal revelation as Charles talks to Jonathan Dimbleby. He had been unfaithful (to be read as 'Yes there was carnal knowledge'). But there was royal excuse: ". . . until it became irretrievably broken down, us both having tried."

1995: Diana, in BBC "Dianarama" interview, emerges as philosopher and peace guru: "My wish is that my husband finds peace of mind, and from that follows other things."

Captain, my captain. Diana on James Hewitt: "I adored him. I was in love with him."

The royal menage a trois. Diana on Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles: "There were three of us in this marriage, so it was a bit crowded."

JAMES CUSICK