In 1995, just as Princess Diana was preparing to give her groundbreaking interview with BBC’s Panorama , she met someone who would become one of the most significant people in her life — Dr. Hasnat Khan. A charming cardiac surgeon at London’s Royal Brompton Hospital, he caught Diana’s attention not only for his looks but for his warmth and sincerity.
Their paths crossed when Diana visited her friend Oonagh Shanley-Toffolo, whose husband was under Khan’s care. From that moment on, something clicked between them. Diana was drawn to his down-to-earth nature and love for jazz clubs and fried chicken — a refreshing contrast to royal life.
As their bond grew stronger, so did their desire to keep things private. They communicated through secret notes and arranged discreet meetings. At times, Khan even sneaked into Kensington Palace by hiding in the trunk of a car, thanks to Diana’s loyal butler, Paul Burrell.
Diana trusted him deeply. She introduced him to her sons, William and Harry, and even traveled to Lahore, Pakistan, to meet his family. There, she was welcomed like one of their own. Friends say Diana affectionately called him “Mr. Wonderful,” believing he was her soulmate.
Despite their closeness, the pressures of fame proved too much. Khan feared public exposure might harm his career, while Diana wanted the world to know about the man who had brought her happiness. Their romance ended in July 1997, just weeks before Diana’s tragic death in Paris.
Khan attended her funeral at Westminster Abbey, visibly shaken by the loss. Over the years, he has spoken fondly of her, describing Diana as a “very normal person with great qualities and some personal flaws.” Today, he continues his work as a heart surgeon and humanitarian in Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, carrying with him the memory of a love that once bloomed behind palace walls.
