Inside the love story of Hasnat Khan and Princess Diana
Diana, the Princess of Wales, became widely admired for her compassionate visits to hospitals, where her presence brought comfort and optimism to those in need.
However, during one particular visit, what began as a kind-hearted gesture developed into a deeply personal and secretive romance that would remain hidden for years.
In 1995, merely two months before her unforgettable Panorama interview that would alter her life forever, Diana’s path crossed with a charismatic doctor. This was the interview where Diana openly spoke about her struggles with mental health and the challenges of her marriage, capturing the sympathy of people around the globe.
Before this pivotal moment, Diana encountered a Muslim doctor whose striking appearance was likened to the charming Omar Sharif.
The doctor, Hasnat Khan, was a skilled heart surgeon employed at the Royal Brompton Hospital in London. But how did such an unlikely relationship begin?
The answer lies with Joe Toffolo, a patient who underwent surgery, and his wife, Oonagh Shanley-Toffolo, an Irish nun and acupuncturist who happened to be a close confidante of Diana.
Following her initial hospital visit, Diana returned nearly every day for three weeks, drawn by her growing interest in the doctor. The chemistry between them was undeniable.
These frequent visits were officially described as part of Diana’s efforts to uplift the spirits of ailing children and bring awareness to cystic fibrosis. While this was true, there was also a personal motivation beneath it all—Diana, at 35, had found a reason to feel happy once more.
When Diana and Hasnat began spending time together, it became her most significant relationship since her separation from Prince Charles three years earlier.
However, their connection remained a well-kept secret. Very few were aware of their developing bond, which seemed improbable at first glance. Dr. Khan, who was 37 at the time, was far from the typical romantic match for a royal. He led a simple life as a surgeon, enjoyed late-night jazz clubs, indulged in fast food, and was a smoker.
Despite this, Diana was captivated. She reportedly told Oonagh, “He’s absolutely gorgeous.”
To protect their budding romance from the public eye, Diana used the pseudonym “Dr. Armani” when sending messages to Khan. They orchestrated secret meetings, sometimes in unconventional ways. Diana once wore a black wig to sneak into Ronnie Scott’s jazz club, and on another occasion, Khan hid in the trunk of a car to enter Kensington Palace with the help of Diana’s loyal butler, Paul Burrell.
Their relationship was filled with lighthearted moments. On one occasion, when Diana felt down, Khan took her to a pub near Harefield Hospital where he had worked. The name of the pub? The Prince of Wales. Diana found the coincidence amusing.
Diana’s affection for Hasnat ran deep. She reportedly asked her butler to help her find a priest who could marry them, even though they came from different faiths. She read about Islam, treasured a photo of Khan, and even visited his family in Lahore, Pakistan, where she embraced their traditions and enjoyed tea with them.
Their romance grew serious when Diana introduced Hasnat to her sons, William and Harry. She called him “Mr. Wonderful” and described him as her soulmate. Friends of Diana believed he was the love of her life, and she was reportedly heartbroken when their relationship came to an end.
Unfortunately, the growing pressure from the media strained their relationship. While Diana was used to life under constant scrutiny, the attention was overwhelming for Hasnat, who feared its impact on his career.
They discussed relocating to escape the spotlight, with Pakistan, Australia, and South Africa being possible destinations, but these plans never materialized. Their relationship ended in July 1997, as Diana’s need for public acknowledgment clashed with Hasnat’s desire for privacy.
Just a month after their breakup, Diana tragically passed away in a car accident in Paris on August 31, 1997, alongside Dodi Fayed and their driver, Henri Paul.
Hasnat, shocked to learn about Diana’s relationship with Dodi only after it became public, admitted in a 2012 interview, “I was furious, absolutely furious.”
He attended Diana’s funeral at Westminster Abbey and continues to be affected by her memory, saying, “There are times I want to scream. The pain doesn’t go away entirely.”
Today, Hasnat Khan lives a quiet life in the UK, continuing his work as a heart surgeon and participating in humanitarian projects in Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. He married Hadia Sher Ali in 2006, but their union ended two years later.
Though their love story was brief, it remains a poignant chapter in Diana’s life, illustrating the depth of her humanity and her search for happiness amidst royal obligations and public scrutiny.
As we remember Diana, we honor not only her legacy but also the love she shared with a man who appreciated her as she truly was—a remarkable individual with extraordinary kindness and warmth.
