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QUEEN OF HEARTS

From a gallant army officer to a married art dealer… the men who stole Princess Diana’s heart then and now

Following news of new tapes, which allegedly reveal how Diana 'fell in love' with her bodyguard we take a look at the men who won her affections, then and now

PRINCESS Diana won the nation’s hearts while she was alive – and these men allegedly stole hers.

Britain’s “Queen Of Hearts” was one of the nation’s most beloved royals - her selfless nature, charity work, love for her children and her way with people leading many to adore her.

 Diana was one of the nation’s most beloved royals
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Diana was one of the nation’s most beloved royalsCredit: Getty - Contributor

And it wasn’t just the public who were charmed by the Princess’ charm.

The beautiful and caring Diana had a string of charismatic and handsome men falling at her feet.

Following news of new tapes, which allegedly reveal how Diana “fell in love” with her bodyguard Barry Mannakee, we take a look at the men who won her affections, then and now.

James Gilbey

Heir to a gin fortune, James Gilbey and Diana had been friends since childhood.

She always denied they had an affair and the former Lotus car executive has never spoken about it.

But he claimed a place in royal history as the person on the other end of the line during the “Squidgygate” phone call in 1989.

 James Gilbey, heir to a fortune, was the voice of Squidgygate
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James Gilbey, heir to a fortune, was the voice of SquidgygateCredit: PA
 James Gilbey pictured more recently. He is now 60 and married to  interior designer Lavinia Hadsley-Chaplin
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James Gilbey pictured more recently. He is now 60 and married to  interior designer Lavinia Hadsley-ChaplinCredit: Dominic O'Neill

Now aged 60, James had known Diana since she was 17.

Three-years-ago, he married interior designer Lavinia Hadsley-Chaplin and is stepfather to her five children.

James Hewitt

A former Household Cavalry officer and tank commander, James began a five-year affair with Diana in 1986 after they met at a cocktail party.

He told the world about it when he co-operated on a book about the princess.

 James Hewitt betrayed Diana when he told the world of their five-year affair in a book
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James Hewitt betrayed Diana when he told the world of their five-year affair in a bookCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
 James, now 59, is reported to recently have suffered a heart attack and stroke
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James, now 59, is reported to recently have suffered a heart attack and strokeCredit: Fame Flynet

She was heartbroken and later revealed: “I was in love with him. But I was very let down.”

Now aged 59, James is said to share a flat with his mother on the outskirts of Exeter, Devon.

He has never married and is reported to have suffered a heart attack and stroke earlier in 2017.

Oliver Hoare

Married art dealer Oliver Hoare was a friend of Charles and began an affair after Diana’s father died in 1992.

 Oliver Hoare was allegedly found semi-naked behind a potted plant tree in a palace corridor
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Oliver Hoare was allegedly found semi-naked behind a potted plant tree in a palace corridorCredit: PA:Press Association
 Oliver is currently married to his French-born wife Diane
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Oliver is currently married to his French-born wife DianeCredit: Dominic O'Neill

It ended when his wife threatened divorce, but not before he was allegedly found by a guard semi-naked behind a potted bay tree in a palace corridor, smoking a cigar.

Now 72, father-of-three Oliver remains married to his French-born wife Diane and is still known to deal successfully in rare Islamic art.

Hasnat Khan

Smitten Diana nicknamed surgeon Hasnat Khan “Mr Wonderful”.

Their two-year love affair began in 1995.

It ended just months before Diana’s death because Khan feared he could never have a normal family life if they married.

 Hasnat Khan feared he could not have had a normal life if he wed Princess Diana
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Hasnat Khan feared he could not have had a normal life if he wed Princess DianaCredit: Rex Features
 Hasnat, now 58, is currently a consultant in cardiothoracic surgery at Basildon University Hospital, Essex
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Hasnat, now 58, is currently a consultant in cardiothoracic surgery at Basildon University Hospital, EssexCredit: Nick Obank - The Sun

The heart surgeon and Diana had reportedly even considered moving to his native Pakistan together before things ended.

Hasnat later said: “After she died things were difficult.”

Now 58, he’s a consultant in cardiothoracic surgery at Basildon University Hospital, Essex.

He was married in the past but is now single.

Will Carling

England rugby star Will Carling met Diana during an early-morning workout at London’s Chelsea Harbour Club in 1995.

She admired him and asked for private training sessions and the pair allegedly had two trysts.

Their relationship was blamed for the end of his marriage to TV host Julia Carling the same year.

 Will Carling met Diana during an early-morning workout at London’s Chelsea Harbour Club in 1995
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Will Carling met Diana during an early-morning workout at London’s Chelsea Harbour Club in 1995Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
 Will, 51, has two children with his second wife Lisa and runs a corporate hospitality company
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Will, 51, has two children with his second wife Lisa and runs a corporate hospitality companyCredit: Rex Features

Will had been newly married when he met Diana and his then wife Julia is said to have publicly warned the princess off.

Now 51, Will has two children with his second wife Lisa and runs a corporate hospitality company.

 

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