Diana’s Hospital Visit Sparks Secret Romance

Princess Diana was famous for visiting hospitals, spreading joy and hope. But in 1995, one visit led to more — a passionate, hidden love affair.

Just two months before her explosive Panorama interview, Diana met Dr. Hasnat Khan, a handsome Muslim heart surgeon at London’s Royal Brompton Hospital. His dark looks reminded many of Omar Sharif.

How Diana and Khan Crossed Paths

Diana visited patient Joe Toffolo, whose wife, Oonagh, was a close friend. Afterward, Diana kept returning — nearly every day for three weeks. She wasn’t just raising awareness for cystic fibrosis; she was chasing a spark.

At 35, Diana had found a reason to smile again. Khan, 37, seemed an unlikely match: a surgeon who smoked, loved KFC, and hung out in late-night jazz clubs. But Diana didn’t care. “He’s drop-dead gorgeous,” she reportedly told Oonagh.

Secret Meetings and Hidden Messages

To protect their romance, Diana used clever tricks. She sent messages under the name “Dr. Armani.” She disguised herself with a black wig to sneak into Soho jazz clubs. Once, Khan even hid in a car boot to enter Kensington Palace.

Their love deepened. On a low day, Khan took Diana to a pub near his hospital — called The Prince of Wales. She found it hilarious.

Dreams of Marriage and Family

Diana was so smitten she asked her butler to find a priest who could marry them, despite their religious differences. She visited Khan’s family in Lahore, learning about his culture and enjoying afternoon tea.

Even more seriously, she introduced Khan to Princes William and Harry, calling him “Mr. Wonderful” and her soulmate.

Media Pressure Cracks Their Fairytale

But the media’s intense focus strained the relationship. While Diana lived in the spotlight, Khan feared public exposure could ruin his career.

They explored options: moving to Pakistan, Australia, or South Africa. Yet none of these plans came through. Ultimately, the pressure proved too much. In July 1997, they heartbreakingly split.

Diana’s Death and Khan’s Grief

Just a month later, tragedy struck. On August 31, Diana died in a Paris car crash with Dodi Fayed. Khan was blindsided — he hadn’t known about her new relationship. “When I found out, I was mad as hell,” he admitted in 2012.

He attended her funeral, but the grief stayed with him. “Sometimes I feel like screaming,” Khan shared, reflecting on the emotional weight Diana’s death left behind.

Where Is Hasnat Khan Now?

In 2006, Khan married Hadia Sher Ali, a woman from Afghan royalty. However, they divorced two years later. Today, Khan lives in the UK, still working as a heart surgeon and supporting humanitarian causes in Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

Reflecting on his life, Khan says, “It’s very good to be home… I go fishing, I go for walks. It’s very peaceful.”

A Lasting Chapter in Diana’s Legacy

Though their love was short-lived, it remains one of the most intriguing parts of Diana’s story. Beyond her royal duty and global fame, Diana found a man who saw her as she truly was — a woman with great qualities and human flaws.

Her romance with Hasnat Khan reminds us: even icons seek ordinary, genuine love.