The final overseas tour of Princess Diana and Prince Charles in 1992, known as the “Togetherness Tour” of South Korea, marked the beginning of the end of their tumultuous marriage. The trip was intended to showcase British diplomacy and unity, but instead highlighted the deep rift between the royal couple.
By November 1992, after 11 years of marriage, any semblance of harmony between Charles and Diana had disappeared. Nicknamed “The Glums” by the press for their joyless expressions, the couple appeared visibly miserable during their time in Seoul. Despite efforts to maintain a facade of togetherness, their strained body language only confirmed what many already suspected – their marriage was falling apart.
Royal biographer Andrew Morton noted that by the time of the South Korea tour, negotiations for separation were at a critical stage, and Diana was no longer willing to play along with the charade. Determined to reveal the truth to the world, Diana made it clear through her actions that the marriage was beyond repair.
According to former palace aides, the lack of closeness and kindness between Charles and Diana during the tour was excruciating to witness. It was evident to everyone present that their marriage was finished, despite any efforts to maintain appearances.
The tour almost didn’t happen at all, as Diana initially refused to go just three months before departure. A standoff ensued until Queen Elizabeth II intervened, ultimately persuading Diana to accompany Charles to South Korea. However, once in Seoul, any hopes of reconciliation were dashed as the couple’s icy demeanor was impossible to disguise.
Former royal press secretary Dickie Arbiter recalled the tense atmosphere surrounding Charles and Diana during the tour, describing their hostile body language and the dark cloud that hung over them throughout the trip. Arbiter’s attempts to deflect inquiries about the state of their marriage only fueled existing rumors about the troubled relationship.
Photographer Jayne Fincher, who was also present on the tour, noted Diana’s distress behind her public facade, mentioning that she had been crying and looked worn out. By the end of the week, even Diana’s aides acknowledged that the marriage had reached its breaking point, with Diana no longer willing to endure the unhappiness.
Charles himself expressed the immense strain he was under in a private note, acknowledging the uncertainty of the future and dreading what was to come. Just a month later, on December 9, 1992, Prime Minister John Major officially announced the separation of the Prince and Princess of Wales, bringing an end to one of the most troubled royal marriages in history.
