In the diaries, Shand Kydd referred to the royals as "just a bunch of small Germans" and labeled them a "disgrace." She described the Queen Mother as "quite a b-tch" and reserved her harshest remarks for Prince Charles, calling him a "spoiled brat" and dismissing his struggles with depression with a curt "Good." Her words reflect the deep tensions that colored her interactions with the monarchy.
Her conflict with the royal family came to a head during the arrangements for Princess Diana’s funeral in 1997. Shand Kydd reportedly threatened to boycott the funeral unless her arrival took precedence over the royals', underscoring her bitterness toward the institution that played a central role in Diana’s life.
Shand Kydd’s personal life was equally tumultuous. A bitter divorce left Diana and her siblings in the custody of their father, causing long-lasting scars. Earl Spencer, Diana’s brother, revealed how Diana waited in vain for their mother, who promised to return but never did. The tension between mother and daughter deepened when Shand Kydd appeared to celebrate Diana’s loss of her HRH title after her divorce, further straining their bond.
Following Diana’s tragic death, Shand Kydd retreated to Scotland, dedicating herself to her Catholic faith. She formed a close friendship with Father Yves-Marie Clochard-Bossuet, the chaplain who watched over Diana’s body, and corresponded with grieving fans. Despite her efforts to find solace, she faced significant health challenges, including Parkinson’s disease and brain cancer, before her death in 2004.
Frances Shand Kydd’s diaries offer a glimpse into her complicated life, marked by personal struggles and her ties to one of history’s most iconic figures. While her harsh words and actions often overshadow her legacy, they provide insight into the challenges of life in Diana’s orbit, leaving behind a story as controversial as it is compelling.