'I've kept Diana's secrets for decades - here's what she told me after divorce'
Princess Diana's former personal trainer, Jenni Rivett, has revealed that she used to implore the Princess not to divulge her secrets, for a deeply saddening reason.
Jenni, 65, was closely involved with Diana during what was arguably the most turbulent time in the royal's life, as her marriage disintegrated in the public eye.
Diana and King Charles - then Prince of Wales - found themselves embroiled in a PR skirmish often referred to as the 'War of the Waleses'. They were both trying to present their side of the story to the public amidst their bitter separation.
As Diana's personal trainer, Jenni had a front-row seat to the Princess's life during this challenging period. She worked with Diana for six years from 1991 to 1997, right up until the royal's premature and tragic death.
The pair had even scheduled further workout sessions for after Diana's planned return, reports the Mirror.
Tragically, Diana died in a car crash in Paris in August 1997 while on holiday with her then-boyfriend Dodi Fayed. Their driver, under the influence of alcohol, crashed the vehicle while attempting to evade paparazzi who were pursuing them.
All but one passenger perished in the accident.
Jenni and Diana had training sessions booked just days later - sessions that would never take place. The South African trainer learned the devastating news of her long-time client's death through a friend.
It's taken her nearly three decades to feel ready to talk about Diana and the cherished memories they created together.
Jenni shared with the Mail Online about her bond with Diana, revealing that their connection was strong but there were moments when she had to implore Diana to hold back on confiding too private details of her life.
"Sometimes Diana would tell me things so personal I would ask her: 'Please don't say any more because if it ends up in the papers tomorrow, you will think it was me.'
"I would give her the very best advice I could, yet I'd pinch myself – here I am, consultant to the Royal Family! But saying that, I knew my place. I never brought up subjects myself, I never overstepped the line, and I think she appreciated that," Jenni recalled.
She also disclosed that Diana's ultimate path wasn't what she had hoped for herself; in Diana's heart, what truly mattered were her husband and sons - Prince William and Prince Harry, who meant the world to her.
"Diana loved her boys; they were everything to her. She would have been devastated at what is going on between them today," Jenni added.
The initial contact with Jenni regarding training the "most famous woman in the world" came through a call from Diana's butler, Paul Burrell, which left Jenni feeling incredibly daunted at the prospect.
Training with Diana for three hours weekly, Jenni observed as the Princess worked on her fitness and witnessed a transformation, as Diana grew into a new chapter filled with confidence despite her tribulations.
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