Princess Diana, aka "the people's princess," warmed the hearts of her loyal fans but unfortunately never found the luxury of normalcy, especially with her love life. She was in love with a Pakistani doctor with whom she envisioned marriage — but it never happened.

Princess Diana's life became tabloid fodder following her marriage to Prince Charles. However, she developed an identity as a unique royal: never conforming to royal principles even though she carried out her duties.

Even though there were various controversies about Diana's love life and other personal matters, her principles were based on kindness and advocacy.

[Left] Pakistani surgeon Hasnat Khan, identified as an "ex-lover" of Lady Diana, Princess of Wales; [Right] Diana, Princess of Wales at the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan. | Source: Getty Images

Unfortunately, Diana died after suffering fatal injuries from an auto crash. She was in the car with her rumored lover, Dodi Fayed, an Egyptian billionaire. The duo had spent the past week enjoying a getaway in Paris and wanted to return to Fayed's private Parisian estate when it happened.

Their driver, Henri Paul, lost control of the vehicle, crashing into a pillar on the road. Instantly, Paul and Fayed died, while Diana, who sustained a cut thigh, broken arm, and suffered from a concussion, was rushed to Pitie-Salpetriere Hospital.

Diana Princess of Wales and Dodi Fayed. | Source: Getty Images

Unfortunately, the people's princess never made it out alive. She had internal bleeding and could not regain consciousness. Her time of death was 4.53 a.m., on August 31, 1997.

The death hurt many people, including fans, friends, and family. Fayed's dad, Mohamed, was bereft, and he accused the British government of murder because Diana was pregnant with his grandchild. Diana's closest pals dismissed the claims.

Instead, they understood that the princess never intended to marry Fayed, nor did she carry his child. These confidential sources alleged that she was still "madly in love" with one Pakistani heart surgeon named Hasnat Khan, despite her relationship with the Egyptian billionaire.

A permanent memorial to Diana, Princess of Wales and Dodi al-Fayed is pictured in the Harrods store in London, 31 August 2006, on the ninth anniversary of their death. | Source: Getty Images

HOW PRINCESS DIANA MET HASNAT KHAN

Before meeting the heart surgeon in 1995, Princess Diana's marriage to Prince Charles was over even though they had not divorced. They officially separated in 1992 and divorced in 1996.

Throughout their separation, she lived alone in Kensington Palace and had reordered life her way: enjoying the freedom that came with not being under scrutiny by the royals.

In 1995, during a visit to the Royal Brompton Hospital to see the husband of her soother in chief, Oonagh Toffolo, she met Khan. The surgeon had come to explain to Toffolo, an acupuncturist, and self-proclaimed healer, that her husband, Joseph, needed to return for surgery.

Diana, Princess Of Wales, Leaving The British Lung Foundation In Hatton Garden After Being Presented With A Bouquet Of The First Rose Named After Her. | Source: Getty images

When Toffolo introduced the famous princess to her surgeon, he did not seem overly excited. Instead, the man slightly acknowledged with a quick nod and left the room. After admitting that he was handsome, Diana turned to her friend, calling out the surgeon's name as seen on his shoes.

Following the first meeting that blew her away, the people's princess tried to get Khan's attention, but he paid no attention. She consistently visited Joseph throughout his three-week stay and often popped in to chat with the surgeon.

Diana even tried to read Gray's Anatomy so she could have things to discuss with Khan. Eventually, they became friends, and after work hours, the Pakistani native always felt comfortable speaking to the royal because of her humility.

Pakistani surgeon Hasnat Khan, identified as an "ex-lover" of Lady Diana, Princess of Wales. | Source: Getty Images

DIANA AND KHAN'S FRIENDSHIP BLOSSOMED QUICKLY

Undoubtedly, the duo enjoyed their regular chit-chat, and their friendship soon blossomed into romance. Diana never hid her love for the surgeon, who also became smitten when she agreed to be his company at his uncle's home.

Khan admitted that he was surprised after Diana consented to follow him to Stratford-upon-Avon, his uncle's home, to get some books. Once their relationship was sealed, they had the perfect time as lovers, reveling in each other's company. According to the Surgeon:

"Diana and I had a very good relationship with no personal problems."

Pakistani surgeon Hasnat Khan, identified as an "ex-lover" of Lady Diana, Princess of Wales. | Source: Getty Images

Despite fulfilling her desire to be romantically involved with Khan, Diana never stopped trying to impress him. The princess immersed herself in Pakistani culture. She wore salwar kameez, the typical Pakistani women's traditional outfit.

Diana also traveled across the seas to Pakistan, learning about Khan's indigenous people and heritage. To crown it all, she considered converting to Islam.

Diana, Princess of Wales at the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan. | Source: Getty Images

DIANA'S SECRET AFFAIR WITH KHAN

Princess Diana and Khan were dedicated to their relationship, but they needed to keep it quiet, as the Pakistani native feared being embroiled in a public controversy.

She often sneaked away from the palace at night to meet Khan at the hospital, where they scheduled sleepovers in a small overnight room.

On one fateful day, during one of her numerous midnight visits, Diana was caught by a tabloid photographer from the "News of the World." Immediately, she borrowed the photographer's cell to speak with the tabloid's royal correspondent, Clive Goodman.

Princess Diana visiting a welfare center in Noopur Shanan. | Source: Getty Images

The princess told Goodman that she was visiting terminally ill patients to give them the encouragement they needed. Four days after the call, the "News of the World" headlined the story "My Secret Nights as an Angel."

Being entangled with Diana made Khan open to private investigations from the media, especially after someone from the hospital leaked his romance following Diana's flower gift.

Still, the surgeon maintained that his lover never wanted him to be affected by the paparazzi. However, she consciously shielded him from the attention and was very protective.

Hasnat Khan, surgeon and supposed friend of Diana In London. | Source: Getty Images

INSIDE DIANA'S TWO-YEAR RELATIONSHIP WITH KHAN

As their relationship progressed, Diana not only visited Pakistan to learn about their culture but she established a close relationship with Jemima Khan.

Jemima was married to Khan's distant cousin, and she revealed that the princess was genuinely in love with the surgeon and wanted to settle for a normal life.

According to Jemima, her deceased friend was interested in knowing about Khan's family, and she wanted the approval of his mother, Naheed.

Diana, Princess of Wales and son HRH Prince William are seen holidaying with Dodi Al Fayed (not pictured) in St Tropez in the summer. | Source: Getty Images

Unfortunately, bringing an English bride home after schooling in England was "every conservative Pashtun mother's worst nightmare." This did not deter the lovers from talking about marriage and Diana's admission that she wanted a daughter from Khan.

Eventually, she began plotting a secret marriage, but her Pakistani lover was "horrified" by the plan, explaining that they were looming pitfalls. According to Khan:

"I thought it was a ridiculous idea."

Diana, Princess of Wales and Dodi Fayed (both partially visible in back seat), bodyguard Trevor Rees-Jones and driver Henri Paul, in their Mercedes-Benz S280. | Source: Getty Images

Khan considered the public's view of Diana as a problem for them. Although he loved her humility, being a famous person around Europe would limit them from having a normal life. So he proposed moving to Pakistan. In his words:

"I told her that the only way I could see us having a vaguely normal life together would be if we went to Pakistan, as the press don't bother you there."

Heart surgeon Hasnat Khan seen walking. | Source: Getty Images

A RATHER SAD ENDING

Diana had already considered doing anything for love. She showed her dedication and determination by immersing in Pakistani culture.

However, she stopped talking about Khan's birth country and started looking for other safe countries after some time. She toured South Africa and Australia, studying their security system and how private life would be there.

The couple began to drift apart as the princess made certain decisions without consulting Khan. The surgeon confessed that she was overwhelmed by settling down rather than objectively looking at the implications.

Princess Diana attending a Gala Evening in aid of Cancer Research at Bridgewater House In London | Source: Getty Images

He explained that she would not have had to go the extra mile of converting to Islam, but he feared for their offspring if they produced any. According to him: "My main concern about us getting married was that my life would be hell because of who she was." He continued:

"I knew I would not be able to live a normal life, and if we ever had children together, I would not be able to take them anywhere or do normal things with them."

Princess Diana at a welcome ceremony on 31st March 1983 | Source: Getty Images

DIANA MEETS DODI FAYED

After her relationship with Khan, Diana met the Egyptian billionaire Dodi Fayed at Castle St Therese in St Tropez.

The first time, she was with her sons, William and Harry. The subsequent two visits to the estate showed that she had grown more familiar with him, and they were photographed kissing.

Monckton, Diana's friend, explained that this relationship was to make Khan jealous as he broke up with her. She added that the princess and her billionaire lover often spoke about the surgeon.

Princess Diana is wearing the Spencer family tiara and a dress by Bruce Oldfield on 30th March 1983 | Source: Getty Images

Other accounts from friends revealed that Diana broke up with Khan following her frustration and his refusal to marry her or go public.

Diana did not have that problem with Fayed, who was carefree and used to public attention. Sadly, shortly after they began dating, he bought a ring to propose to her on the same night of their death.

Diana Princess in November, 1988 at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France | Source: Getty Images

WHAT HAPPENED TO HASNAT FAYED?

It took the surgeon ten years before he tied the knot with 29-year-old Hadia Sher Ali. Ali, a Pakistani descendant of Afghan royalty, did not stay married to Khan for long.

After eighteen months, their arranged marriage crashed. In 2017, a Daily Mail reporter, Sebastian Shakespeare, confirmed that Khan was engaged to another Muslim woman, Somi Sohail, whom he married.

Princess of Wales, Diana, arriving at the Serpentine Gallery on June 1994, in a gown by Christina Stambolian in London | Source: Getty Images

Following his involvement with Sohail, Shakespeare mentioned that Khan was happy with his life. The family man now focuses on humanitarian work in Pakistan, Ethiopia, and Saudi Arabia while living in Essex.

Khan might not have ended up with Diana, but to this day, he continues to honor her memory and has protected some details about their relationship. Instead, he focuses on her impacts.

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