public’s darling — the beautiful, shy young woman who had captured the heart of the Prince of Wales.

But behind the scenes, things weren’t as perfect as they appeared.

1981 was a monumental year for Princess Diana, a year that would change her life forever. While working as a nursery teacher’s assistant, she became engaged to Prince Charles, the heir to the British throne.

Their royal wedding in July that year was a worldwide spectacle, watched by millions as Diana became the Princess of Wales. But amid the glamour and the fairytale-like wedding, there were darker, hidden struggles that no one could see.

At first, however, everything seemed peaceful and perfect between the newly-in-love couple. When Charles left for a five-week royal tour in 1981, cameras captured Diana crying as she said goodbye, thought to be from the sadness of being separated from her soon-to-be husband.

But, as it turns out, the real reason for Diana’s tears was far more heartbreaking.

Real reason behind Diana’s tears at the airport

One of the most memorable and heartbreaking moments of 1981 occurred on March 29, when Lady Diana tearfully waved goodbye to Prince Charles at Heathrow Airport. The Prince was about to embark on a five-week royal tour, traveling to the United States, Venezuela, New Zealand, and Australia.

Dressed in a red coat, fawn skirt, and brown leather shoes, Diana walked beside the Prince through puddles at the airport after arriving in the Queen’s Rolls-Royce.

Just days earlier,

Queen Elizabeth had given her formal consent for Prince Charles to marry Lady Diana Spencer, marking the start of their fairytale engagement.

As the RAF VC 10 prepared for takeoff, Diana stood by to say farewell Charles. The Prince kissed her on both cheeks at the rainy and windswept airport ramp.