Before Princess Diana, Prince Charles played the field. Marie Claire reports that between 1971 and 1981 (when the two got married), the Prince of Wales dated 20 women. In addition to courting Diana's older sister, Lady Sarah Spencer, Charles' conquests were a frequent occurrence. Following another failed dalliance, the prince proposed to Amanda Knatchbull in 1980. Cousins through his father, Prince Phillip, the pair never committed to a trip down the aisle — for an important reason.
Knatchbull didn't say no to the offer because of their close relations, but rather because she didn't want to deal with the "royal spotlight." But her rejection didn't stop Charles' proposing streak. Marie Claire notes that he then turned his attention toward Anna Oates — a woman known for her temper. His quick proposal was also met with a rejection after her suitor reportedly "ignored" her at the Queen Mother's 80th birthday party. She apparently balked at his rudeness, saying, "I have never been so badly treated in my life. You've left me alone all evening and now you will have to continue without me."
Following his search for the right woman, Charles met Diana and proposed to her after meeting only 13 times. Per the outlet, Camilla Parker-Bowles was apparently pleased with the match, seeing the then-19-year-old as "less of a threat" to the pair's anticipated reunion. Clearly, the right girl needed to be able to handle a lot of pressure, making Princess Diana's story even more ill-fated.
