AS THE impending divorce of the Prince and Princess of Wales preoccupies the British public, bookmakers William Hill, have taken wagers on the likelihood of who will re marry first, writes Rachel Donnelly. According to the British press the princess is "behaving like a woman possessed", such is the emotional toll beginning to tell on her.
A report in yesterday's News of the World, said sources at Kensington Palace, the princess's London home, were distressed to hear "a 15 minute tongue lashing" delivered by Princess Diana to her chauffeur, Mr Steve Davies and a maid, Ms Helen Walsh.
"She was at the end of her rope over the divorce," a source said.
"She was shouting at the top of her voice and shaking with anger. Mr Davies and Ms Walsh were unfortunately caught in a compromising situation at the wrong time."
After an agreement reached late last week that neither the Prince or Princess of Wales would seek publicity relating to their divorce negotiations, Prince Charles's lawyer, Ms Fiona Shackleton, made the point that "the media was not the appropriate forum for discussing these matters". This followed reports that Princess Diana had suggested to her husband's team that they should announce their divorce on television.
Meanwhile, in an interview with BBC Wales, the British shadow Welsh secretary, Mr Ronald Davies, criticised Prince Charles's ability to become king - a critique he later withdrew. The interview has been described as "10 minutes of undiluted republican analysis" in breach of Labour Party policy.
The shadow secretary said late last year that Prince Charles was "an absolute pillock", further proof according to some that his remarks are part of a considered campaign rather than an unfortunate outburst.
Senior Labour Party figures said yesterday the party remained committed to the monarchy. However, left wing sources said they shared Mr Davies's views.