Princess Diana almost outed George Michael
British singer George Michael talks about his recent illness outside his home in Hampstead in London on December 23, 2011. The late Princess Diana nearly told Prince Harry that George Michael was gay six years before he came out, former royal aide Dickie Arbiter has claimed in his upcoming book. FILE PHOTO | AFP
What you need to know:
- Dickie Arbiter - who was a press spokesman for Britain's Queen Elizabeth II until 2000 - has claimed the late royal almost exposed George's sexuality at a 1992 reception six years before he came out in the wake of his arrest for "engaging in a lewd act" in the public restroom of the Will Rogers Memorial Park in Beverly Hills, California, in April 1998
Princess Diana nearly told Prince Harry that George Michael was gay six years before he came out, former royal aide Dickie Arbiter has claimed in his upcoming book.
Dickie Arbiter - who was a press spokesman for Britain's Queen Elizabeth II until 2000 - has claimed the late royal almost exposed George's sexuality at a 1992 reception six years before he came out in the wake of his arrest for "engaging in a lewd act" in the public restroom of the Will Rogers Memorial Park in Beverly Hills, California, in April 1998.
According to Dickie's upcoming new book On Duty With the Queen, Diana was at a Kensington Palace reception for her charities - which the "Faith" singer was also in attendance for - and commented on his sexuality to a friend.
She is said to have commented: "Isn't it a shame he doesn't like the ladies?"
Diana made the quip not knowing Prince Harry was close by, and was quick to tell him to "shut up" when he asked who they were talking about.
Meanwhile, Diana - who tragically died in a car crash in Paris in 1997 - also used the reception to give a then 10-year-old Prince William the opportunity to give a public speech and thank the charities on her behalf.
In his book, Dickie revealed: "The princess was always well aware of William's destiny, and began teaching him the ways of kingship from a very early age. Part of that learning included the art of public speaking."
