If Diana had lived

By Serdar ATMACA

Diana's letter" explores tranquility, weaving a serene tapestry up to certain ideas. It delves into history, an ever-flowing river without a fixed point in time but with a known destination, anchored by vivid depictions of an alternate realm revolving around Princess Diana. Although the concept at play ma

• Language: English
• Publisher: Maple Publishers
• Release date: Nov 3, 2023
• ISBN: 9781835380338

Book preview

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Diana’s Letter – If Diana had lived...

Author: Serdar ATMACA

Copyright © 2023 Serdar ATMACA

The author has asserted the right of Serdar ATMACA to be identified as the author of this work by sections 77 and 78 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

First Edition in Turkish: July 2022

English translated edition: 2023

English Translation by:

Günsel Djemal

[e-mail]

ISBN 978-1-83538-032-1 (Paperback)

978-1-83538-033-8 (E-Book)

Cover design by:

Ayten Hocalar

Book layout by:

White Magic Studios

www.whitemagicstudios.co.uk

Published by:

Maple Publishers

Fairbourne Drive, Atterbury,

Milton Keynes,

MK10 9RG, UK

www.maplepublishers.com

A CIP catalogue record for this title is available from the British Library.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or translated in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system without written permission from the author.

The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the publisher’s opinions, and the publisher, as a result of this, disclaims any responsibility for them.

Special Thanks

I want to express my gratitude and thanks to the following names:

I want to thank the following individuals for their unconditional support in my work over the past ten years.

And, finally, a heartfelt thanks to you, the reader. My family (Istanbul), my daughter Serra Su Atmaca for the deep meaning she added to my life, and Günsel Djemal (Cyprus-United Kingdom).

Serdar Atmaca

A heart is beating without love and affection.

It only pumps blood into the disgraced veins.

Presentation

I was very touched when the esteemed writer Serdar Atmaca asked me to translate his novel ‘Diana’s Letter - If Diana had lived’. I accepted without hesitation.

In this novel, Serdar Atmaca wrote about Diana’s marriage, her hopes and fears, her extraordinary life at Windsor House, and her love for children and nature. She was an icon in life and a legend in death. Twenty-six years later, Diana continues to fascinate.

This book is a profound homage to Princess Diana for the uninterrupted social contributions and activities of an extraordinary person whose spirit has encouraged and inspired many people today.

There is something of Diana Spencer in each of us…

Günsel Djemal 24.06.2023

In memory of Princess Diana, with respect

Princess Diana often sat at her desk before bed and wrote letters to her children, William and Harry. She wore a simple yet elegant black sash with embroidered sleeves. She had instructed her nanny to read these letters to her children while she was away. The desk was rich brown, with lampshades on both the left and right sides, with two small table lamps. There were various objects on the desk, including photographs of herself and her children in small frames and a pencil and ink box. The left lamp illuminated the room, and the fireplace could be seen in its light. Above the fireplace, there were family photos in small frames. Diana opened the top drawer of her desk, took out a letter and an envelope, placed them on her desk, and closed it. She separated the envelope from the letter and pulled out a fountain pen, waiting on her desk, ready to be used. After moving her chair forward slightly, she began writing on the paper before her.

Dear William and Harry,

You both hold a special place in my heart as my beloveds and heroes. I cherish and yearn for you more than anything in this world. I must depart for Turkey to attend an important Memorial Day event, requiring us to be apart for a little while. Last night, as you slept so serenely, I couldn’t resist kissing both of your cheeks.

I’m sorry for having to leave for the airport without saying goodbye. I’ll leave this letter with your nanny for you to read. Remember to keep the promises you made to me. I know you’ve always been well-behaved.

Remember to be kind to your nanny while I’m away, and take your time eating. Don’t rush through your meal to play. If you finish early, you might get an extra half hour. And make sure to be in bed on time.

Hey William, Nany might let you have an extra half hour if you don’t hurry to eat. But please don’t postpone your meal to go horseback riding, okay? And when it’s time to sleep, ensure you’re in bed. I’ve talked to you about how important it is to get enough rest for your body and mind. I’m also going to sleep now before it gets too late. Please remember what I said. I love you more than anything, my dear ones. You are my shining stars.

Your Mother

After finishing her letter, she gently blew on the ink and held it in the air to ensure it was dry. Once satisfied, she meticulously placed it back in the envelope and delicately stored it in the top drawer of her desk.

As she rose from her chair and went to the bedroom, a thought occurred: Had she turned off the light on her desk? Without hesitation, she returned to the room and flicked the switch, ensuring everything was in order. As she departed and stepped into the hallway, the soft glow from the light cast a welcoming aura over the entrance to the study. Closing the door behind her, she navigated the dark quickly and retired to bed, exhausted from the day’s events. She hoped to find rest as she settled in for the night.

As she entered the bedroom, she closed the door behind her with a gentle push. Approaching the vanity table adjacent to the bed, she confidently switched on the nightlight, casting a warm and comforting glow around the room. Without hesitation, she hung her belted black gown on a hanger before sitting on the edge of her bed, dressed in a cosy nightgown. With a bold move, she removed her earrings and placed them on the lamp table beside her.

As Diana took off her slippers and climbed into bed, she eagerly anticipated the restful sleep she needed to prepare for her upcoming Turkey visit. However, her tranquillity was abruptly disrupted when her husband Charles noisily burst into the room, flipping the light switch and slamming the door shut. Startled and anxious, she leapt out of bed in shock.

As she lay in bed, she heard a sound and saw her husband nearby. Charles, could you please be a bit quieter? I was just about to fall asleep, she said assertively before resting her head on the pillow again.

Although Charles regretted his actions, Diana brought attention to the potential negative impact of apologies without considering the underlying tension. Diana also took responsibility for any unintended disrespect or nervousness she may have conveyed. Charles, however, remained unsatisfied with her explanation and accused her of trying to lecture him on etiquette. Diana clarified that this was not her intention, especially considering her upcoming journey. Charles briefly acknowledged Diana’s social responsibility project and its potential stress but did not elaborate further.

Oh, Charles! Where did that lesson in politeness come from? As you know, I have a significant journey tomorrow. Let’s not argue at this time of night. I have no intention of doing so. Said Diana.

Charles mentioned that he was aware of Diana’s social responsibility project that might cause stress. He then fell silent after saying, Anyway!. To help me understand better, please clearly communicate what you want to say, and I will respond appropriately. Recently, we received an invitation for a pre-arranged dinner in two days, but unfortunately, you won’t be able to attend. I am reminding you of this fact and am surprised I must do so.

Are you aware, Charles? My visit to Turkey is for the drowned refugee mother and her children. Don’t worry. I called and explained to them personally that I would not attend, and they understood. Said Diana.

Wearing his pyjamas, Charles expressed his astonishment, I am completely at a loss as to what is occurring.

Charles opened the duvet, got into bed, and lay back-to-back with the pillow between them.

Your absence is causing noticeable unhappiness among the children. I trust you remember our previous discussion? Charles said.

Diana turned onto her back, removed her hands under the duvet, and asked, What happened to the children? I don’t understand. If someone else heard that, they wouldn’t comprehend what you said.

Charles expressed that he had been experiencing constant discomfort throughout the night. He stated that her absence made their children unhappy, and he could see it in their eyes. They were feeling the loneliness more than before, which bothered him. Charles mentioned that his mother was also uncomfortable with the situation, which was essential to them.

The tiredness is evident in Diana’s voice when she responds.

Charles, please! I understand that you’re sensitive. I mean, we’re not people who act without a plan! Let me explain one more time. A mother who had to leave her country drowned with her children; their bodies washed up on the beach! It’s intolerable; it’s a humanity shame! Don’t you think it’s overwhelming? I don’t know if you know that millions of people were gutted. That’s why I want to go to Bodrum and stop human trafficking; I want to draw attention to the deaths of children and adults. There are a lot of possible recurrences. I don’t want war! Because of these wars, what is this suffering for women and children? Let me make my contribution to common sense and peace! Enough is enough now! Diana said.

Charles spoke in a stern and guarded manner. You travel frequently already. Skipping this year is not a big deal, he stated firmly. Your insistence, Diana, is unnecessary.

"Charles, I have to go to every place planned every year because there are human tragedies that are constantly repeated. I sadly understand you because it is only a woman’s destiny to feel pain,’’ said Diana.

Unfortunately, all wars are planned during times of peace. No effort is strong enough to prevent the consequences. It is a harrowing reality that I am aware of. Said Charles.

You have never experienced a long-lasting bodily ache. Your emotions often feel shallow and insincere, Diana said sadly.

Instead of discussing your feelings, could you help care for our children? It seems like you’re striving for social responsibility but are struggling to find balance. This situation is causing me distress. I am concerned that Harry will express his longing for you to my mother in your absence. My mother is telling me off because of you, making me nervous. The truths you’ve made me live only widen the gap between us and push us further apart." Said Charles.

Diana got out of bed and turned on the bedroom light before reaching for her long nightgown. Charles was behind her, so she faced away from him while getting dressed.

Charles is sitting on the bed with a distressed body and facial expression. He pulls the duvet over himself and looks at Diana. She asks him to get up, but he still doesn’t move even after she ties the belt of her dressing gown and turns to face him.

Diana, I appreciate your concern, but I’m not feeling up to it right now. Said Charles.

Diana persisted, urging him to get up and start his day. In response, she fetched a comfortable puff chair and placed it at the foot of the bed. She settled into the chair and took a moment to gaze at her husband’s face. At that moment, Charles opened his hands to the side and began to speak.

Diana sat poised, crossing her legs and delicately placing her right hand on her left. She addressed her husband with a gentle yet firm tone, I’ve expressed my desire for a peaceful and harmonious bedroom environment before. You appear to intentionally create unrest and tension when I am trying to rest. I kindly request that you refrain from doing so in the future. Now, let us focus on the balance issue you mentioned. Said Diana.

Of course. Said Charles.

It may have slipped your mind, but I’d like to share that I had the privilege of attending boarding school and witnessed my parents’ divorce during my studies. These experiences have allowed me to gain a profound insight into the complexities of love. I hold these memories dear and aim to apply them to my future actions, particularly raising children. Furthermore, I have achieved a balance beyond what may be apparent. I kindly request that you acknowledge this truth and attempt to understand my viewpoint. I have realised that there are nobler and more meaningful pursuits than engaging in Polo. Said, Diana.

Diana could feel Charles’s intense frustration emanating from his piercing gaze and the stern inflexion in his voice. Have you considered that if you weren’t joining the Royal family, the media from England wouldn’t be so fixated on your every action and broadcasting it on national television and newspapers? Charles inquired.

"Charles, have you ever pondered on the uncharted territories left unexplored in universal consciousness? As I ventured through these areas, all eyes turned to me, and the