Introduction
Dr. Hasnat Ahmed Khan, a renowned British-Pakistani cardiothoracic surgeon, became widely known not just for his esteemed medical career, but for his deeply personal and often private relationship with Diana, Princess of Wales. His connection to the Princess of Wales has sparked considerable media attention, from their relationship in the 1990s to Khan’s involvement in Diana’s funeral in 1997. This article delves into Khan’s background, his career, the nature of his relationship with Diana, and his life after her passing.
Hasnat Khan Early Life and Education
Hasnat Khan was born on April 1, 1958, in Jhelum, Punjab, Pakistan, into a respected and well-educated family. His father, Rashid Khan, was an entrepreneur who ran a glass manufacturing business and had studied at the London School of Economics. Hasnat’s family background emphasized education and intellectual pursuits, which influenced his own career path.
Khan attended medical school at King Edward Medical University in Lahore, Pakistan, and later moved to the United Kingdom to further his training. He graduated from the Imperial College School of Medicine, London, where he began to focus on cardiothoracic surgery, a highly specialized field that deals with surgeries on the heart and lungs. Throughout his medical career, Khan’s commitment to patient care earned him a reputation as an expert in the field.
Medical Career: Cardiothoracic Surgeon
Hasnat Khan is best known for his work in cardiothoracic surgery. His medical journey took him through several prestigious hospitals in the UK. He worked at Royal Brompton Hospital and Basildon University Hospital, among others. Khan’s expertise in complex heart surgeries, including mitral valve replacement and surgeries involving the aortic root, positioned him as a highly skilled and trusted surgeon.
Despite the fame that came from his relationship with Diana, Khan remained a committed doctor who continued his work in heart and lung surgery for years. He was known for his modesty, both in his professional and personal life, and he kept his work with patients at the forefront, often staying out of the media spotlight.
Hasnat Khan Relationship with Princess Diana
The relationship between Hasnat Khan and Princess Diana began in the autumn of 1995. Diana met Khan while visiting Royal Brompton Hospital, where Khan was a surgeon. It is said that Diana was immediately attracted to Khan’s humble nature and deep sense of compassion. Unlike the attention-seeking public figures Diana had been involved with in the past, Khan seemed to offer her a sense of peace and normalcy that she craved after her tumultuous marriage to Prince Charles.
Their romance, though private, quickly blossomed. Diana called Khan “Mr. Wonderful” and described him as someone who gave her the emotional support she needed. The couple was intensely private, and they were careful to avoid media attention. Their relationship was largely kept out of the public eye, with Diana visiting Khan under the guise of private meetings and health consultations. However, the media soon caught wind of their connection, and their romance became the subject of intense public interest.
Despite their deep connection, the relationship faced numerous challenges. Khan, a deeply private person, found it difficult to cope with the relentless media attention that came with being romantically linked to one of the most famous women in the world. Diana, on the other hand, struggled with her own personal issues, including her royal duties and her separation from Prince Charles. After about two years, the couple broke up in July 1997, only weeks before Diana’s tragic death.
Hasnat Khan Life After the Breakup
Although their relationship ended in July 1997, the bond between Diana and Hasnat Khan remained significant. Diana was involved with Dodi Fayed shortly after her breakup with Khan, and it was with him that she tragically died in a car crash in Paris on August 31, 1997. Khan, devastated by her passing, attended Diana’s funeral in September 1997 — a poignant moment that added to his already complex public image.
After Diana’s death, Hasnat Khan continued to maintain a relatively low profile. He married Hadia Sher Ali in 2006, but the marriage ended in divorce by 2008. He was later linked to several other women, and in recent years, there have been reports suggesting that he married Somi Sohail, a woman from Pakistan, though he remains largely private about his personal life.
Hasnat Khan Media Portrayal and Public Perception
Hasnat Khan’s relationship with Princess Diana has been the subject of numerous biographies, books, and films. The most well-known work is the 2000 biography Diana: Her Last Love by Kate Snell, which explored the relationship between Khan and Diana. Khan himself was critical of the book, and he was not involved in its publication.
In 2013, the relationship was depicted in the movie Diana, where Khan was portrayed as Diana’s true love. While the film dramatized their bond, Khan was reportedly displeased with how he was portrayed. Furthermore, the portrayal of the relationship in Netflix’s The Crown, in which Khan appeared in the fifth season, brought renewed interest and speculation about his connection to the late princess.
Despite the media portrayals, Khan has maintained a firm stance on his privacy. He rarely speaks about his relationship with Diana and has expressed displeasure at the continued public focus on his past with her. For Khan, the relationship was a deeply personal one, and he has consistently sought to distance himself from the public narrative built around it.
Hasnat Khan Current Life and Legacy
As of today, Hasnat Khan continues to live in the UK, where he works privately, likely in medical consultancy or other medical ventures, though his exact professional endeavors have not been widely reported in the media. He remains active in the medical community and is respected for his work in cardiothoracic surgery, although he has distanced himself from the spotlight.
Khan’s legacy, however, is a blend of his medical contributions and his relationship with Princess Diana, which continues to intrigue and inspire those who follow the royal family and their history. He is remembered not only as a skilled surgeon but also as the man who shared a pivotal chapter in the life of one of the most iconic figures in modern history.
Conclusion
Dr. Hasnat Ahmed Khan may not have sought fame, but his connection with Princess Diana ensured that his name would always be intertwined with one of the most beloved figures of the 20th century. His career as a cardiothoracic surgeon stands as a testament to his skill, while his relationship with Diana offers a glimpse into the life of a man who sought to keep his private affairs away from the public eye. As time passes, the story of Hasnat Khan, Diana, and their deep emotional connection remains one of the most compelling and poignant narratives in modern royal history.
