Dr. Hasnat Khan, the heart surgeon who shared a two-year romance with Princess Diana, has returned to his native Pakistan. He has accepted the position of Dean at the Jinnah Institute of Cardiology in Lahore.

A Passionate Romance

Dr. Khan, affectionately known as ‘Mr Wonderful’ by the Princess, first met Diana in 1995 at the Royal Brompton Hospital in London. Their connection quickly deepened into a secret relationship, filled with unconventional dates and clandestine meetings.

Secret Meetings and Future Plans

The couple navigated their romance discreetly, with Diana reportedly smuggling Dr. Khan into Kensington Palace. Friends of the Princess have shared accounts of her deep sadness following their breakup, and her consideration of a future with him in Pakistan.

Return to His Roots

Despite their deep affection, Dr. Khan ended the relationship weeks before Diana’s tragic death in 1997, citing the overwhelming public scrutiny. He continued his career as a consultant cardiothoracic surgeon in the UK, while regularly returning to Pakistan to provide free cardiac care.

Commitment to Healthcare

Dr. Khan previously established a heart unit in Jhelum, demonstrating his dedication to improving healthcare access. His new role in Lahore signifies a more permanent move, with plans to transform the Jinnah Institute into a leading cardiac center.

A New Chapter

He recently met with Punjab’s chief minister, Maryam Nawaz, who commended his decision to serve Pakistan. While he will continue some consultancy work in the UK, his primary focus is now on developing a world-class cardiac facility in his homeland.

Diana had even introduced Dr. Khan to her sons and attempted to connect with his family, including a visit to Pakistan in 1996 where she met his relatives and a cancer hospital run by Imran Khan.