Donald Trump’s long history of relationships and public comments about women has often made headlines. But among all the stories, one remark continues to raise eyebrows decades later: his claim that he wished he had dated Princess Diana.

In his 1997 book The Art of the Comeback, published shortly after Diana’s tragic death, Trump wrote that he had met the princess “on a number of occasions” and had been captivated by her presence. “She lit up the room with her charm,” he wrote. “She was a genuine princess — a dream lady.”

He added that he regretted “never having the opportunity to court” her.

Reported efforts to pursue Diana were not welcomed

Following her divorce from Prince Charles in 1996, reports suggest that Trump sent Diana large bouquets of flowers in an effort to gain her attention. According to British journalist Selina Scott — who was close to the princess at the time — the attention made Diana uncomfortable.

Writing in The Sunday Times, Scott recalled that the gifts began arriving at Diana’s Kensington Palace residence and eventually felt “unsettling.” In a private conversation, Diana reportedly confided that the gestures gave her “the creeps.” Scott claimed she advised the princess to discard the flowers and not respond.

Though there was never any public indication that Diana reciprocated the attention, Trump is said to have told friends after her death that he believed he “would have had a shot” at dating her.