As I've read it, they weren't parted for 30 years but have been carrying on behind the scenes for many years now, even while Charles and Diana were married. Kinda takes some of the romance out of it for me.
Guess having an affair is not a big deal to most people,,,or at least it's okay if you're really in love with the person you're cheating with,,,wouldn't want to do the honest thing and end the shambled relationship to be with your love,,,just pretend and deceive,,,and ,,,it's all kinda sickening really.
I agree with you that they should have ended the marriage rather than be unfaithful. Seems like it would have been the best thing for everyone involved. Painful as it would have been, certainly would have been better than all the cheating that went on....