Singer Bryan Adams addresses long-standing rumors about Princess Diana’s relationship

REGARD: Princess Diana is remembered on the 20th anniversary of her death

Canadian singer Bryan Adams, known for his classic love ballads, responded earlier this week to rumors that he may have had a romantic relationship with Princess Diana years ago.

Adams has been dogged by such rumors since 1985, when he released a love song titled “Diana,” the lyrics of which suggest his admiration for a particular princess.

During his visit to “Watch What Happens Live,” Adams played one of host Andy Cohen’s favorite games: “Plead the Fifth.”

(MORE: How Harry and Meghan honored the late Princess Diana at the royal wedding) (MORE: How Meghan Markle will carry on Princess Diana’s legacy)

Rather than dodging the question, 58-year-old Adams addressed it head-on when asked if he and the late royal icon were a couple during her lifetime.

“Great friends,” Adams said of his relationship with Diana. “And she didn’t sneak me in, I just showed up.”

Cohen pressed the rocker again, asking if they were more than friends, but Adams shrugged and said, “She was just… we were good friends.”

Diana, Princess of Wales, married into the royal family in 1981 but divorced Prince Charles about 15 years later. She died in a car crash in Paris the following year, leaving behind a rich legacy of humanitarian and charitable work that is valued by millions of people around the world.

This is one of the first times Adams has addressed the rumors that have been circulating for years.

The 1985 song “Diana” seemed to express a longing for a woman of the same name, but their friendship would not develop until years later.

“Diana, I just can’t get you out of my head. Diana, why don’t you leave it all behind? Diana, she’s the queen of all my dreams,” were some lines from the song.

Diana was recently honored by her son Harry and his bride Meghan Markle at their wedding last month.

Harry picked several flowers from Kensington Palace’s private garden, including forget-me-nots, his late mother’s favorite flower. According to Buckingham Palace, the couple also chose them specifically for Markle’s bouquet to honor Diana’s memory.