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Let $Dx=\lambda x$ with $x\ne 0$. Commutation givesThus $Cx$ belongs to the eigenspace $E_{\lambda }(D)$, with the zero vector allowed. Since $D$ has $n$ distinct eigenvalues, each eigenspace is one-dimensional. Hence $Cx=\mu x$ for some scalar $\mu$. This is the fact that commuting maps preserve eigenspaces.

The standard linear independence theorem for eigenvectors belonging to distinct eigenvalues supplies a basis $x_1,\dots ,x_n$ of eigenvectors of $D$. The preceding argument makes every one an eigenvector of $C$ as well. Their column matrix therefore simultaneously diagonalizes $C$ and $D$. This is simple spectrum gives simultaneous diagonalization.

For real matrices, this conclusion always holds over $\mathbb{C}$; a real common basis follows when the distinct eigenvalues of $D$ are real. Real matrix entries alone do not ensure a real eigenbasis: a quarter-turn of ${\mathbb{R}}^2$, with $C=D$, has eigenvalues $\pm i$. The matrices in this question have real spectra, so their common basis is real.

Suppose $D$ has $n$ distinct eigenvalues over a field and $C$ commutes with $D$. Each eigenspace of $D$ is one-dimensional. Since commuting maps preserve eigenspaces, $C$ acts as a scalar on each of them. The eigenvectors of $D$ give a common eigenbasis and hence simultaneous diagonalization. For real matrices, the result gives a real eigenbasis only if the eigenvalues of $D$ are real; otherwise it applies over $\mathbb{C}$.