The Duke of Cambridge has said a new investigation into how the BBC secured an interview with his mother, Princess Diana, in 1995 is 'a step in the right direction'. The BBC has promised to 'get to the truth' about the events surrounding the Panorama interview.
Diana's brother, Earl Spencer, has alleged that BBC journalist Martin Bashir used forged bank statements to convince the princess to give the interview. Kensington Palace stated that Prince William 'tentatively welcomed the investigation', adding that it 'should help establish the truth behind the actions that led to the Panorama interview and subsequent decisions taken by those in the BBC at the time'.
On Wednesday, the BBC announced that Lord Dyson, a former Supreme Court judge, would lead the inquiry. BBC director general Tim Davie said: 'The BBC is determined to get to the truth about these events and that is why we have commissioned an independent investigation. Lord Dyson is an eminent and highly respected figure who will lead a thorough process.'
Earl Spencer called for an independent inquiry earlier this month, claiming 'sheer dishonesty' was used to secure the interview. In a letter to Mr Davie, he alleged that Bashir had shown him forged bank statements purporting to show that two senior courtiers were being paid by the security services for information on his sister. The earl also claimed Bashir made false and defamatory claims about senior royals to gain his trust.
Bashir, currently BBC News religion editor, is recovering from heart surgery and complications from Covid-19 and has been unable to comment. The investigation will examine five key questions, including the steps taken to obtain the interview and whether they were appropriate. The BBC said the investigation would start immediately and it was handing over all relevant records.
