In a stunning revelation that has sent shockwaves through royal circles, Earl Charles Spencer has exposed the secret codename 'Rosebud' used during Princess Diana's infamous 1995 Panorama interview. The disclosure comes as part of a new Channel 4 documentary that continues to unravel the controversial methods employed by BBC journalist Martin Bashir.
The ninth Earl Spencer made these explosive claims during his participation in 'The Princess Diana Interview: Revenge of a Princess,' shedding new light on the extent of deception surrounding the landmark television moment that changed the royal family forever.
The Secret Codename Revealed
According to Spencer, the mysterious 'Rosebud' designation was used as part of the elaborate arrangements for Diana's world-changing conversation with Bashir. This revelation adds another layer to the already controversial story of how the BBC secured what would become one of the most watched interviews in British television history.
"The whole thing was constructed on a pack of lies," Spencer stated emphatically in the documentary, reinforcing his long-held position that Bashir employed dishonest tactics to gain access to his sister.
Documentary Exposes BBC Tactics
The Channel 4 programme meticulously examines how Bashir allegedly used forged bank statements to manipulate both Diana and her brother, convincing them of a web of conspiracy within the royal household. Spencer's testimony provides crucial insight into the methods that led to Diana's decision to speak so candidly about her failed marriage to Prince Charles.
The interview, watched by over 20 million people, included Diana's famous admission that "there were three of us in this marriage" in reference to Prince Charles' relationship with Camilla Parker Bowles.
Lasting Impact and Ongoing Fallout
Nearly three decades later, the Panorama interview continues to generate controversy and debate. A 2021 independent inquiry led by Lord Dyson concluded that Bashir had indeed used "deceitful behaviour" to secure the interview and that the BBC had covered up these actions.
The fallout from these revelations has been substantial, prompting apologies from the BBC and leading to Prince William stating that the interview should never be aired again. For Charles Spencer, these new disclosures represent another step in his ongoing campaign to expose what he perceives as the truth behind one of television's most consequential moments.
The 'Rosebud' codename revelation serves as a poignant reminder of the complex web of secrecy and manipulation that surrounded Princess Diana in her final years, adding another chapter to the enduring mystery of the People's Princess.
