Prince Harry's proposal to tell Princess Diana's story in a documentary has reportedly been spurned by members of her inner circle. The Duke of Sussex reportedly wants his late mother's friends and relatives to contribute to a programme about her before the country marks 30 years since her death in 1997.
Reluctance Among Diana's Close Circle
The gossip columnist and former celebrity publicist, Rob Shuter, reports "insiders" as telling him some of the most important voices are not inclined to pitch in. Shuter identified Diana's sisters, Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes, as declining to take part.
Writing in his Substack, Naughty But Nice, Shuter quotes a Palace insider as saying: "Nobody has to threaten anyone.
"People understand the consequences: help Harry tell his version of Diana’s story and the palace door could slam shut."
Fear of Choosing Sides
Shuter explains that while many of Diana's friends are still fond of Harry, they also maintain relations with his brother, Prince William, father, King Charles, and the rest of The Firm. A source is quoted by Shuter as saying no one wants to choose between William and Harry, but to appear in the Duke's film risks being seen as picking a side.
The Hollywood publicist quotes the source as saying people feel "terrified" at what it could cost them.
Celebrity magazine, Page Six, reported this week that Harry is "buddying up" to Diana's brother, Charles, Earl Spencer, in a bid to secure his involvement in the documentary.
Earl Spencer's Potential Role
Royal journalist, Tom Sykes, told the publication he believes the Duke was wooing his uncle as his contribution would lend the project credibility. Sykes suggested making the documentary is the reason for the Sussexes' return to the UK and Earl Spencer is "likely being lined up as its star".
Earl Spencer, however, suggests in his controversial book about Diana that he penned the work to avoid featuring as a "talking head" in programmes about her.
A source said to be close to Harry told the Telegraph that Duke has discussed a number of possible projects to mark 30 years since Diana's death. They are quoted as saying: "Nothing has been finalised or confirmed, and he is still considering the most meaningful way to honour her legacy during this important anniversary year."
The Duke and Duchess returned to the UK in August for an extended period. It has been widely reported that the reason for the move was so their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, could attend school in Britain. Prince Harry has told Canadian TV that Archie and Lilibet are happy in school and the return means he can "really focus" on the Invictus Games, which is in Birmingham next year.
