In a stunning revelation that has sent shockwaves through the British media establishment, the Prince of Wales has broken his royal silence on one of the most controversial episodes in modern royal history. Palace insiders have confirmed that Prince William played a pivotal role in exposing the BBC's deception surrounding Martin Bashir's infamous 1995 interview with his mother, Princess Diana.
The Palace Investigation That Shook the BBC
According to senior courtiers, William personally spearheaded efforts to uncover the truth about how Bashir secured the world-exclusive sit-down with the People's Princess. The investigation revealed that the journalist used forged bank statements and engaged in deceptive practices to gain Diana's trust and secure the explosive interview.
A Son's Quest for Truth
"The Prince needed to know what really happened," revealed a senior palace source. "He couldn't let this lie - not when it concerned his mother's wellbeing and the methods used to obtain such personal revelations."
The 1995 Panorama interview made global headlines when Diana famously declared: "There were three of us in this marriage," referring to Prince Charles's relationship with Camilla Parker Bowles. But the methods used to secure the interview have now been condemned as ethically bankrupt and fundamentally dishonest.
The Aftermath: Resignations and Reforms
The scandal has triggered seismic changes within the BBC:
- Martin Bashir resigned from his position as religion editor
- The BBC returned a BAFTA award won for the programme
- Major reforms to editorial practices and compliance
- An unprecedented apology from the corporation
Former senior judge Lord Dyson conducted an independent investigation that confirmed the BBC covered up "deceitful behaviour" used to secure the interview. His damning report concluded the corporation fell short of "high standards of integrity and transparency" expected from Britain's national broadcaster.
Royal Wounds Reopened
The revelations have reopened old wounds within the royal family, particularly for Prince William who was just 13 when the interview aired. "This wasn't just about journalistic ethics," explained a royal commentator. "This was about a son protecting his mother's legacy and ensuring the truth finally emerged about how she was manipulated."
The BBC has since written formal apologies to Prince William, Prince Harry, and former members of Diana's staff who raised concerns about Bashir's methods at the time but were ignored.
