In the days before her tragic death, Princess Diana was burdened by a profound regret concerning her two sons, Prince William and Prince Harry. A close friend has revealed the Princess of Wales felt deep remorse for the fallout from her explosive 1995 Panorama interview, fearing the lasting damage it would cause her boys.
The Confession in Greece
Just ten days before the fatal car crash in Paris in 1997, Diana was on holiday in Greece with her confidante, Rosa Monckton. It was during this trip that Diana opened up about her feelings regarding the now-infamous televised sit-down with journalist Martin Bashir.
Monckton later disclosed to People magazine that Diana told her she regretted doing the interview specifically because of the harm she believed it had inflicted upon William and Harry.
The Lasting Impact of the Bashir Interview
The 1995 Panorama interview sent shockwaves through the nation and the monarchy. Diana made a series of stunning revelations, most famously stating, "There were three of us in this marriage, so it was a bit crowded," in reference to Prince Charles's affair with Camilla Parker Bowles. She also spoke candidly about her own struggles with mental health and bulimia.
The broadcast proved to be a point of no return, with Queen Elizabeth II subsequently instructing Charles and Diana to divorce. However, the methods used to secure the interview have since been exposed as "deceitful" by an independent inquiry.
In 2021, it was revealed that Martin Bashir used forged bank statements to gain the trust of Diana's brother, Earl Spencer, who then introduced him to the vulnerable princess. The BBC has since apologised and stated it will never air the interview again.
A Mother's Worry and a Lasting Legacy
At the time of Diana's death, William was 15 and Harry was just 12. Monckton suggested that Diana's vulnerable state made her susceptible to Bashir's manipulation, noting that the journalist had instructed Diana not to discuss the interview with others, leading to her increased isolation.
Years later, Prince William issued a powerful statement following the inquiry, saying, "It is my view that the deceitful way the interview was obtained substantially influenced what my mother said." He added that it worsened his parents' relationship and contributed to the "fear, paranoia, and isolation" his mother experienced.
Despite the pain, both princes have tirelessly honoured their mother's legacy. Prince William's Homewards initiative to end homelessness was directly inspired by Diana introducing him to the cause as a child. Prince Harry has continued her work with HIV/AIDs charities and symbolically retraced her steps through a cleared landmine field. Furthermore, both have paid the ultimate tribute by giving their daughters—Charlotte and Lilibet—the middle name Diana.
