Princess Diana & Martin Bashir: The Full Interview Story

The Princess Diana interview with Martin Bashir remains one of the most talked-about and controversial moments in modern media history. Airing on BBC's Panorama in November 1995, it provided an unprecedented look into the personal life and struggles of the Princess of Wales, sending shockwaves through the British monarchy and the world. In this comprehensive overview, we will delve into the background of the interview, its key revelations, the aftermath, and the ethical controversies that continue to surround it.

The Context Leading Up to the Interview

Before the interview, Princess Diana's marriage to Prince Charles was already under intense public scrutiny. Rumors of infidelity and incompatibility had been circulating for years. The media was relentless in its pursuit of every detail, and both Diana and Charles faced immense pressure. Diana felt increasingly isolated within the royal family, struggling with bulimia and battling feelings of despair. She sought to use the interview as a means to tell her side of the story and gain control over the narrative that was being shaped by the press and the palace.

Martin Bashir, then a relatively unknown journalist, approached Princess Diana through her brother, Earl Spencer. He promised Diana that he would give her a fair platform to express her views without the sensationalism that often characterized media coverage of the royals. This promise, however, would later come under severe scrutiny. Bashir managed to gain Diana's trust by allegedly using deceitful tactics, including showing forged bank statements to Earl Spencer to suggest that members of the royal household were being paid to spy on Diana. These tactics played a crucial role in convincing Diana to proceed with the interview, setting the stage for what would become a historic and highly controversial broadcast.

Key Revelations from the Interview

The Panorama interview was explosive, filled with revelations that challenged the very foundation of the British monarchy. Perhaps the most famous line from the interview was Diana's admission that "there were three of us in this marriage, so it was a bit crowded," referring to Prince Charles's affair with Camilla Parker Bowles. This statement confirmed long-standing rumors and painted a vivid picture of the emotional turmoil Diana was experiencing.

Diana also spoke candidly about her struggles with bulimia, revealing the immense pressure she felt to conform to royal expectations and maintain a perfect public image. She described her feelings of isolation and the lack of support she received from the royal family, particularly during her battles with mental health. These revelations were groundbreaking, as they brought much-needed attention to issues of mental health and eating disorders, which were often stigmatized and misunderstood at the time.

Furthermore, Diana discussed her own infidelities, admitting to having an affair with James Hewitt, a former army officer. This admission was a surprising move, as it challenged the public's perception of her as the wronged party in the marriage. However, it also underscored the depth of her unhappiness and the extent to which she felt neglected by Prince Charles.

In addition to personal matters, Diana also touched on her role within the royal family and her hopes for the future. She expressed a desire to be a "queen of people's hearts," emphasizing her commitment to humanitarian work and her desire to connect with the public on a more personal level. This vision clashed with the traditional role of the monarchy, highlighting the growing divide between Diana's modern approach and the more conservative views of the royal establishment.

The Immediate Aftermath

The impact of the interview was immediate and far-reaching. The British public was captivated by Diana's honesty and vulnerability, and her popularity soared. However, the interview also sparked outrage within the royal family. Queen Elizabeth II reportedly demanded that Charles and Diana formally divorce, which they did in 1996, just a year after the broadcast. The interview effectively marked the beginning of the end of their already strained marriage and had profound implications for the future of the monarchy.

The BBC faced intense scrutiny in the wake of the interview. Questions were raised about the methods used by Martin Bashir to secure the interview, and concerns were voiced about the potential impact of the revelations on the royal family and the nation. Despite the controversy, the interview was initially seen as a major coup for the BBC, boosting its ratings and enhancing its reputation for investigative journalism. However, the long-term consequences would prove to be far more damaging.

Ethical Controversies and Investigations

Over the years, allegations of unethical behavior on the part of Martin Bashir continued to surface. In 2020, a new investigation was launched by the BBC, led by former judge Lord Dyson, to examine the circumstances surrounding the interview. The Dyson Report, published in 2021, concluded that Bashir had indeed used "deceitful behavior" to secure the interview, including commissioning fake bank statements that falsely suggested that royal staff were leaking information about Diana.

The report also criticized the BBC's internal investigation in 1996, which had cleared Bashir of wrongdoing. Lord Dyson found that the BBC had failed to adequately scrutinize Bashir's conduct and had covered up the truth about how the interview was obtained. The findings were damning, leading to widespread condemnation of Bashir and the BBC.

In response to the Dyson Report, the BBC issued a formal apology to Princess Diana's family, acknowledging the serious failings in its handling of the interview. Martin Bashir also issued an apology, although he maintained that the fake documents had not influenced Diana's decision to give the interview. The scandal raised profound questions about journalistic ethics and the responsibility of media organizations to ensure the integrity of their reporting.

The Long-Term Impact and Legacy

The Princess Diana interview continues to resonate today, shaping our understanding of the royal family and the media's role in their lives. The interview provided a rare glimpse into the personal struggles of a woman who was adored by millions, humanizing her in a way that had never been seen before. It also exposed the intense pressures and scrutiny faced by members of the royal family, raising questions about the sustainability of the monarchy in the modern era.

The ethical controversies surrounding the interview have had a lasting impact on the BBC and the wider media landscape. The scandal has prompted calls for greater transparency and accountability in journalism, as well as a renewed focus on ethical standards. It has also led to a reassessment of the relationship between the media and the royal family, with some arguing that the intense scrutiny faced by Diana contributed to her tragic death in 1997.

Diana's legacy as the "People's Princess" endures, and the interview remains a significant part of her story. It serves as a reminder of her courage in speaking out against injustice and her commitment to using her platform to make a positive impact on the world. While the circumstances surrounding the interview are undoubtedly controversial, its impact on public discourse and the media landscape cannot be denied.

Conclusion

The Princess Diana interview with Martin Bashir is a complex and multifaceted event that continues to generate debate and discussion. While the revelations from the interview were groundbreaking, the ethical controversies surrounding its acquisition cast a shadow over its legacy. The interview serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of journalistic integrity and the need for media organizations to uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct. It also underscores the enduring power of Diana's story and her lasting impact on the world. As we reflect on this historic moment, it is essential to consider both the content of the interview and the circumstances surrounding it, to gain a complete understanding of its significance.

Addendum: Where Are They Now?

Martin Bashir

Following the scandal, Martin Bashir resigned from his position at the BBC. His career has been marked by controversy, and he has largely remained out of the public eye. The repercussions of the Dyson Report have significantly damaged his reputation, and his future in journalism remains uncertain.

Earl Spencer

Earl Spencer, Diana's brother, has been a vocal critic of Martin Bashir and the BBC. He has consistently called for accountability and has played a key role in bringing the unethical tactics used to secure the interview to light. He continues to manage the Althorp Estate, the Spencer family seat, and remains committed to preserving Diana's legacy.

The Royal Family

The royal family has largely moved on from the events of the interview, but its impact is still felt today. Prince William and Prince Harry have both spoken out about the interview, expressing their disappointment and anger at the way their mother was treated. The monarchy has undergone significant changes in recent years, adapting to the evolving expectations of the public. The interview serves as a reminder of a tumultuous period in the royal family's history and the challenges they have faced in maintaining their relevance in the modern world.