Thirty years after the iconic BBC interview with Princess Diana, a new book revisits the events surrounding Martin Bashir’s controversial tactics to secure the interview. The book, Dianarama by Andy Webb, uncovers how Bashir misled Diana, leading to one of the most public revelations of her struggles within the royal family.
In the 1995 interview, Diana famously stated there were “three of us” in her marriage to Prince Charles, now King. What’s often overlooked are the deceitful methods Bashir used to gain her trust. He showed Diana’s brother, Earl Spencer, fake bank statements to suggest that her friends were being paid to spy on her.
Spencer, initially reluctant to criticize Bashir, later expressed his frustrations publicly in 2020, revealing how Bashir misled him. He described the emotional struggle of balancing his sister’s honor and the truth about the interview. It took 25 years for him to share his doubts, revealing the complex family dynamics at play.
Bashir himself has been described as “charming yet ruthless.” His tactics went beyond the fake statements. He made several false claims about the royal family, leveraging Spencer’s concerns to create a narrative that ultimately harmed Diana.
Webb’s book also sheds light on the aftermath of the interview. Bashir went on to work for major networks and returned to the BBC before resigning due to health issues. However, scrutiny of his past conduct has continued. Following a report by former Justice Lord Dyson, the BBC acknowledged mishandling the investigation into Bashir’s methods. Lord Hall, then the BBC director general, admitted the failures in their approach.
This incident has had lasting effects on the royal family. Prince William has been vocal, stating the interview contributed significantly to his mother’s distress. He continues to seek closure on the truth behind Bashir’s actions, hinting that he has people investigating further.
One remarkable story in the book is about Matt Wiessler, the designer who created the fake statements for Bashir. Wiessler expressed profound guilt after Diana’s passing, believing he played a part in the turmoil she experienced. This guilt drove him to join mourners outside Buckingham Palace, reflecting on an intense emotional burden.
Additionally, Webb has personal connections to both the BBC and the royal family. His wife, Diana Martin, was deputy editor of Panorama at the time of the interview, and he linked the controversy to earlier royal history documented in another famous interview with Charles. This context shows how the media landscape influenced Diana’s willingness to disclose her struggles.
In the digital age, social media offers a lens through which the public reacts to these incidents. Discussions about the interview and its implications continue to spark conversations on platforms like Twitter, illustrating how the past resonates with current audiences.
Dianarama not only revisits a pivotal moment in history but also invites us to reflect on ethics in journalism, the impact on personal lives, and the ongoing quest for truth.
