BBC to inquire into Diana interview

LONDON: The head of Britain’s BBC said yesterday the corporation would hold an inquiry into how the broadcaster secured a 1995 interview with the late Princess Diana, amid accusations from her brother she had been tricked into taking part.

During the interview, Diana shocked the nation by admitting to an affair and giving details of her failed marriage to heirtothethrone Prince Charles.

‘‘The BBC is taking this very seriously and we want to get to the truth,’’ BBC directorgeneral Tim Davie said in a statement about Spencer’s claims.

‘‘We are in the process of commissioning a robust and independent investigation.’’

Diana’s brother, Charles Spencer, said this month the BBC had failed to apologise for the ‘‘deceit’’ which led him to introduce journalist Martin Bashir to Diana.

Bashir has not commented on the matter. The BBC says the journalist is on sick leave, recovering from heart surgery and from Covid19. — Reuters