TV bosses defend airing of Diana’s private recordings
CHANNEL 4 has defended its decision to show Princess Diana’s controversial video diaries as part of an explosive new documentary.
Diana: In Her Own Words, which is being screened on Sunday, contains videos recorded by voice coach Peter Settelen in 1992 and 1993. He helped her practise public speaking.
In them, she speaks candidly about her relationship with Charles – notably their lack of sex life – her struggles with bulimia and falling “deeply in love” with her bodyguard Barry Mannakee.
But Diana’s brother, Earl Spencer, has pleaded with Channel 4 not to broadcast the tapes, which he claims will upset Princes William and Harry.
In 2007, the BBC abandoned plans to broadcast the videos for fear of distressing the Royal Family, and the new documentary marks the first time they will be shown in the UK.
The 90-minute programme will be screened three weeks before the 20th anniversary of the Princess’ death.
One of Diana’s closest friends, Rosa Monckton, said: “How intrusive is this? It doesn’t matter that it was 20-odd years ago. The tapes should have been sent to the boys. I just think it is absolutely disgusting.”
Royal author Penny Junor saw no “justification” for broadcasting the videos, adding that it would be “extremely humiliating to the Prince of Wales, damaging to the Royal Family, hurtful to William and Harry, and Diana’s sisters and brother”.
Former Royal press secretary Dickie Arbiter said: “I don’t believe there’s anything that we’re going to learn from the tapes. I think it’s absolutely shameful that these tapes have been made available.” Royal commentator Charlie Proctor added: “Releasing these tapes for broadcast can only be described as public voyeurism at its worst.
“The tapes were recorded in 1993, just a month after her separation with the Prince of Wales when she was at her most vulnerable.”
Channel 4 said: “The excerpts ... have never been shown before on British television and are an important historical source.
“We carefully considered all the material in the documentary and, though the recordings were made in private, the subjects covered are a matter of public record and provide a unique insight into the preparations Diana made to gain a public voice and tell her own personal story.”