Royals take control of mother’s legacy

THERE has never been a Diana documentary like this one.

William and Harry have decided that the 20th anniversary of their mother’s death is the time to open their hearts and memories.

ITV has made the programme but it belongs to the princes. This was clear when we journalists saw a screening in Kensington Palace a week ago. A nervous William told us: “We felt this was the right time. We won’t be doing this again.”

It’s clear the brothers’ decision to feature is them taking control of how Diana is remembered. William said many 20-somethings knew little of who she was and he wanted to show her “to a new audience”. He called the process of opening up “cathartic” and “daunting”.

One moment of the programme kept replaying in my head. William was asked if he recalled what Diana said in their last conversation. He replied: “I do.” And that was it.

There is still much about their mother William and Harry will always keep for themselves.

And that’s exactly as it should be.