Why Wills and Harry shouldn’t have veto on Diana documentaries

Weeks before shooting the new series begins, The Crown is frantically searching for a lookalike Prince William.

Can there really be a national shortage of balding blokes in chinos and desert boots, bumbling around behind their purposeful wives? I don’t think so. Meanwhile, with a slew of new Diana works in the pipeline — including a four-part Channel 4 documentary, Investigating Diana: Death In Paris later this month, plus another Panorama documentary on sunday based on the discredited Martin Bashir interview — many are wondering if William and Harry should be consulted over such projects.

Yet television and film producers must know that all but the most worshipful and hagiographic films would be instantly turned down by the brothers. And as it is a courtesy rarely afforded to other families whose bereaved loved ones are the subjects of films and documentaries, should special privileges be given to royals?

I’m afraid it’s a no from me.