The Prince of Wales seeks full clarity over the interview that reshaped his late mother’s life
William is reported to be intent on exposing the falsehoods that he believes caused deep harm to his mother, Princess Diana. According to Hello! Magazine, the Prince of Wales remains committed to uncovering the full truth behind the notorious 1995 Panorama interview.
Speaking to the outlet, Andy Webb, author of Dianarama: The Betrayal of Princess Diana, said William has long carried the weight of the deception surrounding the programme. The Panorama interview, led by BBC journalist Martin Bashir, saw Diana discuss her personal struggles and the breakdown of her marriage. Years later, an inquiry found that the interview had been obtained through “deceitful behaviour”.
Webb, who spent two decades investigating the scandal, revealed that Diana’s brother Earl Spencer worked closely with him to bring the details to light. He said the issue remains significant because of the lasting impact on Diana’s family, including her children and Charles Spencer. He added that he tries to look past royal status because, at the heart of the story, these are people dealing with real consequences.
According to Webb, William still feels that the inquiry led by Lord Dyson failed to go far enough. He believes many questions remain unanswered and is determined to learn precisely what happened. Webb described the matter as an “open wound” for the Prince of Wales, noting that he has support in seeking out the truth.
He explained that when William became fully aware of the extent of the manipulation, it must have been devastating, as it helped him understand the pressure his mother had faced. Webb said anyone would feel the same if they learned a con man had gained access to their mother’s life. He argued that the critical moment came months after the interview, when the BBC first learned of the forged documents but failed to stop the situation from escalating.
Webb also drew a connection between Bashir’s fabrications and Diana’s later isolation. He claimed the journalist’s lies made Diana believe that her husband was in love with the nanny and that staff members were spying on her. This, he said, pushed her to distance herself from trusted advisers, including Patrick Jephson. “There is a line that can be drawn between Panorama and Paris,” Webb shared, suggesting the falsehoods contributed to the emotional turmoil of her final years.
Princess Diana died in a car crash in Paris on 31 August 1997, aged 36.
