The programme, titled simply "An interview with HRH The Princess of Wales", became the most controversial broadcast in BBC history. Despite its understated promotion, the interview captivated 23 million UK viewers and 200 million worldwide in November 1995.
Recorded two weeks prior to airing, the encounter was less an interview and more a carefully planned performance. It was a rehearsed double act with a clear purpose, leaving a lasting impression decades later.
Diana's eyes are wide, like a hunted fawn's, as she declares:
There were three of us in this marriage, so it was a bit crowded.
This unforgettable line was delivered with striking ease. Diana responded to questions with rehearsed sound bites, demonstrating unexpected fluency reminiscent of an experienced chat-show guest.
I'd like to be a queen of people's hearts. In people's hearts.
The interview did not shy away from sensitive topics. Martin Bashir asked if she'd been unfaithful during her marriage, specifically about her relationship with James Hewitt.
‘Were you unfaithful?’ he asked.
I adored him.
The broadcast revealed a complex mixture of scripted moments and candid admissions, contributing to its enduring notoriety.
Author's summary: This investigation uncovers how Diana's 1995 BBC interview was a staged performance, blending rehearsed lines with intimate revelations, shaping public perception for decades.
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