In the new Netflix documentary Harry & MeganPrince Harry is open and honest about everything from his marriage to Meghan Markle to Princess Diana’s death, but one of the most interesting details of the first episode is his decision not only to acknowledge, but also to include footage of Diana’s infamous film panorama Interview on the show, something his brother William has been vocal about.
Princess Diana’s interview with Martin Bashir for the panorama The news program was perhaps one of the most inflammatory interviews ever given by a public figure when it aired in 1995. But even more controversial than the content of the interview were the methods used to obtain it. As portrayed in the fifth season of The crown, Bashir concocted a story about Diana being surveilled by her staff and British security services in order to gain her trust and convince her to give the explosive and revealing interview, and the royal family long believed that Bashir’s deception was the cause served to force Diana to reveal private details about her life. An inquest in 2021 found that Bashir acted inappropriately and deceived Diana to gain her trust.
Prince William and Harry both criticized Bashir’s behavior Wilhelm states, “In my view, the fraudulent manner in which the interview was obtained significantly influenced what my mother said. The interview was instrumental in deteriorating my parents’ relationship.” He added, “I firmly believe that is the case panorama Program has no legitimacy and should never be broadcast again.”
Harry released a statement of his own in 2021, stating, “The effects of a culture of exploitation and unethical practices ultimately took her life… What deeply troubles me is that practices like these – and worse – remain prevalent today.” are. Then as now, it is larger than a point of sale, a network or a publication.” Wi
Both brothers agreed on the negative impact the interview had on their mother and family, but contrary to William’s wishes to ignore the interview, Harry actually adds it Harry & MeganPlaying a clip of it, she said, “We all know now that she was deceived into giving the interview, but at the same time she was telling the truth about her experience.”
Although the filmmakers behind it Harry & Megan has reached out to the royal family to take part in the docuseries, none of the royals chose to appear so we won’t know how William feels about Harry’s use panorama Footage or Harry’s admission that Diana was telling her truth while sitting with Bashir. But Harry’s opinion that Diana was telling her truth is in stark contrast to William’s thoughts on the subject, which feel pointed.
The more we watch Harry & Meganthe clearer it becomes that this isn’t just a show about a couple in the limelight, but their attempt to destroy that limelight and the media that created this unhealthy obsession with their lives. panorama was just a cog in the media machinery Harry was trying to tear down.