25 years later: new documentary claims that Princess of Wales attempted to speak out on marriage breakdown earlier

Everyone remembers the bravery of Diana, Princess of Wales as she gave her iconic Panorama interview back in 1995.

The princess famously declared that there were “three people” in her marriage. We now know she was referring to Camilla Parker-Bowles, Duchess of Cornwall and her honesty captivated the programmes' 22.8 million viewers.

But now 25 years later, an explosive Channel 4 documentary is suggests there’s more to it. Diana: The Truth Behind the Interview will focus on the run-up to the Princess of Wales’ interview with journalist Martin Bashir. It will also explore the suggestion that Diana attempted to reveal the issues in her marriage many months before her momentous BBC interview.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ow51XlSqrf8 It has been suggested by The Times that Sir Max Hastings, editor of The Daily Telegraph in 1995, is to be one of those interviewed in the documentary.

The claims he is reported to make are quite astonishing. These include his assertion that the late Princess of Wales was “terribly anxious” for her side of the story to be heard. He states that she had approached him a shocking three months before the Panorama interview was filmed.

Hastings reportedly decided against running anything, apparently citing the princess’ vulnerability and impressionability as his primary reasons. The princess also allegedly told the editor that her marriage had been “hell since day one”. Hastings also told the programme, “She said that all she cared about was William’s succession to the throne.’

Hastings says that Diana went on to say explicitly, “I don’t think Charles can do it”, with regards to her husband taking on the throne. He states that, “the outcome she wanted to see was for Charles to stand aside as heir to the throne and for William to occupy the throne.”

Sir Max reportedly told the Princess of Wales that he was “terribly flattered” that she had driven all the way down to meet him in Berkshire. However, he says he felt that his job was to try and help them keep a lid on the “worst of this”.

He also stated that her account in their almost two-hour long meeting made him feel “so desperately sorry for her”.

Diana married Charles, Prince of Wales in 1981 and together they became proud parents to Princes William and Harry. They later separated in 1992. Despite their separation, they continued to undertake royal duties together.

They reached a final divorce agreement in 1996, just 12 months before Diana was tragically killed in a car crash in Paris.

Now 25 years after the BBC interview that captured the nation's hearts, Channel 4 will reveal Diana like never before.

Diana: The Truth Behind The Interview will be broadcast on Channel 4 on Wednesday October 21 at 9pm.