A controversial new documentary about Princess Diana will be aired on Channel 4 tomorrow night despite calls for it to be scrapped.
The documentary will feature never-before-seen clips of Diana in public speaking training with her speech coach Peter Settelen at Kensington Palace in 1993, just months after her separation from Prince Charles in 1992.
The training with Peter acted as therapy sessions for the royal, according to Elle, and those who were close to her say showing the tapes amount to a breach of her privacy.
There were also concerns that they would upset her sons Harry and William.
Diana’s friend Rosa Moncton wrote to the head of Channel 4 last week asking for the documentary not to be aired, and her brother Earl Spencer also objected to it.
However, Channel 4 has said the materials are a matter of public record.
“Though the recordings were made in private, the subjects covered are a matter of public record and provide a unique insight into the preparations Diana undertook to gain a public voice and tell her own personal story, which culminated in her later interview for Panorama,” said a spokesperson for the station.
During the infamous BBC Panorama interview in 1995, Diana shared her side of the story of her marriage breakdown and told the world there were three people in it, referring to Charles’ affair with Camilla Parker Bowles.
“This unique portrait of Diana gives her a voice and places it front and centre at a time when the nation will be reflecting on her life and death.”
Diana: In Her Own Words airs at 8pm on Channel 4 Sunday evening.
