On December 9, 1992, Prime Minister John Major announced the official separation of Lady Diana (†36) and Prince Charles in the House of Commons. However, the couple did not get a divorce at the time. But the interview with Lady Diana and journalist Martin Bashir changed everything. It was an honest revelation when Diana gave her first solo interview on television since her marriage to Charles.
Lady Diana: Secret cameras in the palace
In preparation, cameras were secretly set up in the palace. Even Diana's closest confidante hadn't been informed beforehand. Martin Bashir had previously won Diana’s trust, according to royal biographer Sarah Bradford. The journalist wanted to bring to light her version of the story.
Lady Diana: Interview in front of an audience of millions
About 23 million viewers watched the program, which is still one of the most successful programs on the BBC to this day. For almost an hour, Lady Diana answered questions about all kinds of topics. No member of the British royal family had ever given an interview so honest and raw before.
Diana talked about a lot of personal things - the British weren't used to that. She talked with Bashir about her tragic life under the crown. Topics included Diana's eating disorders and postpartum depression, extramarital relationships, the separation from Prince Charles in 1992, and her children Prince William (38) and Prince Harry (36).
Most remember this interview, however, because Lady Diana spoke so openly about her failed marriage. She also talked about the fact that her husband was in love with another woman - his current wife Camilla Parker-Bowles (73). Diana made a painful confession: "Well, there were three of us in this marriage, so it was a bit crowded."
After the split in 1992, it was even claimed that she tried to destroy the British monarchy. Diana said: "Why would I want to destroy something that is my children's future. I will fight for my children on any level in order for them to be happy and have peace of mind and carry out their duties."
Lost too soon
Lady Diana and Prince Charles: divorced in 1996
Shortly after the interview, Queen Elizabeth II sent the couple a letter asking them to end the situation and get a divorce. On August 28, 1996, the divorce became official.
The conditions were very favorable for Diana, as she was allowed to keep her title as Princess of Wales and her apartment in Kensington Palace. Unfortunately, she was only able to celebrate her freedom for an incredibly short amount of time. Diana died on August 31, 1997, in a tragic car accident in Paris.
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