Diana's Reaction to Harry's Interview: What a Royal Expert Thinks the Princess Would Have Felt
The fallout from Prince Harry’s bombshell interview with Tom Bradby continues to ripple through the Royal Family, leaving King Charles reportedly “frustrated and upset.” But what would Princess Diana, who herself famously gave a tell-all interview to the BBC in 1995, have made of her son’s recent revelations?
According to Penny Junor, a renowned royal biographer, Diana would have likely felt a complex mix of emotions – understanding, concern, and perhaps a touch of regret. Junor, author of The Princess: Six Years That Shook the Monarchy, has been analysing the interview and its impact, offering a poignant perspective on how the late Princess of Wales might have viewed the situation.
“Diana would have understood Harry’s need to speak his truth,” Junor told The Telegraph. “She knew what it felt like to be trapped and to feel unheard. She would have recognised his pain and his desire to break free from the constraints of royal life.”
However, Junor also suggests that Diana would have been deeply concerned about the impact of the interview on the Royal Family, particularly on King Charles and Prince William. She recounts Diana’s own experience with the aftermath of her 1995 Panorama interview, which, while liberating for her at the time, ultimately contributed to the breakdown of her marriage and strained her relationship with the institution.
“Diana was acutely aware of the damage that such interviews could inflict,” Junor explained. “She would have worried about the further division it creates within the family and the negative publicity it generates for the monarchy.”
The Echoes of 1995: A Familiar Pattern
The parallels between Harry’s interview and Diana’s 1995 interview are striking. Both were conducted with the aim of airing grievances and challenging the established order. Both involved deeply personal revelations and a willingness to speak candidly about their experiences within the Royal Family.
In 1995, Diana spoke openly about her struggles with bulimia, her husband’s affair, and her feelings of isolation within the palace walls. Her interview sent shockwaves through the nation and sparked a national debate about the Royal Family’s role and relevance.
Similarly, Harry’s recent interview saw him discuss his strained relationship with his father and brother, his mental health struggles, and his reasons for stepping down as a senior royal. He also criticised the institution’s handling of his and Meghan Markle’s experiences, alleging a lack of support and a willingness to perpetuate harmful narratives.
A Legacy of Transparency and its Consequences
Junor believes that Diana’s legacy is one of greater transparency within the Royal Family, but also a cautionary tale about the potential consequences of speaking out. While she paved the way for more open dialogue, she also demonstrated the challenges of navigating the complex dynamics of royal life and maintaining a positive public image.
“Diana showed that it’s possible to challenge the status quo, but it comes at a price,” Junor concluded. “Harry is following in her footsteps, but hopefully, he’ll learn from her mistakes and find a way to reconcile his desire for authenticity with the need to protect his family and the institution he represents.”
