It’s been nearly three decades since Princess Diana’s now-infamous Panorama interview sent shockwaves through the world, forever changing the public’s perception of the British royal family.
The 1995 BBC interview, watched by more than 20 million people, saw Diana speak candidly about her marriage, her struggles with mental health, and her life under the relentless gaze of the media.
But what, if anything, did Diana regret about that night? Now, a close confidante and royal biographer has revealed the one detail Diana wished she’d kept to herself.
The interview that changed everything
For those who remember, Diana’s Panorama interview was nothing short of explosive. She spoke openly about her battle with bulimia and her feelings of isolation.
She famously declared, ‘There were three of us in this marriage, so it was a bit crowded,’ referencing Prince Charles’s relationship with Camilla Parker Bowles.
Her honesty was unprecedented for a royal, and the interview is still discussed and dissected to this day.
Diana’s surprising response
Royal author Ingrid Seward, who knew Diana personally and penned Diana: An Intimate Portrait, recently shared her insights on Hello Magazine’s A Right Royal Podcast.
According to Seward, she met with Diana not long after the Panorama interview aired and asked her directly if she regretted it.
‘I saw her quite shortly after that, so obviously I asked her, and she said, ‘No, I don’t regret any of it,’’ Seward recalled.
Diana told her that she had received thousands of letters from people who had suffered from anorexia and bulimia, thanking her for speaking out.
In Diana’s eyes, her candour had helped others feel less alone—a legacy she was proud of.
The one thing she wished she hadn’t said
But there was one admission that weighed on Diana’s mind. According to Seward, Diana confided that she regretted discussing her relationship with James Hewitt, her former riding instructor and the man with whom she had an affair.
In the interview, Diana admitted she had been in love with Hewitt, a revelation that made headlines around the world.
‘She said, ‘The only thing I felt a bit bad about was talking about James Hewitt,’’ Seward revealed. Diana worried about the impact her words might have on her sons, Prince William and Prince Harry. ‘She felt bad for William and Harry saying that,’ Seward explained.
The legacy of speaking out
At the time, Diana believed the interview had been a success. She had taken control of her own story, something few royals had ever dared to do.
But the fallout was immense: the interview hastened the end of her marriage and led to a permanent rift with the royal family.
Interestingly, Diana’s willingness to speak her truth seems to have influenced her youngest son, Prince Harry.
In recent years, Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, have also chosen to share their side of the story in high-profile interviews, most notably with Oprah Winfrey in 2021. Harry has faced praise and criticism for his candour, like his mother.
Seward believes Diana would have supported Harry’s decision to speak out. ‘I think she might have been proud, ‘I’m glad you said what you thought,’’ she said.
‘She liked to say exactly what she thought and then deal with the consequences afterwards, which is, of course, what happened to her.’
The cost—and power—of honesty
Diana’s Panorama interview remains a defining moment in royal history, not just for its revelations, but for the way it changed the relationship between the royals and the public.
Her willingness to discuss her mental health struggles helped break down stigma and encouraged others to seek help. But as Diana herself learned, honesty can come at a personal cost.
For many Australians, Diana’s story reminds them of the power—and risks—of speaking their truth.
Whether sharing their own experiences with family, friends, or the wider world, it’s important to weigh the impact their words might have, not just on themselves but on those they love.
Diana’s enduring influence
Even 30 years on, Diana’s legacy continues to shape the royal family and inspire people around the world. Her openness about her struggles with mental health, her compassion for others, and her determination to live life on her own terms have made her an enduring icon.
As we reflect on Diana’s regrets and triumphs, it’s worth asking ourselves: what would we do in her shoes? Would we have the courage to speak out, knowing the consequences? And what lessons can we take from her story as we navigate our own lives and relationships?
We’d love to hear your thoughts. Do you remember watching Diana’s Panorama interview? Did her honesty change the way you viewed the royal family—or inspire you in your own life? Share your memories and opinions in the comments below.
Also read: A royal adventure awaits as Catherine, Princess of Wales hints at an Australian getaway
Just another disfunctional family, only this one in public, so lets move on
PS…I doubt she would be proud of Harry’s behaviour the lying little upstart
At least she dobbed in her cheating husband. She should have been Queen. As for Harry he is far enough away to keep speaking about his past regardless of what it causes to others.