Monckton told PEOPLE about their quiet conversation on the beach: “She told me she regretted doing it because of the harm she thought it had done to her boys.”

Years later, the truth behind the interview would come to light — and with it, even deeper sadness.

Manipulation Behind the Scenes

Investigations revealed that journalist Martin Bashir had used forged documents and deception to secure Diana’s participation.
The BBC later admitted to covering up his misconduct.

A 2021 inquiry led by Lord Dyson concluded that Bashir manipulated Diana by claiming the interview was her only way to tell her side, even falsely suggesting that Prince Charles was plotting to have her killed.

Reflecting on this, Monckton said: “She was frail and that made her susceptible to Bashir.”
She added that Diana carried the burden alone: “He’d told her she couldn’t talk about it. She cut people out because of that.”

William and Harry Speak Out

Prince William, now 43, has publicly condemned Bashir’s actions, saying they fueled Diana’s “fear, paranoia and isolation.”

“She was failed not just by a rogue reporter but by leaders at the BBC who looked the other way rather than asking the tough questions,” he said.
“These failings — not only let my mother down and my family down; they let the public down too.”

Prince Harry expressed similar grief in 2021, telling journalists: “Our mother lost her life because of this.”