Netflix drama The Crown will film Princess Diana’s 1995 interview with Martin Basehir. Prince William requested that it not be removed from-air.
The immensely popular show will dedicate an entire episode to Diana’s face to face meeting with Bashir at Kensington Palace. During which she discussed her failed marriage and Prince Charles’ death,
The decision comes after William slammed the BBC Panorama interview earlier this year, claiming her frank admissions about Palace life had triggered a “false narrative” regarding his late mother.
Crucial storyline: Netflix drama The Crown will dramatise Princess Diana’s controversial 1995 interview with Martin Bashir, despite Prince William’s request for it to be taken off-air
A source told The Sun: ‘The Crown’s creators see the interview as the keystone moment in series five. The writers believe that her last months were defined by Panorama’s aftermath and her stormy marriage to Di.
“They are making a huge financial investment in that. The Crown has a track record of delving into areas of the Royal Family’s history they’d rather be left alone.’
Bashir was accused of creating a web to deceive Diana to secure her 1995 interview. Bashir also falsified bank statements in order gain access to the Royal.
Starring role: Elizabeth Debicki plays Princess Diana in series five of The Crown (pictured on set)
Popular: Emma Corrin, Actress Played the Young Princess Diana in Series Four of The Crown (pictured).
Diana’s brother Earl Spencer revealed shocking claims that Bashir peddled an extraordinary parade of lies to him and the princess to land his historic scoop.
The BBC has already apologised for Bashir faking bank statements, which he allegedly used to gain the earl’s trust and clinch an introduction to Diana.
William lashed out at Bashir’s and the BBC’s actions in securing the interview earlier in the year.
Controversy: Bashir has been accused of spinning a web of deceit to land his 1995 interview with Diana, including falsifying bank statements in order to gain access to the Royal (pictured during the interview)
He said, “The Panorama programme has no legitimacy and should not be aired again.”
“It effectively established an untrue narrative that, for more than a quarter century, has been commercialized by the BBC and other media outlets.”
Emma Corrin played the role of the Princess in The Crown’s fourth series. For series five, Elizabeth Debicki, an Australian actress, will replace her. It is expected that it will document her final years.
Debicki confirmed her appointment in a formal statement.
“It is a true privilege and honor to be a part of this masterful series, which has kept me hooked since episode one.”
Netflix is looking for a teenager actor to portray Prince William (now 39) as a 13 year old boy.