Key Highlights
- Princess Diana’s former private secretary Patrick Jephson reveals the manipulation that pushed her towards a controversial 1995 interview.
- The BBC journalist Martin Bashir convinced Diana that loyal aides were secretly spying on her, leading to her distrust and withdrawal from trusted people.
- A 2021 inquiry confirmed that Bashir used forged documents to manipulate Diana, a scheme concealed by senior BBC executives.
Princess Diana’s Trust Betrayed: The Inside Story of the 1995 Panorama Interview
More than three decades after Princess Diana’s tragic death in Paris, her former private secretary Patrick Jephson has spoken out about the manipulation that led to a pivotal moment in British royal history. In an exclusive interview with People, Jephson reveals the chilling revelations from Andy Webb’s new book, “Dianarama: Deception, Entrapment, Cover-Up—The Betrayal of Princess Diana,” which detail how BBC journalist Martin Bashir orchestrated a scheme to turn the former princess against her closest aides.
The Manipulation That Led to the Controversial Interview
According to Jephson, the manipulation began in 1995 when Bashir, armed with the credibility of the BBC, started feeding Diana alarming stories. “That was fertile ground for manipulation,” Jephson told People. “It’s unforgivable that he was able to tell her I was betraying her. It’s horrifying and chilling.” Jephson explains how Bashir’s tactics left a lasting impact on the princess, driving her away from those who could have guided her.
The BBC’s Role in the Deception
The revelations contained in Webb’s book expose a deeper level of betrayal. In 2021, an independent inquiry led by Lord Dyson confirmed that Bashir had used forged documents to manipulate Diana. “It was horrifying,” Jephson said. “I now understand the lengths he was prepared to go to.” The BBC’s involvement in concealing this scheme further tarnished their reputation and exacerbated the tragedy.
The Consequences of Trust Betrayal
By January 1996, Jephson felt he had no choice but to resign. “It is chilling to re-run those events and feel that Diana was seeing me as the enemy within,” he said. “I had no understanding of what had changed.” For 25 years, Jephson remained in the dark until Webb’s findings provided clarity. “Thanks to Andy, I now understand why it went wrong,” Jephson added.
For Diana herself, the manipulation led her to proceed with a bombshell interview that aired on Panorama in November 1995. This decision had profound implications for both her personal life and the public perception of the British monarchy. “She was putting her trust in people who were not qualified to look after her,” Jephson said, referring to the period leading up to her death.
A Final Reflection
Princess Diana’s legacy continues to fascinate and inspire, but these new revelations offer a stark reminder of the human drama behind one of history’s most tragic moments. As Jephson reflects on his role in this saga, he hopes that understanding the full truth will help prevent such betrayals from happening again.
For more details, read Andy Webb’s comprehensive investigation in Dianarama: Deception, Entrapment, Cover-Up—The Betrayal of Princess Diana, available now. The book provides a gripping account that delves deep into the manipulation and deceit surrounding one of the most significant moments in modern royal history.
For more information or to purchase the book, visit www.example.com/dianarama.
