Diana: In Her Own Words: Controversial Channel 4 documentary splits viewers' opinions as tapes aired

Gossip: Channel 4 is to broadcast recordings of the Princess of Wales talking about Prince Charles
PA
Francesca Gillett7 August 2017

A controversial documentary broadcasting never-before-seen footage of Princess Diana has been met with a strong and mixed reaction from viewers.

Channel 4 documentary Diana: In Her Own Words was aired on Sunday evening after days of anticipation, as Britain marks 20 years since the Princess’ death.

Scores of viewers hit out at the TV producers' "morally wrong" decision to broadcast the private tapes - while others welcomed the "heartbreaking" insight into her royal life behind closed doors.

Tonight's show was the first time the tapes had been broadcast in the UK and aimed to show Diana “at her most candid, natural and charismatic”, Channel 4 said.

The recordings were made by Diana’s voice coach Peter Settelen between 1992 and 1993 at her home in Kensington Palace.

Princess Diana and her sons William and Harry.
Antony Jones/Julian Parker/UK Press via Getty Images

On the tapes, Diana can be heard speaking openly about her engagement and marriage to Prince Charles including personal details of the couple’s sex life.

On Sunday night people took to social media to share their opinions of the programme, with many people left bowled over by Diana’s charisma.

“What a stunning woman,” Twitter user Michalis Diogenous wrote.

Parveen Agnihotri tweeted: “Even 20 years after her death Princess Diana comes across as warm and kind. No wonder the whole world was in love with her.”

“There will never be another like Diana,” wrote Janette McKinnie while Natalie Fletcher said: “What a remarkable insight into the life of the people’s princess.”

Several people said they agreed with the tapes being aired, suggesting the Princess would never have allowed them to be recorded if she did not want them to be heard.

But others expressed distaste and disbelief at the programmer’s decision – although many admitted it was compelling viewing.

“Don’t agree with this being aired, at the same time I can’t help but watch,” said Aaron Bentley on Twitter. “Such a contradiction.”

Louise Fillingham called the narrative of the programme “awful”. She said: “Sensationalist. Over dramatic. Unsympathetic to anyone. Including Diana. Trash.”

Another viewer, Lily, tweeted: “Can’t comprehend why Channel 4 broadcasting #dianainherownwords. It’s just so wrong, haven’t press caused enough suffering to this family?!”

Most of all, people spoke of how "terribly sad" the documentary was.

Ahead of the programme’s broadcast, many slammed the decision to air the tapes over claims it was in “poor taste” and disrespectful.

Members of Diana’s family including her brother, the Earl of Spencer, and a close friend also reportedly criticised the decision.

In the lead up to the programme, Channel 4 strongly defended airing the tapes.

Ralph Lee, the broadcaster’s deputy chief creative officer, said: “The word that has been used is that the footage is somehow ‘ghoulish’. I simply don’t agree with that. She is self-consciously and clearly taking part in a filmed process. I don’t think viewers will feel greatly uneasy with that.”

Down the years: Princess Diana and her two sons

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Their Kensington Palace spokesman made it clear they would not give an opinion about the film.

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