Princess Diana interview bbc 1995. Camilla Parker Bowles: The story of Diana and Charles through her eyes. Diana: The Last Days of a Princess

In an interview with the BBC, Princes William and Harry said they adhere to one of the main versions of the tragedy, according to which it was the journalists who provoked the fatal accident in Paris, and each of them should be collectively responsible for the death of their mother.

Prince William: “Like a pack of dogs, they followed her everywhere. Tracked her, spat at her, shouted, tried to provoke her into reciprocal anger, an emotion that would have looked good in the frame.

Prince Harry: “One of the worst: my mother and I were driving to a tennis club, and my mother was so tortured by guys on a motorcycle that she parked the car and chased them. Then she came back to us and sobbed, could not stop. It was terrible to see my mother so unhappy.”

A car with a drunk driver behind the wheel, a security guard from the Ritz Hotel, Diana herself, who always, except for this single time, fastened her seat belts, and her boyfriend Dodi al-Fayed avoided the paparazzi at a speed of 195 kilometers per hour through the Paris tunnel. The driver lost control and their Mercedes crashed into a barrier. Dodi and the driver died on the spot, the guard survived, Diana died in the hospital on the operating table that night.

Prince Harry: “Those people who provoked the car accident, the paparazzi, photographed her when she was sitting in the back seat of a broken car. She had horrific head injuries, but she was still alive, still breathing, and could see the same faces of her tormenting photographers who had driven her to death. And now they were taking her last shots. And then they sold them to agencies for a lot of money.”

The press tried to shift the responsibility for the death of Diana to Elizabeth II and Prince Charles. the queen herself was accused of organizing a car accident. More reputable publications scolded her for not publicly enough to sprinkle ashes on her head.

The subjects reproached the queen for staying in quiet Scotland when London struggled and choked in hysterics. People wanted to see the grieving monarch in mourning at Buckingham Palace, but she was not there. She was in Scotland, seven hundred kilometers from London. These days, Elizabeth decided to be a grandmother, not a queen: she believed that it was more important to be with the little princes than with her nation, and she did not want to take them to London before the funeral and left them to mourn in peace and quiet.

Diana died on the night of August 31st. Charles, who was with the children at Balmoral Castle, wanted to wake up his sons and immediately tell them the news. But Elizabeth II forbade disturbing the last happy dream of their childhood.

Prince William: “All newspapers have been removed from our field of vision, all televisions have been turned off. We didn't know there was such a huge reaction in the world to her death."

Details are in the story. NTV correspondent Lisa Gerson.

TV journalist Martin Bashir, during the famous scandalous interview, reminded Diana that she was often accused of artificially inflating interest in her person and engaging in outright outrageousness. For example, many people remember her scandalous performance almost in a negligee on the stage of Covent Garden, paired with the famous ballet dancer Wayne Sleep. Diana gave this number to her husband for his birthday.

Princess Diana on stage at Covent Garden with famed dancer Wayne Sleep

The press was shocked by Diana's performance no less than her royal relatives.

The second time it happened at a reception at the White House, where she staged an incendiary dance with actor John Travolta. This improvisation caused real hysteria among the press and the townsfolk, and Diana again managed to outshine both her husband and the Reagan couple who received them. Before her appearance in the royal family, her other members, including young people, never caused such a stir, but, by the way, they were not so emotional. Even the rebellious Princess Margaret seemed to have had less of a problem. Diana has always denied the fact that she plays for the audience, but in reality she was flattered that she was able to become the first "celebrity" in the royal family. Previously, an inconspicuous girl with very modest tastes overnight turned into the wife of the crown prince and received unlimited access to the fashion collections of the best fashion designers in the world, and at the same time to the caskets with the family jewels of Elizabeth II. Fashion has become another of her passions. Before her, no one could afford to wear such catchy and youthful clothes for various official events.

Diana rocks with John Travolta at the White House in 1985

The unhealthy interest of journalists arose after interviews with the princess's talkative friends, whom (and this is the most important) the princess herself allowed to talk about her difficult life in Kensington Palace. In the same 1995 interview, Lady Dee admitted that she gave her friends the go-ahead to talk to biographer Andrew Morton. The result was not long in coming, and was soon marked by the release of the scandalous well-known book “Diana. Her true story”, which was released in 1992. Just as provocative and exciting for all hunters for "fried" was Diana's frank interview for the BBC TV channel.

scandalous interview

The television scandal occurred on November 24, 1995. Diana decided to give an interview to the BBC. After an hour-long conversation with the host of the Panorama program, Martin Bashir, an information bomb exploded in Britain. Diana decided to tell the public about all the problems that arose during all 15 years of her marriage to Charles, she confessed to bulimia, and to several suicide attempts, and even to her own infidelities, which, according to her, were the result of Charles's infidelities. Diana was convinced that since she and Charles had parted, she had become a "problem" for his entourage, and then she called them "enemies" who set out to complicate her life, denigrate her and give trump cards to the Prince of Wales in case divorce.
"Do you think you can be Queen?"
"Not. I don’t think… I would rather be the queen of people’s hearts…”

For example, letters were recently discovered that Charles wrote to the wife of the American president, Nancy Reagan, in which he described a difficult relationship with his wife. This time the world is discussing secret audio recordings in which Diana admitted that a few weeks after the wedding she wanted to commit suicide.

Audio recordings published writer Andrew Morton, author of the book "Diana. Her true story” - and although the book really became sensational in its time, it turned out that these were not all the details from the life of the princess, so the manuscript was republished with new details. Diana made audio recordings on tape and shared the most intimate, and later handed them over to Andrew with a request to keep everything a secret until the right moment came.

“We got married on Wednesday. And on Monday (July 27, 1981) we went to St. Paul for our last ceremony rehearsal. And as there were more camera flashes, I realized what kind of day it would be. I cried out all my eyes. I was completely crushed. Throughout the engagement, the shadow of Camilla appeared. I was desperately trying to sort out the situation, but I had no reason to do so, and I could not talk to anyone, ”the princess shared, recalling how she was afraid that Charles’ mistress Camilla Parker-Bowles would destroy their marriage.

“I remember how tired my husband was. We are both tired. It was a big day,” added Diana and also said that on the eve of the wedding, Charles sent her a postcard in which he wrote that he was proud of her.

“When I walked to the altar, I looked for her with my eyes (Camille). I remember that I was so in love with my husband that I could not take my eyes off him. I thought I was the happiest girl in the world,” said the princess.

Diana also shared that during the preparation for the ceremony and after, she was seriously bulimic and was completely obsessed with Camilla, not trusting Charles. “I thought he calls her every five minutes and asks how to handle this marriage,” she says.

From August to October 1981, she and her husband stayed in Balmoral, during which time the princess fell into a period of depression. “I was terribly thin. I was so depressed that I tried to commit suicide.”

Because of this condition, the first pregnancy was very difficult for the princess, and the doctors even advised her to have an abortion, but Diana refused, although after the birth of William her emotional state worsened. “When the queen first saw William, looking into the incubator, she said: it’s good that he doesn’t have the same ears as his father,” Diana added.

On the 20th anniversary of the death of Princess Diana, we have collected her known and unknown photos.

Image copyright PA Image caption Diana Francis Spencer was born July 1, 1961 in Sandringham, Norfolk. She was the youngest daughter of the Viscount and Viscountess Althorp. Image copyright PA Image caption Parents divorced when Diana was 7 years old. She was very upset by their separation. Image copyright PA Image caption Diana attended school first in Norfolk, then in Kent, then in Switzerland. Image copyright REX/Shutterstock Image caption In 1978, Diana moved to London, where she began working as an assistant kindergarten teacher. Image copyright PA Image caption Close attention of the press was riveted to the friendship of Diana and Prince Charles, rumors about a love affair soon spread. Image copyright PA Image caption On February 24, 1981, the engagement of Prince Charles and Diana Spencer was officially announced. The ring cost about 30 thousand pounds. A large sapphire in it is surrounded by 14 diamonds. Image copyright PA Image caption On July 29, 1981, Diana walked down the aisle at St. Paul's Cathedral, arm in arm with her father. Her wedding dress, made of silk taffeta, adorned with lace, hand embroidery, rhinestones and 10,000 pearls, also had a 10-meter train. Image copyright PA Image caption Diana was only 20 years old when she became a member of the royal family. Image copyright PA Image caption 60 thousand people lined up along the route of the wedding procession, millions of viewers were waiting for stories about the royal wedding. Image copyright PA Image caption Charles and Diana spent their honeymoon on the royal yacht Britannia on a Mediterranean cruise, and then flew to Scotland to Balmoral Castle. Image copyright Tim Ockenden/ PA Image caption Diana always dreamed of a big family. A year after the wedding, on June 21, 1982, she gave birth to a son, Prince William, who became the second in the line of succession to the throne after his father. Image copyright PA Image caption Diana wanted her children to grow up in normal conditions. William became the first heir to the throne to go to kindergarten. Image copyright PA Image caption On September 15, 1984, William's brother was born. He was baptized as Henry but became known as Prince Harry. Image copyright PA Image caption The princess quickly entered the rhythm of the royal family. She began to visit schools, hospitals, and various events frequently. Her sincerity and openness impressed the public and made her a universal favorite. Image copyright PA Image caption During her first official visit to the United States in 1985, Diana danced at the White House with actor John Travolta. Even then, the audience eagerly discussed the outfits of the princess. Image copyright REX/Shutterstock Image caption Diana's charitable activities only increased her popularity. Diana has done a lot to change public opinion about people with HIV. She fought against prejudices, including by demonstrating that you can shake hands with a person with HIV without fear of infection. Image copyright PA Image caption The Prince and Princess of Wales often appeared at events together, but by the end of the 80s, the problems in their family life became known to the general public. Image copyright Martin Keene/ PA Image caption During an official visit to India in 1992, Diana posed alone for a photographer at the world-famous Taj Mahal. This photo has become a kind of public confession in solitude. Image copyright Duncan Raban/ PA Image caption Diana continued to be a loving mother to her sons. Prince Harry once said that she was "one of the most mischievous parents". Image copyright PA Image caption Diana maintained a close relationship with Mother Teresa. Mother Teresa died just 5 days after Diana's death. Image copyright PA / BBC Image caption On November 20, 1995, Princess Diana gave a surprisingly candid interview with Martin Bashir for the BBC. The interview was seen by millions of people. In it, Diana talked about her post-natal depression, the deterioration of relations with Prince Charles, divorce and difficult relationships with members of the royal family. Image copyright Anwar Hussein/Getty Images Image caption Despite the problems of a personal nature, the princess continued her charitable work. She traveled all over the world. Diana visited, in particular, a hospital for cancer patients in Pakistan. Image copyright PA Image caption Charles and Diana officially divorced on August 28, 1996. The following June, the Princess of Wales auctioned 79 of her dresses for $4.5 million for charity. Image copyright PA Image caption On August 31, after dinner at the Ritz Hotel in Paris, Diana, together with the producer, the son of the Egyptian billionaire Mohammed Al-Fayed, Dodi Al-Fayed, got into a limousine. As a result of a car accident in a tunnel in front of the Alma bridge on the Seine embankment, Dodi and the driver of the car died instantly, Diana died in the hospital 2 hours later. According to one version of what happened, the princess's limousine was chased by paparazzi on motorcycles in the hope of getting an exclusive photo of Diana and her companion, whom the public had already recorded as Diana's new lovers. Image copyright JEFF J MITCHELL/ Getty Images Image caption More than a million people lined up in London along the route of the funeral cortege with the body of Diana. Behind the coffin were Prince Charles, Diana's sons William and Harry, and Diana's brother Earl Spencer.

BBC: Your Royal Highness, were you prepared for the pressure of entering the royal family?

Diana: When you are 19 years old, it always seems that you are ready for anything and imagine your future. At first I felt out of place, but I always felt the support of my husband.

Air Force: What did you expect from family life?

Diana: I believe that everyone in a marriage, especially if you have divorced parents, wants to succeed. And don't mold what you saw in your family. I was desperate for this, I desperately loved my husband and wanted us to share everything together, it seemed to me that we were a great team.

Air Force: How did you feel everything that happens to you? After you become a princess with the prospect of taking the throne of the queen.

Diana: I was not discouraged by this, I was never scared off by responsibility. Naturally, it was and remains a difficult task to hold such a post. As for becoming a queen - for me it was not an end in itself when I got married.

The most unexpected thing that happened to me was the media attention. We were warned that the engagement would cause a stir among journalists who could sneak up unnoticed, and so it happened. Then they focused their attention on me, and I began to appear alone on the front pages of newspapers daily.

Air Force: How do you explain that Lady Diana Spencer has become the most photographed, most talked about woman in the world?

Diana: I had to track for a long time what caused people's interest in my personality. I assumed that this could be due to the fact that my husband did a lot of work preparing for the wedding and for the relationship. But over time, you realize that you yourself become a product, and people make good money on you.

Air Force: According to the press, it was very difficult for you to cope with your duties. Did you worry?

Diana: Oh sure. Then there was a situation that could not have happened before, it felt like the media was everywhere. It was something like a circus in which everyone wanted to participate. It was a situation where you can't feel sorry for yourself: you either sink or swim. You learn this very quickly.

Air Force: And what did you do?

Diana: I swam. We drove to Alice's Spring in Australia. And when we arrived, we went for a walk, and I asked my husband a question: “What should I do now?” He replied, "Go to the other side and talk to them." I said, "I can't, I can't." He said, "You must do it," and left to do his duty. I followed and did my duty. I started to understand everything. We were on a six week tour: four weeks in Australia and two weeks in New Zealand. At the end, when we returned, I became a completely different person. I felt a sense of duty, interest and understood my role, which I still perform.

Air Force: Were you repressed by people in the beginning?

Diana: Yes. I was very intimidated by such interest, I was a plump, chubby 20-21 year old girl, and I could not understand what caused such interest.

Air Force: Can you say that in the early stages you were happily married?

Diana: Very happy. But the pressure from journalists was phenomenal. For example, when we traveled around Australia, they could hear her: oh, they did not bypass her. If you were a proud man like my husband, how would you feel hearing this every day for four weeks? You would feel depressed instead of feeling happy.

Air Force: When you say "did not bypass her", what do you mean?

Diana: They didn't let me pass.

Air Force: So they preferred you over your husband?

Diana: Yes. I felt uncomfortable about this, it seemed unfair to me, because I wanted to share everything equally in our lives.

Air Force: Aren't you flattered that the media gives you increased attention?

Diana: Increased attention was not flattering, because along with this attention envy came and various difficult situations arose.

Air Force: How did you initially see the role of Princess Diana? Did you have any ideas about what she should do?

Diana: No, I was very embarrassed when I appeared on this stage. But over time, I became more and more immersed in the problems of people rejected by society - drug addicts, alcoholics, the oppressed. And in them I found something close to me. I was struck by their sincerity in the course of our communication. In hospices, for example, people are more open and vulnerable, they are more natural than others. I appreciated it.

Air Force: Did the palace help you understand what your role is?

Diana: No. No one sat me down and did not give me a paper with the words: "This is what is expected of you in the future." But I was happy that I managed to find my place, I felt it and loved being with people.

Air Force: Have you created the role you wanted to create? What did you do for this?

Diana: I remember sitting on hospital beds and holding people's hands. And people were in some shock because they had not seen this before. Although for me it was quite a normal thing. I dreamed that people found solace in these actions, and I decided to do it.

Air Force: You got pregnant shortly after your wedding. What was your reaction to find out that you are expecting a boy?

Diana: Huge relief. I felt that he would work with me. Huge relief. When I was pregnant, the scanner showed that it would be a boy.

Air Force: Have you always wanted to have a family?

Diana: I came from a family where there were four of us. We were unbelievably happy. And now William and Harry are just happiness for me, although it is harder than having two girls, because a different approach to their upbringing is needed. But I decided: let their future be what it will be.

Air Force: How did the members of the royal family react when they found out it was going to be a boy?

Diana: Everyone has experienced some degree of trepidation. For me, the pregnancy was hard enough, but when William was born, it was a huge relief, peace reigned. I was healthy and happy. But then came postpartum depression, which has been repeatedly discussed. It was a tough time. You wake up in the morning and realize that you do not want to get up, you do not feel understanding, you cry to yourself.

Air Force: Was it not in your nature?

Diana: Yes , certainly. I have never been depressed in my life. When I then analyzed what changes had taken place in the last year, this picture stood before my eyes, and my body said: "We want to rest."

Air Force: What did you desire?

Diana: I wanted a lot, I understood that I needed space and time to adapt to the new conditions that arose on my way. I knew I could handle it if only people would be more tolerant of me and give me time.

Air Force: When you talk about the new conditions that have come your way, what do you mean?

Diana: It was a short period of time. The time in which my life completely changed, when everything was turned upside down, is a wonderful moment, but also a moment of change. And I saw where there are roughnesses and how to smooth them out.

Air Force: How did your family react to your postpartum depression?

Diana: I may have been the first member of this family to be depressed and cry out loud. And it was clearly discouraging, because if you haven't seen it before, how can you react to it?

Air Force: How has depression affected your life together?

Diana: This allowed everyone to talk about me as an unstable and unbalanced person. Unfortunately, this has been discussed from time to time for several years.

BBC: According to reporters, it's supposed that life got so difficult that you hurt yourself?

Diana: When no one listens to you, or you feel like no one listens to you, anything can happen. You hurt yourself on the outside because you want help, but you realize you're not getting what you need. People greedily devour and count all this, but if you flicker in the press, it means that you have enough attention. But I didn't cry out for help because I wanted to be better, to move forward, to fulfill my responsibilities as a wife, mother and princess of Great Britain. Thus, I stabbed myself. I didn't love myself, I was ashamed because I couldn't handle the pressure.

Air Force: What did you usually do?

Diana: I hurt my arms and legs. Now I work in an environment where I see women with similar problems and understand why they are.

Air Force: What was your husband's reaction to your actions?

Diana: I never did it in front of him. But it is obvious that the one who loves wants to care.

Air Force: Do you think he understood what was behind this?

Diana: No. Not all people had time to see it.

Air Force: Can you say that you were unwell, or is it natural for a princess?

Diana: I was in my role. I was obliged to get out of this state and fulfill my obligations - not to leave people in trouble to support and love them. And people in return supported me, xc they did not realize how much they help me.

Air Force: Did you feel that you were supporting the image of a successful Princess of Wales?

Diana: Oh sure.

Air Force: The depression was strong, judging by your words. Later it became known about your disease - bulimia nervosa. It's true?

Diana: Yes, I have been bulimic for several years. It was a hidden disease. You are hurting yourself because your self-respect drops and you don't feel loved and appreciated. You get upset stomach four or five times a day, sometimes more, and it makes you feel uncomfortable. Then your swollen stomach annoys you, and everything goes in a vicious circle. It's all very destructive to you.

Air Force: How often was it?

Diana: It depended on the pressure. Coming home, you feel emptiness, because at that time you were obliged to be with the dying, sick, experiencing family troubles. And you understand that you can feel comfort when other people feel it. You come home and jump into the refrigerator out of habit. This is a symptom that accompanied me during marriage. I asked for help, but gave the wrong signals. People thought bulimia was just a front. They concluded: Diana is unbalanced.

Air Force: Instead of getting to the bottom of the cause.

Diana: Well, yes.

Air Force: And what was the reason?

Diana: The reason was the situation that my husband and I did everything together, we did not want to disappoint the public, a lot of anxiety remained inside our house.

Air Force: Have you sought support from the royal family?

Diana: No. You know, when you're bulimic, you're very ashamed and you hate yourself. People think you are trash. That's why you can't discuss it with people.

With bulimia, your weight remains stable, while with anorexia, a person loses a lot of weight, so there was no evidence.

Air Force: When people assumed you were a waste, did anyone support you?

Diana: Yes people. Many times.

Air Force: What did he say?

Diana: Something like: "I hope you become trash later." It was also a kind of pressure. Of course I would like to stay.

Air Force: How long were you sick?

Diana: For a long time. Now I am free from it.

Air Force: Two or three years?

Diana: Mmm. I think a little more.

Air Force: According to newspaper reports, during this period did you experience difficulties in your personal life?

Diana: We were a newlywed couple, we were under pressure from the media, who were fascinated by everything we did. Whatever clothes we wore, whatever we said, however my hair lay, the way we carried ourselves became our work - all these little things tired us out after a few years.

Air Force: How has the public interest affected your marriage?

Diana: It was difficult, especially for a couple who do the same job: we drive the same car, we shake hands. It's hard for a couple, especially if all the attention is on you. We tried to fight it, but it was unbearable. My husband decided that we needed to share our responsibilities. It was very sad because I loved the company enough.

Air Force: That is, it was not your request to do everything yourself?

Diana: Not at all.

Air Force: In the biography of the Prince of Wales by Jonathan Dimbleby, which, as you know, was published last year, it was suggested that you and your husband had very different worldviews, different interests. Do you agree with this?

Diana: No. I believe that we had a lot in common: we both loved people, our country, children, worked in a cancer dispensary, in hospices. But I was portrayed by the media, if I remember correctly, as stupid. I once made the mistake of telling a child that I was dumb as a log. And all the headlines of the newspapers of the globe were full of this phrase. I regret that I said so.

Air Force: The prince is described in his biography as a great thinker, a man with varied interests. What does he think of your interests?

Diana: I don't think I was allowed to have them. I was always the 18 year old girl he got engaged to, I didn't have any growth jolts. But luckily I grew up.

Air Force: Explain what you mean when you say that.

Diana: Well... "

Air Force: When do you say you've never had jerks?

Diana: When I did something, no one said: “well done” or “everything is good?”. But when there were stumbles, and this happened because these conditions were unusual for me, a ton of bricks fell on me.

Air Force: How did you deal with it?

Diana: It is clear that there were many tears, immersion in bulimia, flight.

Air Force: Some people find that you were so lonely that you could not cope with your duties, and the descriptions suggest that your relationship with your husband was not very good initially?

Diana: We were under special pressure, we tried to hide, but nothing came of it.

Air Force: Around 1986, going back to Jonathan Dimbleby's biography of your husband, he says that your husband rekindled his relationship with Camilla Parker. Did you know about it?

Diana: Yes, I knew, but there was nothing I could do about it.

Air Force: What evidence did you have that his relationship with Camille continued even after your marriage?

Diana: The female instinct is a good thing.

Air Force: And all?

Diana: I just knew.

Air Force: From staff?

Diana: From the people who cared about our marriage.

Air Force: What impression did it make on you?

Diana: Devastation. The violent bulimia you can imagine, the feeling that everything is hopeless, useless and unsuccessful.

Air Force: And with a husband who had a relationship with someone else?

Diana: Yes , and with a husband who loved another woman.

Air Force: Did you really think so?

Diana: I didn't think so, I knew it.

Air Force: How could you know?

Diana: The behavior of the husband has changed. Rely more on instinct. It was terrible and getting more and more terrible.

Air Force: How was this reflected in practice?

Diana: People, I mean my husband's friends, presented me as unstable, yearning and wanted to put me in a psychiatric hospital to make me feel better. I was completely confused.

Air Force: Do you think he really thought that?

Diana: There is no better way to deprive a person than to isolate it.

Air Force: Have you been isolated?

Diana: Yes. Very much.

Air Force: Do you think that Miss Parker was the reason for the breakup of your marriage?

Diana: There were three of us in our marriage, which is already too many.

Air Force: You actually lived separately, although there were still materials in the press about the happiness of the royal couple. What was the relationship like in the royal family?

Diana: I think everyone was preoccupied with what was happening, because they could see all the complexities, but no one wanted to interfere.

Air Force: Do you admit the possible coexistence of two lives - public and private?

Diana: No, because the media was very interested in our couple. When we traveled abroad, we took separate rooms, although on the same floor. But there was a leak, and this caused various complications. Charles and I had responsibilities, that was paramount for us.

Air Force: But did you feel like you got through those two lives?

Diana: We were a good team for the public. Despite the fact that this all reflected on our personal lives, we were a good team.

Air Force: Some people think that reconciliation would be hard enough?

Diana: These are their problems. I know it's possible.

Air Force: The Queen described 1992 as a "black streak" of her life, and in the same year, Andrew Morton's book about you was published. Did you meet the author or personally assist him in writing the book?

Diana: I never met him.

Air Force: Did you contribute in any way to the writing of the book?

Diana: Many people saw how broken I was at that moment. And they understood that this would somehow help them achieve what they aspired to.

Air Force: Did you allow friends, your close friends, to communicate with Andrew Morton?

Diana: Oh sure. Yes.

Air Force: Why?

Diana: I was on edge. I was in despair. I am a strong person and I know that the causes of difficulties lie in the world where I live.

Air Force: Could this book make a difference?

Diana: I don't know. Maybe people would understand better, maybe she would help women who are suffering in a similar situation, who are not able to rise because their self-esteem is torn in two. I don't know.

Air Force. What effect did this book have on your husband and the royal family?

Diana: I think they were shocked and very disappointed.

Air Force: Do you understand why?

Diana: I think this book was a shock to a lot of people and disappointed them.

Air Force: What impact did the book have on your relationship with the Prince of Wales?

Diana: It was hidden or, as we thought, hidden. Then it broke out, discussions began, pressure began. Are you staying together or are you going to leave? And such words as separation and divorce were raised in the media daily.

Diana: We fought together. We fulfilled our obligations jointly. And in our personal lives, this caused obvious concerns.

Air Force: Did different thoughts cross your mind?

Diana: Yes, slowly. My husband and I discussed it very calmly. We understood that society needed to clarify the situation, which was becoming unbearable.

Air Force: So what happened?

Diana: We went to the lawyers together. We discussed breaking up. Obviously a lot of people have discussed this with us: the Prime Minister, Her Majesty. And then it went by itself, so they started talking about it.

Air Force: In December of that year, as you said, you were ready for a legal divorce. What were your feelings?

Diana: Deep, deep sadness. Because we fought, but we both ran out. I guess it was a consolation that we both eventually came to terms with the idea. My husband talked about breaking up, and I supported him.

Air Force: Was it not your idea?

Diana: No, nothing. I grew up in a divorced family and I wouldn't want to be in that situation again.

Air Force: What happened next?

Diana: I asked my husband to tell the kids about this before they got back from the Christmas holidays. Being at school, they are protected from press harassment.

Air Force: Have you told the children that you are going to leave?

Diana: Yes , I explained to them what was going on. They, like all children, began to ask a lot of questions. I hoped I could calm them down. But who could know about it?

Air Force: How did this message affect them?

Diana: It had a huge impact on the prince and me, but it was even more so on the children.

Air Force: The spat happened in 1993. What happened during this period?

Diana: The topic of discussion suddenly changed. I was then the estranged wife of the prince. I was a problem, a burden. Everyone wondered: "What to do with her?" This hasn't happened before.

Air Force: Who asked these questions?

Diana: People around me, my environment and...

Air Force: The Royal Family?

Diana: Yes. People from my environment.

Air Force: And you began to feel that you are a problem?

Diana: Yes, and very strongly.

Air Force: How was it expressed?

Diana: My trips abroad were suspended, many things were forbidden, letters were missing and the like.

Air Force: Despite the fact that you were interested in business, were you removed from much?

Diana: Yes . A lot changed when I became a separated wife and life became difficult for me.

Air Force: Who is behind these changes?

Diana: My husband's side.

Air Force: What was your reaction to the fact that there was a recording of telephone conversations between you and Mr. James Gilbey?

Diana: I felt protected by James because he was a good friend of mine. I couldn't stand it when his life went wrong because there was a connection between us. This worried me. I'm used to protecting my friends.

Air Force: Did you refer to telephone conversations?

Diana: Oh sure.

Air Force: According to the tape, Mr. Gilbey is expressing his affection for you. How can you explain it?

Diana: In my opinion, he is a very gentle man. But it would be wrong to read the subtext of the conversation as a close relationship between two adults.

Air Force: Do you have any idea how the conversation got into the national newspapers?

Diana: No. But it was done to hurt me.

Air Force: What is the purpose of such actions?

Diana: For society to change its attitude towards me. After parting, my husband had more cards in his hands than I had - there was big poker or chess.

Air Force: There was also a series of telephone conversations you made regarding Mr. Oliver Hoare. Could you tell the nuances of these conversations?

Diana: I believe that three hundred phone calls were made, I remember my lifestyle: at that time I was a very busy lady. So I can't answer, I can't. It was a powerful move to defame me in the public eye. They almost succeeded. I did my own research and found out who the young man was who called me so many times. It was Mr Hoare.

Air Force: Were there several such calls?

Diana: Yes.

Air Force: Once, twice, thrice?

Diana: I don't know. Over a period of six to nine months, but of course it happened in an unobtrusive manner.

Air Force: Do you really believe that the campaign was against you?

Diana: Yes, I am absolutely sure of it.

Air Force: Why?

Diana: I wasn't the prince's woman, I was the problem. It was necessary to put an end to me. But how to do this if there was no compromising evidence on me before?

Air Force: Wouldn't it have been better for them to send you out quietly instead of creating a whole campaign?

Diana: I I couldn't leave quietly, that was the problem. I knew that I would fight to the end because I believed that I would play my part and raise two children.

Air Force: By the end of 1993, you were suffering from persistent harassment from the press - your telephone conversations were published - and you decided to withdraw from public life. Why did you decide to do so?

Diana: The pressure was unbearable. My work, all my activities were affected. I wanted to give 100% to my work. But I could only do 50%. I was constantly exhausted and tired because there was pressure. It was cruel. I made the decision that I needed to give a speech and leave until I started to get frustrated with everything and not do my job. It was my decision to give a speech, because I had to publicly declare, so that everyone would know: “Thank you. I'll disappear for a while, but I'll be back."

Air Force: Soon you returned.

Diana: I Don't know. I did a lot of work in the shadows, without media oversight, I never stopped. And my return came as a surprise to those who caused my grief. They didn't expect it. I believe that you can always confuse your enemies.

Air Force: Who are these enemies?

Diana: My husband's environment, because I was more famous, did more work, was more talked about than he was. Everything follows from this. I did good things, I wanted to do good. I never hated anyone, never let anyone fall.

Air Force: Do you really think that jealousy has undermined you?

Diana: Rather fear, when a strong woman does her thing, where will her strength end?

Air Force: What was your reaction to your husband's revelation to Jonathan Dimbleb, actually of infidelity?

Diana: I completely unaware of the content of the book. When I found out, the first reaction was concern for the children, because they were able to understand what was happening. And I wanted to protect them. I was devastated, but then I admired the honesty because it means a lot.

Air Force: What?

Diana: Honesty about relationships with someone else.

Air Force: How did you manage this situation with the children?

Diana: I went to school for William. In that moment, I realized how important it is that if you find someone who loves you, you have to hold on tight to him. For happiness, it is enough to find a person and then protect. William began to ask questions that I expected. He asked about the reason for our separation. I said that there were three of us in the marriage, and pressure from the press is another factor. Together they formed a powerful force.

Air Force: What effect did this message have on Prince William?

Diana: He is a child who thinks deeply, he experienced. I tried to give him all my affection without resentment and anger.

Air Force: Turn back. Do you take full responsibility for the complexities of your family life?

Diana: Mmm. I cannot take full responsibility. I take only half, whether I would like more or not, because in family life two people do everything.

Air Force: But do you bear some of the responsibility?

Diana: Certainly. We both made mistakes.

Air Force: Another book recently published by Mr. James Hewitt, in which he stated a very close relationship with you since 1989. What is the nature of these relationships?

Diana: We were good friends during hard times. He always supported me. And I am absolutely devastated after the release of this book, because I believed him and because I again worried about the reaction of my children. And most of the evidence in this book came from some other world, it couldn't have happened in reality.

Air Force: What do you mean?

Diana: There is a lot of fantasy, and this made me very upset as his friend; someone I trusted made money off me. And ten days before the books appeared on the shelves, he called me and said that there would be no lies there. I, foolish, believed him. After leaving, the first thing I wanted to do was talk to the kids. William said to me: “Mom, I think it hurt you so much. But you still smile." So that...

Air Force: Was your close relationship beyond a close friendship?

Diana: Yes. Certainly.

Air Force: Have you been devoted?

Diana: Yes, I adored him. I loved him, but I was deceived.

Air Force: How would you describe your current life? You rely only on yourself, don't you?

Diana: Yes, surprisingly. People believe that a man should always be next to a woman. In fact, the work done brings me more pleasure. (Laughs.)

Air Force: What do you mean?

Diana: If I had a man, we would be immediately discussed by the press. And life would become hell.

Air Force: Do you feel that you need to be alone with yourself in order to relax?

Diana: No, not necessarily. I have great friends, my boys, my job. In principle, living in Kensington Palace, you are already a little isolated.

Air Force: What can you say about the attitude of the press towards you now?!

Diana: To date, the interest of the press is discouraging, phenomenal for me, because I do not like to be in the spotlight. When I go out to do community work, I realize that by taking the car, I will be caught by photographers. But now they take pictures of me when I just walk out of the front door. I never know where lenses might end up. It’s already normal for me that four cars follow me, and when I return to the car, photographers jump around me. The journalists decided that I am a product, I sell well. They call to me: “Oh, Diana, look over here. If you let me take a photo, I can send my children to a good school.” You might laugh it off. But when it happens all the time, it's hard enough.

Air Force: Some people tend to think that at first you liked the interest from the press: you danced with people like Wayne Sleep, you looked joyful and had good and warm relationships. Do you think you owe something to the press?

Diana: I never approved of the media. It was a relationship that used to work, but now I can't afford it because it gets violent and abusive. I don't want to feel sorry for myself. I am not like that. I understand it's their job. For all situations, you still have to pay, because you will be criticized. I am a free person, unfortunately for many.

Air Force: a. here at Kensington Palace, are you isolated?

Diana: In general, I am in an environment according to my position. And I don't regret anything. I do the job I have chosen, I have children, I have plans for the future - I want to visit Argentina and continue its partnership with our country.

Air Force: In what role do you see yourself in the future?

Diana: I want to be an ambassador and represent my country abroad. As for media interest, I don't want to sit in the country and be watered by them.

Air Force: You said that you see your future as an ambassador. Is this someone's wish or just your personal decision?

Diana: I have held a privileged position for fifteen years. This allowed me to learn a lot about people and how to swear. I have studied it, I have understood it and I want to apply it. I watched the lives of people and realized that the most serious diseases of our society lie in the lack of love. And I know that I can give love every minute, half an hour, throughout the day, month. I can and I am happy to do this and I want to do this.

Air Force: Do you think the British are satisfied with your mission?

Diana: I think the British need a statesman with whom a sense of closeness is established, who feels their importance, supports them, helps them find light in a dark tunnel. I see this as the only possible role.

Air Force: Do you think you can?

Diana: I know yes.

BBC: Before When you came into the royal family, the monarchy was at the heart of British life. Don't you think that you are to blame for the fact that they began to talk about the monarchy as a relic?

Diana: I don't feel guilty. A couple of times I heard from people: "Diana destroys the monarchy." These words confused me: why should I destroy what will ensure the future life of my children. But I don't want to talk about how people discuss the monarchy.

Air Force: What?

Diana: People don't care. They have enough family problems and all sorts of other things.

Air Force: Do you think that the monarchy needs to be changed, and is it able to survive?

Diana: I understand that any change scares people, especially if they do not understand it well. They prefer to stay where they are now. I understand it. But I think there are some things that complicated the relationship between the monarchy and the people that can be changed. I think they will be able to go hand in hand, overcoming fragmentation.

Air Force: Have you tried anything for this kind of change?

Diana: With William and Harry, for example, I developed projects for the homeless. I took my children to AIDS patients, although I told them that it was a disaster, I wanted my children to go to areas where none of our environment had been before. They have knowledge that they may never use, but they have acquired it. I hope they will grow because knowledge is power.

Air Force: How can all this affect your children?

Diana: I I want them to understand people's worries, vulnerability, need, hopes and dreams of people.

Air Force: What kind of monarchy can you name?

Diana: I want to see a monarchy that is in contact with the people. But I would not like to criticize the existing device, I just want to say what I see, hear and feel every day, doing my duty, and which correlates with my personal choice.

Air Force: There is a lot of talk about the relationship between you and Prince Charles right now. Would you support a divorce? What are your thoughts on this?

Diana: I don't want to get divorced. We need clarification on a situation about which there have been heated discussions over the past three years.

Air Force: If he decides to get a divorce, will you agree?

Diana: We would have discussed this with him, so far none of us have discussed this issue.

Air Force: Wouldn't that be your decision?

Diana: No, not mine.

Air Force: Why? Wouldn't that solve your problems?

Diana: Why should this solve my problems?

Air Force: Would it solve the issues discussed by the public, what directly affected you?

Diana: Yes, but what about children? Our boys are the most important thing, aren't they?

Air Force: Have you ever thought about becoming a queen?

Diana: No, I didn't.

Air Force: Why?

Diana: I would like to be the queen of people's hearts, in people's hearts. But I don't see myself as the queen of my country. I don't think many people would like to see me in this post. In reality, when I say "many people", I mean the ruling society that I entered because they consider me a failure.

Air Force: Why did you decide so?

Diana: Because I do different things, I don't follow what is written, because I think with my heart and not with my head, because of this there are troubles at work. I understand it. But someone has to love people and help them.

Air Force: Do you really think that your actions would prevent you from becoming a queen?

Diana: I would not say so. I had no idea that I have so many supporters in this environment.

Air Force: Do you mean within the royal family?

Diana: They look at me as a kind of threat. I am here to do good: I am not a destroyer.

Air Force: Why do they see you as a threat?

Diana: I think every strong woman in history has gone through this. The reason is confusion and fear. What is her strength? Where does she get it from? Why do people support her?

Air Force: Do you think that a prince will be a king?

Diana: I don't think anyone could answer this question. But, obviously, this question is in everyone's mind. But who knows, who knows how fate will decide, who knows how the circumstances will turn out.

Air Force: But you know him best. Do you think he dreams of becoming king?

Diana: This is always a very sensitive issue when we discuss it. This is a very responsible role - to be a prince, but it is equally more to be a king. When you are a prince you have more freedom, being a king you are a bit suffocated. And knowing him, knowing what restrictions he will be subjected to, I'm not sure if he will be able to get used to this role.

Air Force: Do you think that in the light of your family problems the throne will pass directly into the hands of Prince William?

Diana: As you can see, William is still very young at the moment. Is it worth burdening him with this? So I cannot answer this question.

Air Force: Would you rather see Prince William than Prince Charles on the royal throne?

Diana: My dream is for my husband to come to his senses, and everything else will follow from this, yes.

Air Force: Why did you decide to give an interview now? Why did you decide to speak up?

Diana: Because this December will be three years since we broke up. These last three years have confused and troubled me, and I am sure that many, many people do not trust me. I want to convince all those people who have loved and supported me over the past fifteen years that I will never let them die. This is the main thing for me, along with my children.

Air Force: And you think you can convince people?

Diana: What matters to me is just the person on the street, the middle class. He is the most important.

Air Force: Some people will interpret your performance as just a convenient opportunity to get your husband back.

Diana: Sitting here, I feel no resentment: I sit here sad that my marriage didn't work out. I am here because I hope for the future, for the future for my husband, for myself, for the whole monarchy.

Air Force: Thank you, Your Highness.

Translation Irina Bagaeva

Task 4

Read Rich and Powerful Dodi Was Perfect for Diana by Mark Townsend and Peter Allen, United States Secret Service Wiretapped Diana on the Night of the Car Crash, Messages of Condolence Filled Websites, Death of the Beautiful, recounting the events, related to the death of Princess Diana, comment on them.