Princess Diana publicized almost all the controversial events she had with the royal family in 1995 through a BBC interview.
Over two decades ago, BBC journalist Martin Bashir conducted the Panorama interview with Princess Diana. This recently caused an investigation to be launched to look into what happened on that day.
After being on sick leave for several months, Bashir officially left his post as religion editor on the broadcasting company and the corporation.
BBC’s deputy director of news, Jonathan Munro, confirmed the news to The Guardian. He revealed that the journalist needs to seek medical attention amid the ongoing investigation.
“He let us know of his decision last month, just before being readmitted to the hospital for another surgical procedure on his heart,” Munro said. “Although he underwent major surgery toward the end of last year, he is facing some ongoing issues and has decided to focus on his health.”
Why Princess Diana’s interview undergoes an investigation
In November 2020, Princess Diana’s brother Earl Spencer claimed that Bashir made false claims about senior royals.
Lord Michael Grade detailed Spencer’s statement on Radio 4’s World at One program. According to Lord Grade, BBC’s journalism contains “a very dark cloud” that made Princess Diana’s interview controversial.
In addition, Spencer said that Bashir used “methods” to make the royal princess agree to be interviewed. He also defended himself and explained that he saw fake bank statements.
BBC already apologized for the reported forged documents and promised to conduct an investigation surrounding the matter. When Tim Davie, BBC’s director-general, officially announced the inquiry, Bashir was already feeling unwell.
“Martin Bashir is signed off work by his doctors – he is currently recovering from quadruple heart bypass surgery and has significant complications from having contracted Covid-19 earlier in the year,” the spokesperson claimed as quoted by Variety.
What happened during the Panorama interview
In 1995, the bombshell vis-a-vis conversation invited tens of millions of viewers. Princess Diana outed Prince Charles’ infidelity at that time and made the famous comment about “three people” in the marriage.
The Princess of Wales referred to Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall — who is now married to the heir to the throne — as the “third person.”
The current investigation aims to discover Bashir’s alleged tactics that influenced Princess Diana’s choice to be on the interview.