Unheard Princess Diana Tapes to Feature in New Three-Part Documentary

A forthcoming three-part documentary series titled "Diana Unheard" is set to feature five hours of secret audio recordings made by the late Princess Diana before her death. Produced by Love Monday TV, the project relies on the original tapes Diana secretly passed to biographer Andrew Morton via Dr. James Colthurst, which formed the foundation of the 1992 biography "Diana: Her True Story." Producers state the project aims to present Diana not merely as a tragic victim, but as a deliberate and active participant in shaping her own public narrative.

Creative Director Kerene Barefield stated the recordings show an "incredibly brave woman who had agency and knew what she wanted." Across the episodes—titled "Got To Get Out," "You're On Your Own," and "Time Is Precious"—Diana discusses her marriage, the line of succession, Prince Andrew, and her confrontations with Queen Camilla, then Camilla Parker Bowles. Key contributors, including Morton, publisher Michael O'Mara, Dr. Colthurst, and Diana's former lover James Hewitt, granted access to the previously unbroadcast material and will appear in interviews.

The documentary arrives amid renewed tensions between the royal family and Diana’s relatives following Earl Spencer's memoir "Swan Song." In the book, Spencer claimed King Charles appeared elated following Diana's death and dismissed her legacy, allegations that Buckingham Palace firmly rejected as clouded by grief. The producers noted the recordings corroborate several topics explored by Earl Spencer, potentially escalating public scrutiny on the royal household.

Scheduled for release next year to mark the approaching 30th anniversary of Diana's 1997 death, the project faces anticipated pushback regarding the ethics of releasing private tapes. Prince William has previously requested privacy concerning his mother's media collaborations, while critics argue Diana never intended the raw tapes to be broadcast. International distribution rights are scheduled to be presented at an upcoming television industry showcase.