Overview
- Journalist Andy Webb’s book, released in the U.K. today, alleges at least four crucial BBC documents tied to Martin Bashir’s 1995 Panorama interview with Princess Diana have vanished.
- Webb recounts years of rejected FOI requests and a three-year legal fight he says cost the BBC over £1 million, yielding a heavily redacted 67-page release just before his 2020 documentary.
- The book says Prince William is actively pursuing answers, describing him as an “implacable antagonist,” following his 2021 statement that deceit in obtaining the interview influenced what his mother said.
- The BBC’s 2021 investigation acknowledged serious failings and prompted payouts to figures including Patrick Jephson and Alexandra Pettifer.
- Webb warns the dispute could weigh on the BBC’s Royal Charter renewal in 2027 and highlights contested records, including notes implicating Earl Spencer that he robustly denies.