Patrick Jephson Says Bashir’s Deception Made Diana See Him as an ‘Enemy Within’

Overview

• Jephson tells People it is “chilling” to learn that Martin Bashir told Diana he was betraying her, which he says explains their sudden estrangement.
• He served as Diana’s private secretary from 1988 to 1996 and resigned in January 1996 after her attitude toward him shifted without explanation.
• Andy Webb’s new book, Dianarama, details how Bashir convinced Diana that loyal aides were spying on her and alleges concealment by BBC executives.
• A 2021 independent inquiry led by Lord Dyson confirmed Bashir used forged documents to manipulate Diana, and the BBC later apologized.
• In 2022, the BBC paid damages to Jephson, who also believes the manipulation eroded Diana’s trust in official protections during her final years.