Prince Harry accused of failing to stand by William in fight for BBC’s Diana interview truth

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PRINCE Harry was last night accused of failing to stand by his brother in his fight for the truth over the BBC’s Diana interview.

William has welcomed an inquiry into claims Martin Bashir forged documents to convince Diana to take part in the 1995 Panorama grilling.

Prince Harry has been accused of failing to stand by his brother in his fight for the truth over the BBC’s Diana interview

William has welcomed an inquiry into claims Martin Bashir forged documents to get Diana to agree to the infamous interview

But royal observers said Harry’s prolonged silence over the affair casts a further shadow over the brothers’ relationship.

Meanwhile Harry has supported wife Meghan during her privacy campaign against the Mail on Sunday over publication of a letter she wrote to her father.

Ingrid Seward, editor-in-chief of Majesty Magazine, said: “Harry’s silence speaks volumes.

“He is normally so keen on letting his opinions be known — why hasn’t he done so in this case and stood by his brother to share the responsibility.

“It is odd he hasn’t spoken out about the BBC and Bashir case as he has been speaking out a lot about other things recently.

“Harry should really man up and forget the fallout with his brother.

“They should be standing shoulder to shoulder on this one.”

DIANA AND CHARLES COULD HAVE ‘STAYED TOGETHER’

William has been in private talks with senior BBC bosses for the past two weeks.

He spoke out on Wednesday after the corporation caved into major pressure by appointing a judge to lead an independent investigation.

In a statement issued via Kensington Palace, William “tentatively” welcomed the Lord Dyson inquiry and said it should “help establish the truth” behind Bashir and Panorama’s actions.

The Duke of Cambridge was just 13 and in his first term at Eton when he watched the bombshell November 1995 interview.

Referring to Charles’s relationship with Camilla Parker Bowles, Diana famously said: “There were three of us in this marriage, so it was a bit crowded.”

She also claimed Charles would not make a good king.

Diana had visited Eton the night before the broadcast to warn William and Harry.

Royal biographer Penny Junor said: ‘The Panorama interview was the trigger for so much that happened and without it Diana and Charles may still be together’

Bashir is currently signed off from work as the BBC’s religion editor

Weeks after the interview the Queen ordered Charles and Diana, who were separated by then, to divorce.

Royal biographer Penny Junor said: “The Panorama interview was the trigger for so much that happened and without it Diana and Charles may still be together. She very much regretted doing the interview once she realised the fallout for her sons.

“There is no doubt this was a difficult time for William. It is interesting and significant that he feels as strong as he does and I am not surprised.

“His mother was very vulnerable and manipulated. People took advantage of her and I feel he feels very protective of her.”

Diana’s brother Earl Spencer has claimed he was shown false bank statements by Bashir, 57, to help secure the interview.

INVESTIGATION A ‘STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION’

The BBC said Diana wrote a note saying she did not see the false bank statements and they played no part in her decision. William had not spoken about the episode in his life until his ­statement.

He said on Wednesday: “The independent investigation is a step in the right direction.

“It should help establish the truth behind the actions that led to the Panorama interview and subsequent decisions taken by those in the BBC at the time.”

Director-General Tim Davie said: “The BBC is de­termined to get to the truth about these events. Lord Dyson is a highly respected figure who will lead a thorough process.”

Lord Dyson, former Master of the Rolls, vowed to be “both thorough and fair”.

Diana’s brother Earl Spencer has claimed he was shown false bank statements by Bashir, 57, to help secure the interview

William and Harry, above, are known to have been very protective of their mum as children

Bashir is currently signed off from work as the BBC’s religion editor. The corporation said: “He is recovering from ­quadruple heart bypass surgery and has significant complications from having contracted Covid earlier in the year.” The BBC will publish the report of the investigation at its conclusion.

William and Harry are known to have been very protective of their mum as children.

William once said he wanted to be a policeman so he could ­safeguard her.

Royal observers said Harry’s prolonged silence over the affair casts a further shadow over the brothers’ relationship

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