New TV Series to Uncover Princess Diana’s Hidden Thoughts
A new television series titled Diana: The Unheard Truth is set to reveal the personal and intimate thoughts of Princess Diana, as captured in audio tapes recorded during the breakdown of her marriage to Prince Charles. This three-episode series will offer a unique glimpse into the princess’s life, based on five hours of secret recordings made in 1991.
The tapes were created by Dr James Colthurst, a close friend of Diana, who smuggled them out of Kensington Palace and delivered them to author Andrew Morton. These recordings became the foundation for Morton’s book Diana: Her True Story, published in 1992. Since Diana’s passing, only a small portion of these tapes has been made public.
A Deep Dive into Diana’s Personal Life
The series will explore Diana’s reflections on her relationship with Prince Charles, including how their romance began and eventually deteriorated. It will also delve into her perspectives on other members of the royal family, such as her sons, Queen Camilla, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, and his wife Sarah Ferguson.
Love Monday TV, the production company behind the series, has partnered with Morton and Dr Colthurst to gain exclusive access to the tapes. The team aims to present a more nuanced portrayal of Diana, moving beyond the common narrative that frames her as a victim of her circumstances. Instead, the series will highlight her infectious humor, laughter, and dreams for a future where Charles could have moved on with Camilla, allowing Diana to forge her own path.
Insights from Those Close to Diana
In addition to the audio tapes, the series will feature interviews with individuals who were close to Diana. Delissa Needham, a schoolfriend who has never appeared on camera before, will share her insights. Other contributors include hairdresser Sam McKnight and confidant Penny Thornton.
The secret recordings were made after ten years of marriage to Prince Charles, when their relationship was already strained. Diana decided to document her experiences in deeply personal conversations, offering an unparalleled look into her life as a member of the royal family.
The Impact of Diana’s Story
Andrew Morton has previously shared details about the contents of the tapes, revealing how Diana spoke about her struggles with bulimia and self-inflicted attempts at death. He also mentioned that she provided letters written by Charles and Camilla to him.
The publication of Morton’s book caused significant controversy, with criticism from the Archbishop of Canterbury and some bookshops refusing to sell it. At the time, Buckingham Palace denied any involvement, but it later became clear that Diana was the primary source. However, details about the secret recordings remained largely unknown until recent years.
In 2022, Morton described how he was “with mounting astonishment” when he first listened to the tapes. He recalled that Diana had a fear that her enemies in the palace might label her as mentally ill and lock her away. She believed that unless her full story was told, the public would not understand her actions.
Morton noted that the book quickly became recognized as Diana’s true story, leading to an outpouring of support from people who related to her struggles. Many wrote to her, sharing their own experiences with eating disorders. Diana never regretted the taping sessions, and in the last years of her life, the world saw her humanitarian spirit flourish.
Release and Expectations
Filming for the series has already begun, and it is scheduled to air on August 31, 2027, marking the 30th anniversary of Diana’s death. The series promises to be a compelling and emotional exploration of one of the most iconic figures in modern history.
