UK govt warns potential action against BBC after 1995 Diana interview cover-up

The British government warned on Friday that it could take action against the BBC after receiving unprecedented criticism from the royal family about its use of deception to secure in 1995 interview with Princess Diana, piling pressure on the corporation as it fights attacks on multiple fronts.

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden, whose brief includes media, said an independent inquiry into the affair highlighted “damning failings at the heart of the BBC”, which is publicly funded.

As negotiations for the renewal of the BBC’s royal charter, which governs its operations and regulation, get closer, he said, ministers would now “consider whether further governance reforms at the BBC are needed”.

Diana’s interview with journalist Martin Bashir was a global sensation, with the princess detailing her failing marriage to heir to the throne Prince Charles and admitting to infidelity.