Prince Harry’s planned streaming documentary honoring the 30th anniversary of Princess Diana’s death is facing pushback from members of her inner circle, according to reporting published in September 2024 by Rob Shuter’s Naughty But Nice Substack. Diana’s sisters, Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes, have declined to participate in the project, which sources attribute to concerns over dividing loyalties within the royal family.
Princess Diana’s Sisters Decline Involvement in Streaming Project
The Duke of Sussex, 42, has approached people close to his late mother for contributions to the milestone streaming project marking three decades since her tragic August 1997 death in a Paris car crash. However, key figures have chosen to stay on the sidelines. Among them are Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes, whose absence carries significant weight among those who knew the late princess.
“Diana’s own sisters saying no sends an enormous message,” a palace insider told Shuter’s Substack. “Nobody has to threaten anyone. People understand the consequences: help Harry tell his version of Diana’s story and the palace door could slam shut.” Many of Diana’s longtime friends maintain warm feelings toward Harry, but their close ties to Prince William, King Charles III, and the broader royal institution complicate any decision to take part.
Did you know? Prince Harry and Prince William previously marked the 20th anniversary of Diana’s death in 2017 with a series of joint interviews and TV documentaries for ITV and the BBC, during which William stated he would not open up about his mother in the same way again.
Prince William’s Sense of Ownership Over Their Mother’s Legacy
The documentary project touches a sensitive nerve for Prince William, 44, who is reportedly uneasy with his younger brother taking the lead in shaping their mother’s public narrative. According to palace insiders, William maintains that Diana was his mother too and that Harry does not hold exclusive rights to her story.
“Nobody wants to choose between Diana’s sons,” a royal source told Shuter, noting that appearing in Harry’s film would be viewed as picking a side. “William’s position is simple: Diana was his mother too. Harry doesn’t own her story, and William isn’t going to quietly watch everyone else define it for him.” U.K. brand and culture expert Nick Ede told Newsweek that the project could prove particularly difficult for William if it clashes with past pledges regarding public commentary on their mother.
Platform Options and Past Pledges Shape the Upcoming Anniversary
As preparations continue toward the August 2027 anniversary, questions remain regarding where any resulting project might air. Harry and Meghan Markle maintain a “first look” deal with Netflix, meaning the streaming platform holds first refusal on content they produce. Ede noted to Newsweek that Netflix remains the most logical portal for a project expected to draw significant viewership.
Nick Ede also pointed out to Newsweek that any solo venture by Harry risks deepening the rift between the brothers, recalling that the siblings agreed years ago that they would avoid speaking separately about their mother. “I think if Harry has any thoughts about coming back into the royal family in any way shape or form this is stopping that dead in its tracks,” Ede told Newsweek.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the anniversary of Princess Diana’s death?
Princess Diana passed away in August 1997. The upcoming milestone marks 30 years since the crash in Paris.
Why did Diana’s sisters decline to participate in Prince Harry’s project?
According to palace insiders, Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes declined involvement because participating would be viewed as taking sides between Prince Harry and Prince William, potentially damaging their standing with the rest of the royal family.
Where might the documentary air?
Industry experts note that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have a “first look” production deal with Netflix, making the streaming service the primary expected outlet for any documentary content they produce.
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