By 1995, Charles and Diana had been separated for almost three years. Charles had already admitted on television in 1994 that he had been unfaithful once the marriage had broken down. Diana had not yet given her side of the story in her own voice.
In early November 1995, she did. On a quiet Sunday at Kensington Palace, when most staff were away, a small BBC team led by the journalist Martin Bashir filmed an interview with her. The palace was not told until shortly before the programme was announced.
The setting was carefully chosen. Diana sat in a simple dark suit, with minimal jewellery and dark eye make-up. Many viewers later said her quiet voice and lowered gaze made the interview feel more like a confession than a television programme. For the first time, the public heard her describe her life inside the royal family in her own words, without a book, a friend or a newspaper in between.
The interview was broadcast on 20 November 1995 on BBC One. Around 23 million people in Britain watched it, one of the largest audiences of the decade. 
Diana spoke with remarkable openness. She talked about her unhappiness, her health struggles and the pressure of royal life. Asked about Camilla Parker Bowles, she gave the answer that became the most quoted line of her life: well, there were three of us in this marriage, so it was a bit crowded.
She also confirmed her relationship with James Hewitt, saying she had adored him and been in love with him, but had been very let down. She said she wanted to be a queen of people’s hearts. And she openly questioned whether Charles could adapt to the limitations of becoming king.
