Summary of complaint
We received complaints from people who feel we have given too much coverage to Earl Spencer’s memoir and that our reporting of this story has been biased against the Royal Family.
Our response
Diana, Princess of Wales is someone whose life continues to be a subject of fascination to many, nearly three decades after her death. The book written by her brother Earl Spencer gives his account of her life and legacy and includes allegations about the conduct of the King which are in the public interest to examine.
We have repeated the statement made by Buckingham Palace in response to the earl’s claims throughout our reporting of this story, making clearit was unusual for such a statement to be issued. Our analysis has reflected that only the two men concerned would know the content of the conversations alleged to have taken place. We have also heard from a wide range of people who have spoken in defence of the King.
During her interview with Earl Spencer, Laura Kuenssberg scrutinised in detail the claims made by the earl, asking what proof he had, and questioning him about his motives for publishing the book and the impact this would have on the monarchy. This interview also provided fresh context, as Earl Spencer reacted to the statement from the Palace.
We believe our approach to this story has offered fair, duly impartial and appropriate analysis of the implications for the Royal Family. We have seen strong audience interest in this story, though we appreciate not everyone would share this view. We have continued to cover several other stories of national and international importance.