With both Prince Harry and Earl Spencer undertaking tell-all projects about Princess Diana, the Mirror’s Pod Save the King has delved into why the Prince of Wales is ‘deeply saddened’ by the exposés

10:31, 02 Oct 2026Updated 10:45, 02 Oct 2026

Prince William declines Diana documentary offer to avoid ‘being pitted against’ Prince Harry

With the 30th anniversary of Princess Diana’s death just around the corner, members of the Royal Family are no doubt preparing for the solemn day and making decisions on how they will mark the poignant anniversary.

Diana’s brother Earl Spencer released his memoir – titled Swan Song: Diana, My Sister – last week and is continuing on his book tour around America, saying the book is a ‘loving tribute from a brother to his sister’. Meanwhile, it is believed Prince Harry is in talks to produce a documentary about his late mother for the anniversary, which will be marked in August 2027.

The one person who is believed to not be taking part in any major project for the anniversary is Prince William, as the Mirror ’s royal editor Russell Myers said the Prince of Wales has been let down by some of his family as they continue talking about his late mother.

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On this week’s episode of the Mirror’s Pod Save the King YouTube show, Russell said: “He’s in this position where a lot of people are talking about Diana and earning money off her legacy, and I wonder if we have now crossed the boundaries of taste and decency.”

The Mirror’s deputy royal editor Jennifer Newton added: “Well while there’s people making money off Diana, the only person who isn’t is her other son William, and I think people have a lot of sympathy for him in this situation because Diana was his mother too.”

Russell agreed as he explained: “There is an awful lot of sadness in William’s mind. I mean, think of all the people he’s been let down by. His brother, his sister-in-law, and now his uncle. He’s angry because he’s been let down again, but there is a deep sadness from his point of view.”

Prince William and Prince Harry

Russell said William has been ‘let down’ by Harry (Image: AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

Prince William has reportedly declined several offers to take part in documentaries about his late mother as the 30th anniversary of her death approaches. The Prince of Wales, who was just 15 years old when his mother tragically died in 1997, appeared in a documentary in 2017 alongside his brother Prince Harry for the 20th anniversary of Diana’s passing.

The film saw the brothers recall fond memories of their mother and speak proudly of her legacy, which they are both ensuring will carry on. At the time the documentary was released, William alluded that it was the only time he would speak so openly about Diana.

Russell Myers and Jennifer Newton on this week's episode of Pod Save The King

Russell Myers and Jennifer Newton on this week’s episode of Pod Save The King

With relations between William and Harry now fraught, it is believed the Prince of Wales has rejected the documentary offers to avoid a situation where he and Harry are “pitted against each other”, according to the Sunday Times. Last week, sources close to the Duke of Sussex confirmed that Harry is in talks to produce a documentary about his mother for the 30th anniversary of her death, and has already approached a number of her friends and relatives about taking part in a potential programme.

A source close to Harry told the Mirror : “The Duke has discussed a number of possible projects to mark the 30th anniversary of his mother Diana, Princess of Wales ’s passing, and is still considering the most meaningful way to honour her legacy.”

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