BBC Pays "Substantial Sum" To Princess Diana's Aide Over 1995 Interview

An independent report last year concluded interviewer Martin Bashir tricked Princess Diana's brother into helping to arrange the BBC interview, in which she spoke candidly about her troubled marriage to Prince Charles.

The BBC said on Thursday it has paid a "substantial sum" and apologised to Princess Diana's former private secretary over a bombshell 1995 interview found to have been obtained using deception.

An independent report by senior judge John Dyson last year concluded interviewer Martin Bashir tricked Diana's brother into helping to arrange the interview, in which she spoke candidly about her troubled marriage to Prince Charles.

"The BBC and Commander Patrick Jephson have reached a settlement following publication of the Dyson report," the BBC said in a statement.

Jephson, who aided Diana from 1988 to 1996, reportedly said Bashir "seduced and betrayed" her into agreeing to the interview, which sent shockwaves through the royal family.