Fez — A new three-part docuseries centered on Diana, Princess of Wales is set to bring forward deeply personal material that has remained largely unheard for decades.
Titled “Diana: The Unheard Truth” (working title), the series will draw from approximately five hours of audio recordings captured in 1991 by Dr. James Colthurst, a close confidant of Diana.
The project is scheduled for release on August 31, 2027, marking 30 years since the iconic princess’ death.
Recordings that shaped royal history
The tapes form the foundation of the 1992 book Diana: Her True Story by Andrew Morton, a publication that significantly altered public perception of the British royal family at the time.
Recorded in secrecy and later passed to Morton, the material documented Diana’s personal reflections on her marriage, her role within the monarchy, and her evolving sense of independence. Until now, less than one hour of these recordings had been made public.
The upcoming series will, for the first time, present the full archive, offering a more complete picture of her perspective.
Revisiting a defining moment
Produced by Love Monday TV and 53 Degrees Global, the docuseries will feature contributions from key figures involved in the original recordings, including Colthurst, Morton, and publisher Michael O’Mara.
Participants revisit the circumstances under which the tapes were made and shared, shedding light on the risks Diana took at the time and the scrutiny that followed the book’s release.
The recordings are expected to cover her experiences within the royal household, her views on the future of then-Prince Charles and Camilla, and her hopes for a life beyond royal constraints.
A broader circle of voices
The series will also include testimonies from individuals who were part of Diana’s personal and professional life, including her former bodyguard Ken Wharfe, royal press secretary Dickie Arbiter, photographer Kent Gavin, and journalist Richard Kay.
Other contributors include hairdresser Sam McKnight, astrologer Penny Thornton, dancer Wayne Sleep, and Delissa Needham, a childhood friend appearing on camera for the first time.
Renewed interest in Diana’s legacy
Backed by Rainmaker Films and Plymouth Films, the project reflects continued global interest in Diana’s life and legacy, decades after her death.
With its focus on primary audio material, the series aims to shift attention back to Diana’s own voice rather than retrospective interpretations.
As the 30th anniversary of her passing approaches, “Diana: The Unheard Truth” positions itself as a major addition to the ongoing reexamination of one of the most influential and closely followed public figures of the modern era.
