Princess Diana Reveals Why She Knew She Would Never Become Queen

This is a transcript of the BBC1 Panorama interview with the Princess of Wales, broadcast in November 1995

DIANA: No, I don’t, no.

BASHIR: Why do you think that?

DIANA: I’d like to be a queen of people’s hearts, in people’s hearts, but I don’t see myself being Queen of this country. I don’t think many people will want me to be Queen.

Actually, when I say many people I mean the establishment that I married into, because they have decided that I’m a non-starter.

BASHIR: Why do you think they’ve decided that?

DIANA: Because I do things differently, because I don’t go by a rule book, because I lead from the heart, not the head, and albeit that’s got me into trouble in my work, I understand that. But someone’s got to go out there and love people and show it.

BASHIR: Do you think that because of the way you behave that’s precluded you effectively from becoming Queen?

DIANA: Yes, well not precluded me. I wouldn’t say that. I just don’t think I have as many supporters in that environment as I did.

BASHIR: You mean within the Royal Household?

DIANA: Uh,uh. They see me as a threat of some kind, and I’m here to do good: I’m not a destructive person.

BASHIR: Why do they see you as a threat?

DIANA: I think every strong woman in history has had to walk down a similar path, and I think it’s the strength that causes the confusion and the fear.

Why is she strong? Where does she get it from? Where is she taking it?

Where is she going to use it? Why do the public still support her?