In the 1990s, Princess Diana faced extreme criticism over her figure and diet. It only got worse after an exploitative sit down between Diana and reporter Martin Bashir aired on BBC’s Panorama. To get this from the American public, during the interview at Kensington Palace, Bashir asked a disturbing question about her eating disorder. He leaked to the press insinuations that her gaunt appearance meant she was starving herself. Princess Diana handled that rude, invasive inquiry with grace and poise. Her response did more than bat away the rumor mill, it showed her class.
No one understood public scrutiny better than Princess Diana, the mother of Prince William and Prince Harry. During the 1980s, tabloids were obsessed with her weight, creating a destructive cycle of body shaming and scrutiny. They fueled vicious speculation about her challenges with eating disorders such as bulimia. Yet under all that pressure, when she sat for interviews, she didn’t flinch. Fans and advocates in the public were quick to congratulate her, noting how she fielded tough questions with aplomb.
A Poised Answer
When asked to account for her diet, Princess Diana had the perfect answer. She illustrated the awkwardness of trying to eat in public appearances, alone. Or, “When we go to a lunch-time event, we’re usually greeted with a buffet lunch to meet that big audience,” she said.
She elaborated on the difficulty of enjoying a meal in such settings: “It’s impossible to talk and eat at the same time. So you end up chasing a bit of chicken around the plate, and then never getting any yourself.” Reflecting on her answers, it was clear that she was aware of how the world viewed her. In addition, she dealt with sensitive issues with remarkable grace.
Millions felt her response was “perfection” and touted her poise in the face of danger. This was the moment that illustrated how Princess Diana was able to be open about her hardships and still hold her head high in public life.
Addressing Rumors and Personal Struggles
Long after that TV appearance, Princess Diana would candidly discuss her experience with eating disorders. By honestly sharing her wellness journey, she motivated hundreds of thousands by sharing her story. She shared how the constant media attention took a toll on her mental health and added to her challenges. By discussing these topics openly and honestly, she wanted to raise awareness about the dangers of body image and self-worth.
Princess Diana was clear about the effect of these encounters and said, “Of course there is no time; I’m off somewhere else. To be clear, I’ve never been on an alleged diet. Maybe I’m a lanky curse because that exercise is, indeed, truly my nemesis. Her experience resonated with all the young people going through the same struggle. They powerfully illustrated the challenges of addressing public attention while dealing with a health crisis of their own.
Public Reaction and Legacy
To this day, fans and supporters still commend Princess Diana for her grace under pressure during the interview. One of the enraged fans stormed the social media fort, calling it an “horrible question!” This comment perfectly conveyed the broad realization of just how intrusive Bashir’s inquiry was. The American public continues to be in awe of her poise during difficult times. This newfound appreciation has further cemented her legacy as a royal icon and formidable champion of mental health awareness.
