Prince Harry's rumored Diana film 'might feel like another betrayal' to Prince William as rift grows: expert
Prince Harry's rumored movie about his late mother, Princess Diana, "might feel like another betrayal" to Prince William as the royal rift between the brothers grows, according to experts.
The Daily Mail pushed a report last week that Harry was returning to the UK to create a movie, ahead of the 30th anniversary of her death next year. Harry and William have been estranged for years and their last public joint outing was at King Charles's coronation in May 2023.
Fox News Digital reached out to Archewell for comment, but did not hear back.
Kinsey Schofield, host of YouTube’s "Kinsey Schofield Unfiltered," told Fox News Digital that Harry and Meghan Markle potentially using the tragic death of Diana for publicity would "infuriate" William.
"If Meghan were involved creatively, it would inevitably make the project more controversial because Harry has repeatedly drawn parallels between Meghan and Diana," she began. "Those comparisons are particularly sensitive because William knew Diana in a way Meghan never could. Meghan never met Diana. If the documentary began using Diana’s experiences to reinforce Harry and Meghan’s existing narrative about themselves, I think that would be where it becomes too much for William."
Schofield continued, "In fact, I am hearing that The Diana Award fundraising dinner that Prince Harry was expected to attend later this month was cancelled when Prince William was notified that Meghan planned to attend and had a list of superficial 'asks' regarding her presence there. Meghan using a Diana-related event as a PR opportunity for herself would infuriate the heir."
"There is a difference between telling Diana’s story and using Diana’s story to validate your own or elevate yourself."
Adding: "That is why I think watching his brother commercialize their mother almost 30 years after her death could feel vulgar to Prince William and might feel like another betrayal."
Christopher Andersen, author of "Kate!", pointed out that William and Harry previously collaborated on a documentary about their late mother in 2017.
"But obviously, a lot has happened since then, and the brothers aren't speaking, much less partnering on a project," he said. "'Diana, The Unheard Truth' is a three-part documentary based on never-before-released tapes, and William sees it as a posthumous invasion of their mother's privacy. How could it not be?"
Andersen said that what we have heard from Diana is heartbreaking enough, and the uncertainty of what she could say on unreleased tapes could potentially embarrass the royal family.
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"Diana poured her heart out on the tapes we've already heard—presumably these new tapes will be tear-soaked as well. They may also contain bombshells of the variety that paint the royal family in a bad light," he began, before detailing some of Diana's most infamous exposures.
"Diana's window-rattling battles with Charles over his mistress Camilla, Diana's frustration with the Palace officials who plotted against her, Diana's struggles with bulimia and even her attempts at suicide--all this is bound to be rehashed, much to the abject shame and embarrassment of the royal family," he said.
Andersen shared that it's not just William that is unhappy with the potential movie, but King Charles, Queen Camilla and Kate Middleton are most likely not too thrilled either.
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"William hates the idea that a new, potentially explosive documentary might exploit the obvious emotional pain Diana was going through, not to mention any details about the last days of her life and the horrific Paris car crash that killed her," he began. "King Charles and Queen Camilla must be horrified at the thought of all that tabloid sludge being dragged up again. Kate, in particular, is not happy that Harry and Meghan's antics are casting a shadow over Prince George's first week at Eton— this was supposed to be a happy, celebratory time, but instead the knives are being sharpened again."
Helena Chard, British broadcaster and photographer, explained that the royal family does not trust Harry or Markle.
"There is serious mistrust surrounding Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. The Palace is keen to prevent further damage to the institution of the monarchy," Chard said. "We’d like to see Prince Harry making a fresh start, but things are already going pear-shaped. The reason behind the Sussexes' return seems to be coming to light and, unfortunately, it is not for the sake of reconciliation."
She noted that Harry and Markle's business ventures in California were not successful, and she hoped they would return to Britain without bringing Hollywood with them.
"Business ventures have fallen flat in California. There was a hope that Harry and Meghan would keep their heads down and ingratiate themselves back into British life, however sources state they want and expect so much more," she said.
Chard explained that Harry has become close with Diana's brother, Charles Spencer, and insiders have claimed that there is a movie that is in the works.
"Insiders have divulged that Harry is already talking to old friends of Princess Diana with a view to them taking part in his film about his mother. He is immersing himself in his mothers legacy and the Spencer title. The Sussexes and Netflix realise that any filming surrounding Princess Diana is Netflix Gold and the more explosive, the better. They will be financially handsomely rewarded," Chard said.
She explained that unearthing heartbreaking audio recordings from Diana's final days will be a big draw for viewership.
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"The thought of this is heartbreaking," she said. "My heart goes out to William. He also holds a special private place for his mother and celebrates her life but feels his mothers legacy should exist without being brought to life for the Sussexes to jump in her shoes."
There have also been reports that Markle will be narrating Harry's story of Diana's life.
"This will certainly shine a spotlight on William and Harry's relationship and their differences surrounding their mother’s legacy. Prince William's patience will no doubt be completely exhausted if there is any truth in the idea that Meghan hopes to narrate Harry’s Princess Diana story," she said.
Although nothing has been confirmed, Hilary Fordwich, British royals expert, told Fox News Digital that the movie rumors are certainly affecting William.
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"Prince William is undoubtedly disturbed and irritated by this currently unverified report. If indeed Diana’s friends share private formally unknown anecdotes, it could become extremely explosive depending on if they were innocuous or attacking the then Prince Charles. He has been supporting causes associated with her humanitarian work and also did participate with Harry on their 2017 documentary, pre-MM [Megahn Markle]," Fordwich said.
She continued, "It seems Harry might well try to strengthen public awareness of the Spencer family as he is aligning with them and obviously wants an identity outside the Windsor institution. As Elton John sang at her funeral referring to Diana as ‘England’s Rose,’ Diana was more English. And Spencer roots are more deeply embedded in England’s old aristocracy than the relatively recent German dynastic origins of the Windsors."