In the early days ofPrincess Diana’s romance withPrince Charles, no one could have predicted the massive public interest in her life — which remains 25 years after her death.
In the new HBO documentary,The Princess, which airs Aug. 13 on HBO and HBO MAX, the late royal’s life in the spotlight is examined through archival audio and video footage.
In PEOPLE’s exclusive clip of the Ed Perkins-directed documentary, Lady Diana Spencer is seen preparing for her royal wedding. While civilians celebrate the occasion, Diana’s life is clearly under a new lens.
Princess Diana.Jacob SUTTON/Gamma-Rapho/Getty
A clip from a U.K. talk show is then shown, with the host asking the audience how many people thought the press should “lay off the poor girl,” to which most people raised their hands.
Another interviewer then asks if Diana realizes “how tough life will be in the full public gaze?”
“Well, I’m sure she does,” the commentator responds. “I don’t think there could have been a future consort who’s been through anything like it.”
He adds that he thinks it will get easier for Diana.
“I think we’re going to see a change in the attitude of the press,” he says. “I think that now she’s probably one of the royal family, all this telephoto lens business will stop.”
The Princessexplores Princess Diana’s complex relationship with the media, from the early days of her romance withPrince Charlesto their headline-making breakup and her tragic death in 1997 at age 36.
“Intensely emotional,The Princessis a visceral submersion into Diana’s life in the constant and often intrusive glare of the media spotlight,” according to HBO. “The film unfolds as if it were in the present, allowing viewers to experience the overwhelming adoration, but also intense scrutiny of Diana’s every move and the constant judgment of her character. Through archival material, the film is also a reflection of society at the time, revealing the public’s own preoccupations, fears, aspirations and desires.”
The Princesshad its world premiere at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival. The documentary film will air on August 13th on HBO and HBO MAX.
source: people.com
