Six years after the tragic death of Diana, Princess of Wales, a TV documentary in which psychics claim they are speaking to her in the afterlife has been aired on both sides of the Atlantic.
In The Spirit Of Diana, broadcast this week on US pay-per-view TV and British cable, mediums say they are communicating with the late royal via a series of seances. Diana supposedly tells them she is "having fun" on the other side, and reveals her fond feelings for the Queen and the Prince of Wales.
The programme is hosted by The Avengers star Patrick Macnee; contributors include biographer Andrew Morton, author of Diana: Her True Story, as well as Mohamed Al Fayed, father of Diana's boyfriend Dodi, who died alongside the Princess in the car crash, and the Princess' astrology Penny Thornton.
Critics say the documentary is in poor taste, with a spokesperson for the Princess' ancestral home, Althorp House, reportedly calling the idea "contemptible". The company behind the US broadcast, Associated Television International, defends the show, saying its purpose was to "discover the beautiful, compassionate, caring side of Diana". Scenes of seances were cut from the UK version due to British broadcasting regulations.
As the debate goes on, a court battle is brewing over the royal property once held by former butler Paul Burrell. The Princess' family is apparently considering legal action against the ex-servant to demand the return of the 342 items – including personal letters, photographs, furniture and clothing – which are currently under the custody of Scotland Yard.
Though the Spencers are executors of Diana's will, Burrell is said to be determined to eventually turn over the possessions to Diana's son, Prince William. The Royal Collection is also reportedly interested in the items on behalf of the Queen.
Police have been storing the property since Burrell was cleared of stealing the memorabilia four months ago.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
